It was not Monsieur Arouet, but a colleague of his-a lady novelist-who remarked to me once that writing novels was a cannibal's art, in which one often mixed small portions of one's friends and one's enemies together, seasoned them with imagination, and allowed the whole to stew together into a savory concoction.
In "Voyager," Diana Gabaldon shares an intriguing perspective on the craft of novel writing, attributed to a lady novelist. She describes writing as a "cannibal's art," highlighting the idea that authors often draw from their own experiences, mixing elements from both friends and foes. This blend is then enhanced by the writer's imagination, resulting in a rich and flavorful narrative. This metaphor underscores the complexity of storytelling, suggesting that every character and plot twist may hold traces of real-life inspirations, whether positive or negative. The process, akin to culinary art, invites readers to savor the diverse influences that shape a novel, culminating in a unique and compelling literary experience.
