Writing in Coffee Shops

coffeeshopLately, I’ve been doing a lot of work in coffee shops. I’m not sure why, but I find it stimulating (and not just because of the coffee). I have a nice big house with an office that is bright and airy (although cluttered, and that, honestly, may be part of the problem), but I’ve been able to focus more when I leave the house and set up my laptop in a public place. I can’t explain it. It’s not as if these are quiet spots–most of the coffee shops in the area play music, and usually it’s the music favored by the younger baristi. Plus, when the shops are busy they are a cacophony of conversations. When that happens, I generally tune into my Pandora account and listen to something soothing that blocks it all out.

In fact, I’m one of my favorites right now, Blue Mountain Coffees in the Wharf area of Staunton. I’m under some pressure to finish up some things and I thought it would be a good idea to get out of the house on a Sunday morning and concentrate. It’s working out well so far (except for the break I took to write this post!).

Back to work!

About the author

I am the author of three novels--THE LAST BIRD OF PARADISE, OLIVER'S TRAVELS, and THE SHAMAN OF TURTLE VALLEY--and three story collections--IN AN UNCHARTED COUNTRY, HOUSE OF THE ANCIENTS AND OTHER STORIES, and WHAT THE ZHANG BOYS KNOW, winner of the Library of Virginia Literary Award for Fiction. I am also the co-founder and former editor of Prime Number Magazine and the editor of the award-winning anthology series EVERYWHERE STORIES: SHORT FICTION FROM A SMALL PLANET.

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