LOL After reading about the world’s oldest profession, I really need a stiff whipped cream hot cocoa.
You probably think I’m joking, but it is vital that in creating your writing space that you consider what beverages you will be bringing into it with you. What calms you? What riles you up? What inspires you?
If you’re a morning writer, it could be the perfect cup of coffee.
Or you may enjoy tea. I know I do and I frequently bring a cup of white leaf tea with me.
Cocoa is with me on cold blustery nights.
Now the beverages serve a purpose more than a boost. It could establish the setting of your story.
A mint julep for a tale of the deep South. A red wine for a vampire tale. Honey mead for a Viking saga. I think you’re getting the idea. What drink would your main character drink? Share a drink with them and get into their head, heart, and in the mood.
On the way home from my day job, I passed Hosmer Mountain which makes delicious sodas. Their sign advertised Chocolate Cream Soda. Oooooooh. Yum. Now which of my characters would drink that. See the fun you can have with beverages. It doesn’t stop. This is going to make you laugh. Just for kicks, list all the characters in your story or book and beside each name put their beverage of choice. Fun! Revealing! Were you surprised?
Bing! No, not the search engine. That’s my microwave oven going off. That means my hot water for my cocoa is done. Grab a cup and have some. Whipped cream? Of course, you want some. Cyber whipped cream is zero calories. Take a sip. Cyber cocoa is always just right. The nectar of the gods. I’ll have to research again the history of chocolate.
So what beverage are you taking into your sacred writing area?
–Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley
http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
I’m sitting here near my french doors looking at the snow and drinking a cup of coffee. When I write in the afternoons, I enjoy tea. I must try your exercise and think about what beverage would be chosen by my characters. Even though Edmund Drake is a pirate, somehow I don’t imagine him swigging rum. In Plantation Hill, the first time you meet my villian, he has a bottle of whiskey in one hand and a pistol in the other. Hmmmm …. I think I may have already given this some thought.
By: Gerri Brousseau on February 24, 2012
at 11:12 am
Ah, love the 1st coco comment–my mind is running is all directions–whip cream, chocolate sauce……………………….
By: Marian Lanouette on February 24, 2012
at 11:48 am
Morning is coffee, afternoon is Green Tea, and night time is a glass of Sangria.
By: Gerri Bowen on February 24, 2012
at 4:35 pm
Oh, what a great idea. Getting to know your characters…give them a drink and see what happens. To be continued…I can’t wait. Thanks for the splendid suggestion.
By: Gail Ingis on February 24, 2012
at 6:33 pm