Looking For Writing Inspiration? Try Your Local Cafe

People Watching Is Perfect For Getting The Wheels Spinning

There’s something about writing in a cafe or coffee shop that adds a bit more magic to the writing process than just writing at home. I was at the peak of my writing career in college, and getting back to that love and passion has been my goal this year. I was writing short stories and poetry, had my play selected to be performed in Baltimore, MD, and became a regular writer for an online nerd magazine called Word of the Nerd that unfortunately is no longer in production. It was an amazing time in my writing career, and having dedicated, uninterrupted writing time was important to keep up with my deadlines and all my college classwork.

Being the eldest of five meant the house was always full of activity and noisy chaos. Cafes and Panera became my contact refuge. I appreciated the library for its serene atmosphere and wealth of resources. Still, there was something different about writing in a bustling coffee shop that helped immerse me into the writing mindset. The rich scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, accompanied by the background hum of conversation, quiet music, and the occasional clanking and hissing of coffee machines. I enjoyed quietly observing the other patrons around me, engaging in animated conversations, immersing in their studies, exchanging flirty glances, and being engrossed in the pages of their books. I take note of their quirks and mannerisms, looking to gain insights into their motivations, emotions, and inner world.

When you view people through the impartial perspective of a writer, the strangers around you can become a wealth of reference material for your writing. This morning, while indulging in gluten-free crepes at my favorite cafe, I found myself remembering my old habits and whipping out my notebook, jotting down interesting observations, and peeking discreetly around the room as I sipped my mocha late. Ideas for new characters flowed onto the paper, and a familiar sense of excitement spread through me. Adding this back into my writing routine will definitely be in my future, and I hope the next time you’re stuck and need inspiration, you’ll grab your notebook or laptop and find a cozy corner in your local coffee shop with a steaming cup of joe. The protagonist of your next great story might just be waiting for you there.