What Oreos Teach Us About Writing

​ As I bought yet another limited edition Oreo bag, (someone must stop me! I don’t need to try all of them!) I pondered.
Oreo was once a simple cream sandwich when it was first released in 1912. Now they have a regular section of varieties at the grocery store.

So how does Oreo connect with writing? It is said that there are only 7 basic plots an author can write about (The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories by Christopher Booker), but the different spin on the basics is what makes a different story. A sell-able story. An enjoyable story.

Is that not what an Oreo is?

A basic cookie with a cream middle that with slight variations entices new buyers.

As writers we want to make those slight variations of the 7 possible plots shine and sparkle, enticing new readers, and keeping our fans coming back for more.