Fellow blogger Jenny wrote about the difficulties of writing in a coffee shop awhile back. Last weekend, it was gorgeous weather but I had a million queries that I wanted to tackle and finally had the time to write them. So I struck a compromise with myself: I’d write diligently, but I’d do it in more exotic locale than my apartment.
Last Saturday I took my laptop to the Boston Public Library and wrote up a storm in the Parisian courtyard (until my battery died, then I switched to the research wing, which I call the “Harry Potter” room). I adore the old section of the library; in fact, one of my ancestors’ names is engraved on the façade. I felt very scholarly with my laptop and stack of research materials (back issues of Cosmo if you must know).
Regrettably, the library isn’t open on Sundays in the summer, so I hit a coffee shop instead. I’m fortunate that my neighborhood has three Starbucks locations and several independent places, because all of them were packed (apparently no one goes to church anymore because they’re too busy worshipping at St. Starbucks). I finally found an open seat and, not having a coat, I marked my territory with research materials (see above).
I picked up my orange mocha and returned to find another woman engrossed in my research. Not wanting to pull a Naomi Campbell, I told her she could keep the seat if she returned my magazine. I must have been pretty darn scary because she fled the coffee shop and went across the street. I spent several blissful hours writing, and the best part was that since Starbucks charges for wifi, I didn’t get sidetracked checking gmail or blog-hopping (yes, I’m that cheap). For me the challenge is not getting engrossed in people-watching, but getting people to leave so I could have their seat! Where do you like to write?
Note to other caffeine-loving freelancers: at the risk of sounding like my Mom, Starbucks and computer keyboards do not mix (trust me, I know). If you must multi-task, please use protection. After another close call, I ordered this plastic keyboard cover, and now I don’t have to worry about spilling vanilla crème lattes on my computer. Beats spending several hundred bucks on a new laptop!
You make writing away from home sound so nice. I unfortunately, am mostly at home with my boy, writing with the newest cool cartoon soundtrack blaring in the background. I don’t know if I’d like to write out and about though, because I’d have to drag all my research with me. I guess it’s the porch for me. Okay, now I feel old and un-hip. Ah well.
Funny you reference that post about me not being able to work in coffee shops – I’ve been working in one all week (I’m out of town and this is the only place I can get free wi-fi).
It hasn’t been too bad.
I often find myself spending more time people-gazing while I’m at a Starbucks. But then again, the whole atmoosphere with me nestled on a comfy leather chair, with my favourite mocha in hand and a clicking away on a laptop, brings out more ideas that I ever thought I had hidden in my head.
I think the best thing for me to do would be to just pick one day of the week where I can spend those few wonderful hours at a Cafe. That way I’ll be certain to fill up my notebook with fresh new ideas each week. Happy writing and enjoy your weekend!
Hey there,
When no one is home, I like to write at my kitchen table, because there is so much natural light.
I love natural light!
I like to write at coffee shops, but I am, indeed, a people watcher! SO, i get a bit distracted!
Have a great weekend!
truly,
Sylvia C.
Thanks for everyone’s comments! It sounds like this is a hot topic.
Jenny, your post made me wonder “could I be one of those people typing up a storm in Starbucks?” It’s not always the most efficent, but f I spend the whole weekend writing, it’s nice to change up the locale.
I make a point of visiting libraries whenever I travel…not only are many of them quite historic (as your library sounds) but because it’s a great place to discover more about the background of the city. And there is always a great magazine section with local magazines and newspapers…
Will have to add Boston Library to my list of places to visit…
Does it have a coffee shop attached…many of the libraries in New Zealand now have little cafes which makes for a great reading/writing arena.
Liz, if you’re ever in Boston, let me know! The BPL offers free architectural tours of the library, too (it’s one of the oldest in the country). They also have a small cafe and a more formal sit-down place called “Novel Restaurant.”