I recognized her name from her byline in our local paper, the Daily Chronicle. She was one of the two food writers on staff there, and she often reviewed local restaurants. Her food descriptions always made my mouth water. I was psyched that I was going to hear her instructions on food writing.

Ms. Gallo had us go around the room and introduce ourselves. Because I was in the back, I went last, and by the time they got to me, I was in a state of total panic at having to speak. The other kids had said their names, grades, and schools, and then had given some detail about their passions for food and/or writing. I just wanted to get it over with, so I didn’t plan to go into much detail.

“I… uh… I’m Allie Shear. I’ll be an eighth grader at Vista Green… and I love food!” I babbled nervously.

“Welcome, Allie!” said Ms. Gallo with a warm smile. “Well, let’s get started! Is anyone here familiar with M. J. Connor’s work?”

Of course! I thought excitedly. She was one of my favorite writers of all time. My school librarian, Mrs. K., had given me one of her books to read this year. M. J. Connor was one of the most acclaimed food writers ever, and she had basically invented food writing as a genre. I adored her work.

I was nodding at Ms. Gallo, but when I looked around and realized that no one else was, I quickly stilled my bobbing head. The last thing I wanted was for the teacher to notice and call on me to explain anything about Connor and her work in front of all these other kids. Luckily, the boy in front of me—Sam—had hidden my nodding head from her view.

“Okay. Well, then let me tell you about her and her glorious food writing,” said Ms. Gallo. “One of my favorite things about her work is her choice of words. Certainly, all writing comes down to word choice.” She laughed a little. “But let’s think about how in food writing, just the right word can make all the difference between good and bad. Think of ‘crisp green lettuce’ and ‘limp green lettuce.’ A big difference, right? Or look at peanut butter—chunky or smooth? It’s all in the choice of words.… Try to keep from being too ordinary, as blandness is the kiss of death in writing and in cooking.…”

And we were off and running, and I was in heaven.