we don't talk about this much but not being able to work in coffee shops/bars/public places right now is a huge bummer for a lot of writers

just because we always "worked from home" a lot of people i know physically need the separation between their lil apartment and their work brain, and even the corner coffee shop does that in a way that's sort of irreplaceable

this replicates the sounds of a coffee shop, and i find it useful... https://coffitivity.com/ 

and yet there is something about being surrounded by actual bodies and the smell of burnt grounds and overhearing strangers' work calls and the hunt for a laptop outlet... i miss it!!!

the concept of "i have to bang out this deadline and i am going to give myself three hours at the coffee shop to do it so help me god, also i am allowed to order $15 worth of pastries" is dead and that was how....99% of my friends get work done

i used to work 1-2 days a week at the nypl (manuscripts division or the rose room or a study room) and it centered my work in ways that being home never could; when i was stuck on any piece i'd just pack up my tote, get on the train, go to the library. i am lost without it!