Garret or Coffeehouse By Michael A. Black

I had to look up garret in the dictionary before I started this week’s blog. I found out that a garret is a room under the roof of a house, such as an attic or a small living space. It sometimes connotes a space that is dismal or cramped. The word comes from the French word, garir, which means to provide or defend, and has an accompanying military connotation of a watchtower.

The second part of the title topic, coffeehouse, was more familiar to me. I remember those places from my youth, where people would go to sing, read poetry, and drink coffee. They’ve since evolved into slicker upscale versions like Starbucks or Caribou Cafe, but a few of the old, independent coffee shops are still around. There’s one on the South Side of Chicago called Java Express.

So in which of these places would I feel more comfortable writing? The answer is neither.

My friend Dave Case and I usually meet for coffee at McDonald’s a couple times a week. We talk about a variety of things, but mostly we center on writing and police work. While I don’t mind discussing things in these places, I don’t think I could ever feel comfortable actually writing in one of them. There are too many distractions. Plus, writing is by definition a solitary activity. When I’m working on something I always have a bunch of papers with handwritten notes close at hand. So what do you do when you’ve got your notes all spread out on the table next to your computer and you suddenly have to go to the bathroom? I don’t know about you, but I sure wouldn’t leave my computer sitting unguarded in a public place. Nor would I leave my handwritten scribbling for that matter.

Trying to write in a garret would be almost as bad. A small, cramped space doesn’t sound conducive to producing prose, at least not for me. I prefer a bit of room, in case I have to leap to my feet and dance about the room, shadowboxing or trying out some action moves before putting them on paper. (You can probably see why the coffeehouse option wouldn’t work out too well either. The manager would probably be telling the paramedics to bring the straitjacket.) I used to have a room set aside as an office, where I composed on my old computer. I’ve since transitioned to a laptop, which I can easily move from place to place. For the last few months I’ve been doing most of my writing at the kitchen table. It has a ring of old familiarity to it because back in high school that’s where I used to do my homework.

Having said all that, I will mention that a writer should be able to write just about anywhere. I’ve written things in trains, planes, and automobile. There were times when I even stole a few moments of writing time inside the police station. I always carry a pen and paper with me, especially if I’m in the middle of writing a novel. You never know when a scene or a new snippet of dialogue is going to come to you, and you’d better be able to write it down at that moment or you’ll probably later wish you had. When I was writing my caper novel, The Heist, I was working the night shift. I used to sleep during the days and patrol the streets at night. Remaining alert was paramount while I was working, so my writing time was scarce. Still, a lot of ideas would occur to me especially as I was driving into work. But trying to write something down while driving on the expressway can be dangerous as well as problematic. I solved this problem by carrying a small pocket tape-recorder with me. I’d switch it on and dictate the new ideas as I drove. Naturally, I’d have to rewrite and polish them later, but at least I got them down.

I’ve always done what I feel is my best writing when I felt comfortable. Finding the routine that’s right for you is the key. For the moment the kitchen table is ideal. I have a window that I can look through which gives me a good view of my neighbor’s old house, and the coffee pot is right across the room. I also have a blender handy in case I have a sudden desire for a smoothie. Once you get into a comfortable routine, the writing comes easily. It’s sort of like developing “muscle memory” at the gym when your regular workout becomes easier and easier until you can do it with rote skill.

That’s usually a sign that it’s time to shake things up, but I wouldn’t advocate this if you’re right in the middle of a project. Remain in your comfort zone until you finish it, then if you want to mix it up for the next one, go ahead. Sometimes a bit of variance can add new zest to your writing. Get into your new, established routine and stick to it. But the main thing is to find out what works best for you and write. The place, the techniques, the shadowboxing all are meaningless if you don’t get those words down on paper.

Comments

[Staci]

I agree that a coffeehouse isn't ideal for writing. With all the noise and customers entering and leaving, I'd spend the entire time people watching. Unfortunately, I spent most of my last book writing while I sat on the bedroom floor with my back against the wall, so that's where I'm most productive right now. I'm going to try and transition to a chair one of these days...

[Ann]

I love coffeehouses for writing... they are right up there with libraries and Camille's "guest room for desperate writers." :-)

[rita lakin]

Hey, I once wrote a whole chapter in my head during a ct Scan.

The noise was driving me crazy so I had to distract myself. Crazy, huh?

Read my blog on same subject on Friday.

McDonalds? That's even worse than Starbucks. (my opinion)

Rita

Rita

[Michael A. Black]

Bedroom floors, Coffeehouses, desperate guestrooms, and CT chambers - - - Well, ladies, it just goes to show that a good writer can write just about anywhere.