I’m an extrovert. I like being around people, even when I’m writing.

I don’t want them talking to me, of course—I’m writing, after all—but I’ve always found the vibrancy of sitting in a teeming pond of humanity to be the perfect creative ambiance (with a couple of caveats).

Caveat #1

Okay, screaming children tend to torpedo creativity.

I do feel sympathy for the sleep-deprived parents desperately craving intellectual stimulation from other adult humans, but the air-raid siren decibel level isn’t the best ambiance for writers.

Hence my gratitude for the invention of earbuds.

Caveat #2

This past year of lock-downs has been tough, to be honest. Coffee shops are great writing environments because of their dynamic energy. They tend to be filled with an ever-changing kaleidoscope of emotions and moods.

• the tangible angst of the baristas trying to keep pace with the drink orders,
• the fidgety guy with the briefcase who keeps checking his watch as he attempts to gauge if there’s enough time between now and his next meeting to grab a latte,
• the bon vivant chatter of high school students on a break,
• the braggadocio of work buddies comparing their weekend exploits,
• the nasal tones of the obnoxious and opinionated senior citizen raising their voice to ensure the entire shop is aware of their opinion on (insert contentious topic here),

. . . but during pandemic lock-down rules, the ambiance is subdued. There’s a required amount of distance between tables. Conversations are muted, at best. If you’re looking for an inspirational locale to write a scene about an accounting office during tax season, this is the place to be. A screaming toddler would be a welcome break.

Or, as I’ve found in recent weeks after emerging from my writer’s cocoon (basement office) to test the coffee shop waters, there’s (a) no parking spots left, and/or (b) the coffee shop is full. Well, half-full, but that’s pandemic normal.

Which explains why this post is coming to you straight from my basement writing office.

Back in the Day . . .

The card pictured at the top of this post was purchased in Starbucks Mecca: Seattle. Wendy and I were staying there over the weekend (pre-pandemic) while she completed her Sommelier certification. While Wendy was in session, I walked across the lobby and set up shop at Starbucks.

I typically start a new novel with pen and paper. And on this particular weekend—for three days straight—I wrote the opening scenes of what would become my “supernatural thriller set on another world.” It’s been filed under The Shroud until two weeks ago, when I re-titled it.

Darkwood is slated for release in May.

“Kill your darlings” is a well-known phrase among authors. While normally associated with the manuscript, it can also include your cover design and even the title. When in editing mode, everything’s fair game.

That weekend in Seattle was normal, invigorating coffee shop writer’s ambiance. I miss those carefree caffeinated creative days. The extrovert in me can’t wait until they come around again.

And they will.

And I’ll be there, pen and notebook in hand, raising an americano in salute.