Coffee & Cake 

 

Where do you enjoy writing most ? Are you someone who must have absolute quiet and solitude or do you find inspiration in a place where you are one of many?

I am fortunate to have a small box room in my home where I can write. In times gone by I have made do with the sofa and the kitchen table; other places writers can be found scribbling away are in the garden shed or a corner of their local library. I have heard of one who wrote their first book in the car because it was the only place where they could get peace and quiet.

My alternative go-to-hangout in recent times is my local cafe. With its cozy cottage feel, display of artwork, handmade crafts, and vintage clothing, it is a great place to get those creative juices flowing. Fueled by the homemade food and filtered coffee in a relaxed atmosphere, writing becomes a sociable rather than solitary occupation. It seems I am not alone in this view – Samuel Pepys and other noted artisans met in coffeehouses. More recently, Ernest Hemmingway wrote most of his memoir, A Moveable Feast, in Paris. JK Rowling wrote most of the early first Harry Potter books in her local cafe, The Elephant, Edinburgh. Cafes also provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and observe human nature.

Our faith too, if it is to grow and deepen, needs the fellowship of others. When people used to tell me as vicar that they ‘didn’t do church’ or ‘did not need others to be a follower of Christ’ it always seemed an odd view and contrary to God’s desire for us to live to me. Jesus gathered 12 disciples and always sent them out in groups – never alone. At the Last Supper, he said to those there when he shared the cup  and bread – ‘do this in remembrance of me’ (Luke 22:19), even prayer, he indicates is to be done with others in Mt 18:20. (to be fair, he also gives advice on private prayer in Mt 5:5).

We all need time to ourselves. Time to reflect, time to pray, just as writers need occasions to be alone to write. No one is an island, so the saying goes, and neither are writers.

A former vicar and community worker, Sheelagh is a freelance writer and blogger living in the northeast. You can find out more about Sheelagh here