Posted November 9th, 2011 under Writing Spaces
Do you ever write in cafes? I don’t have a home office (yet) so I like to get out of the apartment to write. It helps me focus, since I’m not distracted by the TV/cleaning I need to do/comfortable couch that makes me want to nap/etc. When I sit with my notebook or laptop in a cafe, I get so much done. Even with the background noise.
Starbucks used to be my go-to place, but lately I’ve preferred local cafes and other writer-friendly restaurants. Here are my top choices that have locations around the country (and internationally, in one case):
Le Pain Quitodien
On Wednesdays evenings, I meet up with a few writers for a couple of hours for what we call “write nite.” We each bring our WIPs and sit together to write or revise. For months, we met weekly at Le Pain Quitodien (or LPQ, as I call it). What’s great about this place is that they have a huge communal table and don’t mind if you hang out there for hours with your laptop. They also have delicious and healthy food and drinks (my favorites: white bean hummus, apple muffins, and lemonade iced-tea). They don’t have Wi-Fi, but that allows for more productivity.
Website (Multiple US and international locations)
Argo Tea
Recently my write nite buddies and I have gone to this place for some variety. I first tried Argo Tea in Chicago, and I’ve now been to several locations in NYC. They have free Wi-Fi (for two hours with purchase) and their tea is delicious! Right now they have pumpkin chai and I’m obsessed. They also have coffee and other snacks. The atmosphere is comparable to Starbucks but I like the drinks better.
Website (New York, Chicago, Boston, St. Louis)
Panera Bread
Unfortunately there isn’t a Panera close to me in NYC but when I lived in the suburbs, I frequented it a lot. In fact, it’s where I worked on my MFA application materials. They have free Wi-Fi, plenty of seating, and tasty sandwiches, soups and salads. (Notice a trend? My writing spots must have something good to munch on and drink!)
Have you written at any of these places? Are there other cafes you like? If you’re in NYC, I also recommend s’Nice!
ROW80 Update: Not much to update this week so far. I met with my critique group last night and they gave me great feedback on a few of my chapters. I seem to be on the right track with my WIP. I just need to make my main character suffer more! DUN Dun dun…
I’ve only edited 2.5 hours this week so far, so I may not make my weekly goal of 15 hours. But I have a good excuse – my husband and I are moving! This weekend will be all about packing but I hope to still squeeze several hours of revising in.
Hope you’re all having a productive week! See how the other ROWers are doing here.
Lastly, I want to say a big CONGRATS to Jessica Love for signing with agent Jill Corcoran! Her story is super inspiring so check it out here. I’m so happy for her!!!! Go contemp YA! 
