Sara Flower Kjeldsen

Cafe Writing

It’s been great being able to write at cafes again. I’d say that was one of the things I missed the most during the pandemic. In Vancouver, we’ve had patios open since the spring, but recently indoor dining has been allowed and it’s been really nice to get back into the swing of things when it comes to being able to write at a cafe.

Most of my books have been written in cafes and I highly appreciate their existence. There’s something about the energy of writing outside the house – you’re out in society, but not directly interacting with it. The setting is usually chill or trendy. It’s an outing and a writing session all wrapped into one – and sometimes you’ll get free tea refills at extra kind establishments.

There’s a buzz you often get when you’re working at a cafe. I’ll often do a little cafe hop for three reasons:

  1. It’s nice to break up writing spurts with a walk or travel to another place
  2. It’s a change of scenery to keep the inspiration fresh
  3. I don’t want to loiter too long at a cafe – overstaying your welcome is a thing!

There’s also something about ordering a delicious beverage (and oftentimes a snack) before diving into your work. #WRITERFUEL

There are times when I can write at home just fine and I’ll be just as productive there. Writing at a cafe, though, feels like a treat. I enjoy the process very much.

Writers, do you love to write at a cafe? What do you enjoy about it?

(Photo by Kevin Menajang from Pexels)

10 comments

  1. The province of Alberta is fully re-opening tomorrow except for the City of Calgary (where I live) which led by its Neo-Bolshevik Communist Mayor Naheed Nenshi is continuing a few restrictions for awhile.

    So it will be awhile before I can write in cafes again.

    • I’m sorry to hear. That must be so frustrating. :S Just know that soon things will be back to normal. Eventually these lockdowns will have to stop once everyone’s vaccinated and cases go down.

  2. Oh yeah. Even when I’m not in the mood to work on my books in cafes, the bare minimum I do is take out pen and paper and draft little scenes or possible characters from the people I see in said cafes. Too bad my country (Malaysia) is under a long-term—and ineffective—lockdown. Anyway, thanks for this post!

    • I’m really sorry to hear that you’re still in lockdown. That would be hard. Soon things will be back to normal. I’m sure. Hope you’re getting lots of writing done at home, or from any place you’re currently writing from.

  4. Many years ago, I regularly went to a coffee shop and wrote. That shifted when I moved, then I tried going to the library to write. I enjoyed both places. As you mentioned, it’s a good idea to change things around, as that can help with inspiration/creativity.

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