Writing a book is like.............

As I spend most days at my computer tapping away at the keys in hopefully a creative fashion, I can't help but notice that writing a book is indeed very similiar to harvesting maple syrup.

Having drilled a hole in a nearby Maple tree, the sap just pours out, un-obstructed. The bucket is soon filled with a substance rather like water, along with the odd bug or 20. At this stage the liquid lacks richness, body, flavor and structure.

Once the liquid is poured through a filter, the bugs are at least removed. The fine-tuning is about to begin.
On low heat, slowly, gradually but most certainally, the watery substance gets simmered down. The aroma in the steam is enticing, you can start smelling the sweetness and the potential flavor that at this stage you can only imagine.

Over the days more watery sap is collected from the tree and added to the simmering pot. Each day the sap on the stove gets watered down again, but the simmering process happens carefully and regularly.  Until....it is the moment we have all been waiting for.

As the spring returns and the weather warms the tree no longer has sap flowing. It is the end of the harvest. The final boiling down is done. During this stage you need to watch the pot very carefully. As the substance thickens, it becomes stronger in a sweet scent and richer in flavor. It is the time when a vital mistake could be made, by simmering it down too much and then you are left with a substance too thick to pour, perhaps even burnt and not to anyones liking. You may completely destroy it. If it is watched over carefully, you will only find success. 

Success comes by stopping the simmering at the right moment, allowing the liquid to settle and cool then pouring it in a clean, clear and labelled jar for all to see and enjoy. A golden substance with perfect consistency, a rich body, delicately structured to allow the delicious flavors to reach your eagerly awaiting tastebuds. Ready for all those interested in giving it a try.

Harvested by the hands of one who has witnessed the very growth, from seedling to tree that handsomely stands in the back of a delightful garden on our dear earth here in Niagara.

And so my book is making progress, although I am a few months away from pouring the golden substance into a jar but it is getting there. So far spring and the warmer weather hasn't affected my sap, for it is still flowing freely and the bugs are plentiful.

And unrelated to sap and writing books- here's a few pics. Thanks for the photos Win!

Time away from the computer - Dean and Hayley prepare dinner

Good food, Great people - yummy