True confession. I have two writing desks and I don't use either one to do much writing. I don't know why that is, but I think it has something to do with the fact that they're in the house.
I set out to write Wild Goose Chase about ten years ago. As I found writing buddies, I discovered that if we went to a coffee shop, sat together for several hours, I would get a lot done. We didn't talk much, just a little catchup when we arrived, and maybe a little brainstorming when we really got stuck. This lasted for a few years, but the habit of writing in coffee shops has stayed with me.
I love to lose myself in the bustle of the activity surrounding me. I like the random music choices. I really love the sometimes overheard conversations. I am always taking notes about the patrons. My imagination is limited. I could never have made up the outfit that I saw walk into Starbucks this morning. Looked like a hooker who'd slept in her tutu.
My Starbucks in my neighborhood has been particularly good to me, even hosting a book signing. The kids, I guess 'bucks likes to call them baristas, encourage me and ask how the writing is going. They make sure my drink is the hot enough, decaf and with cinnamon on top. One year they lent me an apron so I could be one of them for Halloween. Most are college kids and I like to hear about their classes and aspirations. We had a tough go a few years ago (the bloodbath of 07) when many of my friends left when the manager took a job in SoCal. I still miss that bunch.
But you know, I learned in Girl Scouts that you make new friends, but keep the old. In Inked Up, I named Pedro and Xenia's children after some of my favorites: Greg, Vanesa, Erika, Tomas and Jonathan. Some have moved on, too, but I love that they have become a part of my books.
So you won't find me writing much here:
But you might find me here:
Who wouldn't want to work around these smiling faces?
The publisher just sent me 3 copies of INKED UP, large print version. Leave a comment, telling me your favorite Starbucks drink (or any drink) and I'll enter you to win.
10 comments:
I would love a copy of Killer Ink...my fav drink is fresh lemon-ade...thanks for the giveaway..
It is always interesting to read about other writer's habits and habitats.
Back before I had to give up Starbucks (and I refuse to drink coffee from other coffee houses) my two favorites were Non Fat Caramel Macchiatto and the White Mocha. I think writing in a coffee shop is way cool.
I can tune out a lot of chaos around me, but I'm not sure how much I'd get done in a coffee shop. On the other hand, I did write part of a book in the student lounge in law school. And at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf I really like the blueberry-pomegranate ice blended and the winter dreams tea latte. The rest of the time I just have coffee. With milk. Very boring.
Great drink ideas. I'm always a little surprised at how much I can tune out.
During November, which is National Write a Novel in a Month, you'll see plenty of writers hunched over their laptops in cafes everywhere. You can feel the creative energy.
It's my local Peets for me, but same idea. I work best in a bustling environment. It's different from trying to work at home with ONE person interrupting!
I trace it back to having to do my homework while commuting to college on Boston's MTA.
I don't drink coffee, but do like Southern Iced Tea - all year long. :-)
Me, too Jane!
Starbucks used to be my guilty pleasure on Sunday mornings when I would go read for an hour or so. I usually stuck to the house blend, but in the fall, I'd treat myself to a non-fat Pumpkin Spice latte. I'm sure Inked Up would be the perfect book to read at my local Starbucks!
Here are the contest winners:
Jane J Thomas
Bettyann
Julie
Please send me your snail mail address to terri@territhayer.com.
thanks for playing along!
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