A Morning at the Coffee Shop

Why write at home when you can go to a coffee shop?

Okay, I guess there are a lot of reasons why: It’s more comfortable, you don’t have to question what you should do with your laptop when you go to the bathroom (do you leave it? take it with you? gah, somebody tell me!), and lastly, you can go get something to eat (for free) whenever you want.

That being said, even the best home can feel a little uninspiring after a while. There’s just something special about getting dressed, getting out, and soaking up the buzz around you. Set to a folksy playlist, of course.

And as an author, I have an ulterior motive for writing at coffee shops beyond just getting out of the house: I get story ideas!

Shortly after my debut novel, A Season in the City, was published, my friend (who quickly read it—bless you) asked me a question. I’ll be cryptic because I don’t want to spoil anything, but first I have to back up.

The main character, Madison Greene, finds herself in a lot of awkward, early-2000s-inspired moments. My friend asked, referencing a certain scene, “How do you come up with this stuff? Did that happen to you? Is that what made you think of it?”

The answer? Somewhat.

Months before my book was released, I was at a coffee shop working through my final checklist. There were two girls sitting near me, catching up and talking excitedly. I got up to refill my black coffee, and on my way back to my chair, the girl at the table closest to me swung her hands up in the air—at the good part of her story, I assume—and in her excitement, she accidentally smacked me, who was standing right behind her.

It jostled my coffee, but it didn’t spill, and I honestly didn’t mind. I laughed it off, but she was so embarrassed. I tried to assure her it was okay, and as I walked away, I heard her tell her friend, “I’m just going to sit on my hands now…”

So, moral of the story? (Really, was there one? I didn’t plan on it, but I guess we’re here now.)

Support your local coffee shop!

That wasn’t actually the moral of the story when I decided there needed to be one fifteen seconds ago, but it’s a good one.

Support your local coffee shop.

a yummy lavender latte is a special break from my black coffee

Hot Tip: Style a fresh outfit

When you go the coffee shop, take advantage of leaving the house and put on an outfit you haven’t worn in a while—or ever! It will make your coffee morning feel even more special.

The laptop is not just for show. On the laptop screen is book #3! (The sequel to A Season in the City)

Stick around as I attempt writing updates, life moments, and behind-the-scenes peeks. I can’t promise it will be noteworthy, but I can promise I’ll likely say something that will make you cringe. Probably.