Sometimes it seems as if everybody wants to be a novelist. I’m sitting in my local coffee shop, where I retreated in order to — what else? — work on my own novel. The place is not crowded, but I count three others hiding behind their laptop screens. At the table beside mine, a man is explaining his screenplay’s entire backstory to a red-haired woman who cannot ask questions because of his rapid-fired explanations. He is in love with his flawed characters, his unique setting, his intricate plot. He pauses only to glance suspiciously over his shoulder at me as if afraid I will steal his ideas, despite the headphones firmly planted on my head.
I love to write in cafes, especially those, such as this one, that charge for internet access, thus removing the temptation to go online. (Which is why this entry will be posted after I am home — if I survive a return trip to my house. But more on that later.) Conveniently enough, relocating to a coffee shop also removes the temptation to clean house, talk on the phone, or admire my cats instead of work on my book — although I admit that it takes a special kind of writers’ block to encourage me to clean house instead of write.
Beyond those temptations, however, I have another reason for my change of venue: sheer terror. I’ve been sitting on the futon in my living room all morning, double-fisting mugs of tea and pretending to write, which means that I actually thought about my plot for a while and even wrote ninety-eight words. Then I updated my Facebook profile, read a few blogs, and played Jigsawdoku until my eyes glazed over. (I console myself with the knowledge that I’m really more of an afternoon writer, and I’m ahead of schedule anyway, but it doesn’t help much.)
And then around an hour ago I slipped into the kitchen to brew another cup of tea, and found the following sight waiting for me upon my return. Please pardon the fuzziness of the picture; there are limits to both my camera’s zoom lens and my willingness to risk my life for a clearer shot. As is wise, since shortly after I sneaked in a photograph, they lasered the UPS guy with their eyes. Then they ate him. I feared I may be next, so I grabbed a notebook and went into hiding. Another thing it turns out coffee shops are good for: covert operations. Just ask Mr. Movie Script, who still seems convinced I’m a spy.
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Katie said,
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Everything about the laptops aside, I had ALWAYS suspected that your cats were evil. Now, I think I have conclusive evidence. I miss them. I will have to stop by and see my buddy Echo one of these days.
Robin said,
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 8:45 pm
As usual, you’ve got me smiling! I so have to start writing in coffee shops. Or the park. Or heck, even my car. Anywhere that gets me away from the internet!
I’m glad you evaded the threat! Too bad for the UPS guy. But that left his truck right? Sounds like a good vehicle for your covert operations. Oh, and I’m really good at pretending to write too!
Alyssa Goodnight said,
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I’ve never yet tried to write in a cafe. I wonder if I’d be overly distracted by strident conversations, music, or passers-by, or if it would be the ideal setup for me.
We just got a new puppy, and today I had to try typing with her on my lap. Eventually she crawled around behind me, but that wasn’t any more comfortable. I guess I’ll need to adapt.
Caryn said,
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Katie, it turns out you were correct. But that’s what makes them so interesting, you see. You never know if they’ll kiss you or bite you. It’s such fun. Oh, and just the other day Echo was saying he misses you, too.
Robin, sometimes all I need is a change of venue, whether that’s a different room in the house or a whole new location altogether. As for the UPS guy’s leavings, great idea on the truck for covert operations! I was thinking of stealing the uniform, but I thought the blood might be a giveaway.
Alyssa, it’s worth a try. If I write in one place all the time, I get a little stale, so the variety works for me. Plus, people-watching can be inspiring. Have fun with your new puppy! They are a handful, but so much fun. Rosie the kitten (who is actually four) likes to sit in the crook of my right arm, so she bounces every time my hand moves to hit a key. It’s tiring but adorable.
Dru said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 2:41 am
I love the look of their eyes.
oh said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 5:26 am
Not for the first time when I read your blog, I question my 8-5 “regular” job as a tech writer who squeezes in freelance journalism (published) and occasional squalls of fiction filling pages (unpublished) after work.
You’re inspiring (and honest). Now for that leap of faith into what I perceive as the real writing world, even if it means beans and rice and fewer shopping sprees for awhile!
J.L. Krueger said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 5:56 am
I’m with you on all the distractions at home. I always wind up thinking about yard work, painting, and repairs…sometimes I actually get up and do the house jobs.
I’ve gotten my most productive writing done when I’m in the war zone…between the moments of terror, there are long stretches of boredom and nothing else to do…so I write.
Great fuzzy picture! Still says all it needs to say.
My cat Lucky (deceased) used to sit in her bed on the window seat by my desk while I worked. If my “clicking” started to annoy her, she would get up, saunter across my desk and lay down across the keyboard…and glare.
lainey said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 5:57 am
I’d run too! They look like they’re sapping the energy from the laptop. =)
As for writing in public, sigh, I suppose I should force myself to get the hang of it so at the end of the day my total word count is not BLOGS: 5K WIP: 5, but tapping away at Alphie in a coffee shop makes me feel pretentious or something. ‘Oooh, lookee me. I’m an aaauuuthor.’
Melissa Blue said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 6:21 am
Oh, that pictures deserves a LOLcat dialogue. Maybe, “We Seez You Not Writing.”
Joanne Rendell said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 8:14 am
i love coffee shop writing too. although i just heard that the wonderful bookstore/coffeeshop i go to all the time is closing…i’m devastated. You just can’t get attached to anything in NY. Soon enough they up the rent and the business has to close. Boo.
The Muse said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 8:18 am
The kids, Internet surfing distractions, sudden urges to clean, and those God people prevent me from completing writing tasks. Perhaps I need to get a laptop and head to a coffee shop.
Caryn said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 8:29 am
Dru, it’s scary, isn’t it?
Oh, good luck with it! I’ve heard a lot of authors say that it they finally made it when they took that leap of faith. As for me, I still work full-time, too, which I don’t mind too much since I also really like my regular job. I live in a tourist, town, though, which means a slightly different work schedule from the norm, so it seems like I’m off when I’m not.
J.L., your story about Lucky was hilarious! Echo sometimes bites my hands if they’re moving on the keys instead of petting him. Not one of his better habits.
LOL, Lainey! No wonder the batteries aren’t running as long as I’d like them to! As for writing in a coffee shop, I worried about that, too, but I solved the problem by a) going to a coffee shop where everyone else has a laptop, too and b) looking very unwriterly (e.g. no glasses, clean jeans, etc.) Or you could go to the library, although most have wi-fi, so the temptation to blog is not removed. (Not that it helped yesterday, since I managed to get something out on paper anyway.)
Melissa, I love it! I hadn’t even thought of that.
Joanne, that’s awful! It’s so hard to find the perfect place to write, too, so when it closes it’s devastating.
Muse, I have to say, I loved “those God people”. So true. They’ve interrupted me a few times, too, but usually when I’m cooking dinner. (Maybe they planned it that way so I’d invite them to come eat with us?)
emily said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 8:39 am
your cats scare me.
Sally Lawton said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 8:42 am
Ooo, I know what you mean about everyone in coffee shops being ‘writers.’ Even the guy serving me coffee at my local coffee shop told me he was a writer, except he couldn’t write anything as his computer had broken. ‘What’s wrong with a pen and paper?’ I asked.
‘Err…’
Sometimes with some people I think they like the romantic idea of sitting in a coffee shop ‘writing.’
I just go to the library now, I find coffee shops too frustrating!
I do agree, it is definitely more productive to get out of the house to work!
Katie Alender said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 10:43 am
I’ve never tried to write in a coffee shop… I know the ones around here are usually packed, especially during the recent strike. I do dream of taking the laptop out to the yard, but i have a feeling I’d get distracted trying to keep Winston from eating rocks and bees and clumps of dirt.
Eileen said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 10:44 am
I love the shot! Maybe we’ll meet up one of these days at a coffee shop! Or the library or other random places I wander off to.
Alyson Noel said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 10:51 am
Wow- those cats look scary!
I admire people who can write in coffee shops– it seems like such a writerly thing to do!
Alas, I’m too easily distracted, so I have to stay home, in my office, with the door and blinds closed– like a shut in. It’s kinda sad.
Caryn said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Me too, Emily. Me too!
Sally, loved the story of the guy with the broken laptop! I like to write in the library, too. Only problem is, they have wi-fi. Oh, the temptation! Plus, can’t eat or drink there, and I needed something yummy to drink.
Katie, I highly encourage writing outside in the yard on nice days. Actually, I encourage any change of scene.
Thanks, Eileen! It cracked me up when I saw how it turned out, so I just had to post it. And meeting up like that would be fun.
Alyson, they have their moments, that is certain. See, now, when I’m too easily distracted I leave home. I just see too many things I need to do. And the people-watching is inspiring.
Conda V. Douglas said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Love the photo! And I’ve never written in a coffee shop either as, like you, Caryn, I’m a “two fisted tea drinker.” I’d be bankrupt in a week. Or less.
virginia said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I love the kitties! That’s hysterical!
I’m not much of a writer so the only time I go into coffee shops is for actual coffee. Hmm, that sounds good actually. Time for a caffeine break! 
Courtney said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Oh man. You had to post the link to Jigsawdoku. I haven’t done anything else in the hour since.
Chandra said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 2:55 pm
LOL!
Facebook. Yeah. I use that one as a distraction, too.
Caryn said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Thanks, Conda! As for the tea, my husband often just orders hot water when we go out, and dunks his own tea bags. (He’s very particular.) I usually just get water. But yesterday I needed that coffee shop!
Enjoy your caffeine break, Virginia! Oh, and if it’s all the same to you I won’t let the kitties know you find their fierceness amusing. Their poor little egos would be bruised beyond repair.
You’re welcome, Courtney!
Actually, we’re supposed to exercise our brains, right? So playing it is actually good for you.
Chandra, it’s not the profile that gets me so much as Scrabulous, Parking Wars, Oregon Trail and all those other little games. They’re so addictive!
bookmom said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 7:19 pm
We call that look the “alien headlights”. *g* Cafe writing isn’t too loud?
Christina Phillips said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I’ve never tried writing in a coffee shop – I think I’d get a lot of really funny looks if I tried round here!!
Ashley said,
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 10:31 pm
That’s awesome that you have a place to go. I generally need the distraction of the internet. I need to trick my mind into thinking everything is fun and games. It helps with my creativity too I think.
Do you have any of your work online? I’d love to read it
Amanda said,
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 4:52 am
What a fabulous, interesting, entertaining and inspiring blog!!!!!! AND how/where did you get your design?!! Love it…
Can’t wait to come back regularly and read more!!
Caryn said,
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 9:43 am
Bookmom, “alien headlights” ?!? I love it! Will have to remember that one. As for the cafe writing, somehow all the sounds just fade into the background. Don’t ask me how. And when there’s someone who’s especially loud (like Mr. Movie Script) I just listen to my iPod.
Christina, that’s sad! Of course, maybe there are others who are dying to write in your local coffee shops, and if someone would just start everyone else would join in. Then you could all look psuedo-intellectual. (Note: This works best if you’re wearing black but, well, choose what works for you.)
Ashley, unfortunately that’s what solitaire is for. Which means that I play it entirely too much. I just tell myself it helps me think. When I have internet access then I blog, surf the net, etc. Like I’m doing now, actually. And, nope, no work online. Except, well, this. I’ve heard too many horror stories of plagiarism, stolen ideas, etc. I’m sure that when/if I’m published I’ll post excerpts (probably a first chapter). But I’m far from that point, since I’m still working on the book I hope to use to find an agent.
Wow, thanks Amanda! I really like yours, too. You’ve really hit the ground running in the last few days, haven’t you? I think you’re off to a great start.
Larramie said,
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 10:45 am
Are those eyes “real” or “photoshopped?”
Trish Ryan said,
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Your cats are too funny!
I never could write in cafes–too distracting–until we got wireless internet at home. Now cafes seem like an oasis of calm, compared to the distractions of who might have poked me on Facebook or commented on my blog post
Caryn said,
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Neither. It’s a real, unphotoshopped photo, but the weird eyes are actually caused by the flash going off.
Mary said,
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Those cats should contact Nick Green about modelling for one of his covers!
http://www.nickgreenbooks.webeden.co.uk/#/catspaw/4526327218
sandi said,
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Those are the scariest cats I’ve ever seen in my life! I love how they are positioned as sentries next to your computer. They’re either sucking the life out of your laptop or giving it a transfusion. It’s hard to tell which.
Weighing in on the coffeeshop/library as a place to write: I’m with you! I love writing in coffeeshops where I can’t afford the internet. It’s just amazing to me how many times I’ll get stuck on what to write next, and my immediate thought is, “Hmm, I should check and see if anybody I knew in third grade is on google!” I need to be protected from my own bad impulses. Our library, though otherwise comfortable (they’ll even let us bring in tea and coffee) has wi-fi. And it has another hazard as well: lots and lots of books and magazines! Already written. Can get tempting to go read those when you’re trying to write one of your own. Also, at times I start thinking, “Look how many books already exist! The world doesn’t need another one. I’m just going to sit here and read Oprah magazine. Or take a nap.”
Susan Hatler said,
Friday, March 21, 2008 at 11:06 am
Cool kitty laser eyes. They’d scare me out of the house, too. The coffee shop is a great place to work as long as they don’t turn the music up too loud. That drives me crazy.
Caryn said,
Friday, March 21, 2008 at 11:50 am
How funny, Mary! And you know, they’re such hams, every time they hear me turn on the camera they come running. Especially The Basil. I think he associates the camera with attention.
So true, Sandi! I’m with you on both the random web searches, and also on the temptations of books in the library. It’s so tempting to look something up online or in a book and call it “research”–only to find myself still reading something totally off-topic an hour and a half later instead of writing.
I hate that, too, Susan. Actually, the first time I tried to write there, they had a live Ani diFranco CD turned up to top volume. Not only was the music distractingly loud, but the lyrics were annunciated and she talked on and on between every song. It took a long time before I went back there, but it’s under new ownership and hasn’t been as bad since.