Coffee & Company

Why Authors Should Have Coffee with Other Authors

Writing is usually a very solitary thing. Most of us spend a lot of time alone with our thoughts, our laptops, and words that may or may not be flowing that day. That’s part of the process. And writing needs quiet and focus.

But if you stay too isolated for too long, it can take a toll, and you might start wondering if anyone else is dealing with the same struggles. That’s why something simple helps more than people expect: meeting another writer for coffee.

It doesn't have to be a conference—just a casual conversation with someone else who writes. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected to other people who understand it. Most writers eventually learn that the creative process gets easier when you talk about it sometimes. Writing might happen alone, but the experience of being a writer doesn’t have to. For a lot of authors, those casual conversations end up being surprisingly helpful.

It's Good for the Soul

Writing can get lonely. Even if you love it, there are long stretches where you’re just sitting with your thoughts. Talking to another writer reminds you that you're not the only one figuring things out.

Some of the biggest benefits are simple things like:

• You realize other writers struggle too

• You can talk honestly about writing frustrations

• You get out of your house and away from the screen

• You leave the conversation feeling motivated

• You remember why you started writing in the first place

Most people in your life don’t fully understand the writing life. When you meet another author, you don't have to explain. They get it. They know what it’s like to wrestle with a chapter or rethink an entire story halfway through. Which means, you can jump straight to interesting conversations.

It's Just Coffee with Company

If you're an author, you really should make it a habit.

1. Find another writer and ask them to coffee.

2. Talk about books. Talk about writing. Talk about the weird parts of the creative process that most people don’t see.

3. Then go back to your laptop feeling recharged and inspired.

Writing will always require quiet time alone. That’s part of the craft. But sometimes the best thing you can do for your writing is step away from the keyboard and have a conversation with someone who understands the work.