Lyla Campbell

Here's a nice fluffy post to start off your week:

This afternoon I sat down to fire up this here laptop and immediately had to get right back up. I hadn't gathered all of the necessary writing supplies. Sure, I had my computer, I had nothing to drink. It struck me, it wasn't just this afternoon, I can never write if I don't have something to sip on. And that got me to wonder what other Author's beverage preferences were while pumping out the prose...

I started by googling "What do Writers Drink" From the limited information that was pertinent to my search I found this list of old, dead, and famous writer's and their favorite libations. Some of my personal favorites were:
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald - Gin & Whiskey


  • Dorothy Parker - Martini


  • Edgar Allen Poe - Wine

The list was heavy on beverages of the alcohol persuasion. While I do have an affinity for imbibing in wine during some of my weekend writing sessions, it's not the best choice for weeknight writing sessions. Plus, I'm pretty sure it would be frowned upon if I busted out a bottle of Pinot Noir at my desk while writing on my lunch break.

Usually, I need more energy to keep the story line flowing. So, when I got up to grab a beverage while waiting for my laptop to boot after work I chose the coffee route.

For you fellow coffee lovers out there here's a little brewing tip: French Press is the way to go. The ideal coffee brewing temperature is approximately 195 F. Anything more than that and the organic compounds in the grounds can get burned and create a bitter taste in the drink. Brewers heat the water too hot and the heating plate continues the charring process further. This is one reason office coffee is extremely craptastic. However the french press method allows you to have more control over water temperature and amount of time the water steeps in the grounds. I promise you, if you try it once, you'll wonder why you drank coffee any other way.

If you are a caffeine aficionado like me, be sure to check out my previous post on "Fueling the Word Count Generator" Because lets be honest, writers are just machines that turn caffeine into prose.

So, all you fellow wordsmiths out there, what do you prefer to drink while writing?
18 Responses
  1. Rhonda Says:

    Having something at hand to sip on is necessary for my creative process. However, unlike most writers, I never did develop an affinity for coffee. I prefer to injest my caffeine through tea and, sometimes, ice cold cans of Pepsi Throwback.


  2. Wow, I drink coffee and not the strong stuff...maybe if I drank more, I would write better?

    I read that Agatha Christie used to write in the bath, eating apples. Cores littered her bathroom.

    ann


  3. In the morning, it's three 14 oz cups of coffee (with requisite/subsequent potty breaks throughout the morning). At midday, a liter of water (with Crystal Light). Any writing after seven p.m is accompanied by cheat WallyWorld grapefruit or ginger ale soda.

    Interesting article!


  4. Becky Fyfe Says:

    It's definitely coffee for me! Especially with the freezing temperatures we have been having lately. Besides, the caffeine just seems to kick-start my brain in the mornings.


  5. Coffee - fresh ground, French press or drip into thermal carafe so there's no burner. Rich, strong, and arabica. (2 tbsp / 8 oz water)

    Tea - just got a tea pot and I've been experimenting with loose tea. The flavors are head and shoulders above bagged teas and the ritual of brewing helps focus my head.

    Water - my desk is near the bathroom.


  6. Jill Says:

    I live in Mark Twain country and even have a Mark Twain shot glass lol. I believe he enjoyed scotch and cigars :)


  7. Parv Kaushik Says:

    nice blog!! will visit it often to be a witness of your writing journey!!!


  8. Anonymous Says:

    Hi there, thanks for the link to my blog via this Post. That gave me a bit of a chuckle; well two, the link addition and coming up with the list. However, the rest of the Post is a bit heavy with the personal?

    Ah, write what you know? Write whatever the hell you what? *laughing*

    Actually, things have changed. Somewhat. I no longer drink, but I still write.

    Take care,
    PA


  9. Victoria Says:

    Love it! I'm a Coffee fanatic during the day, but right now, sipping a bit of Korbel Gold brandy. I'm from Wisconsin after all.


  10. DK Says:

    Oh no, I don't drink anything when writing. Except coffee or water...


  11. Uninvoked Says:

    Coffee if its daytime, rum & coke if it's not. ^^


  12. EKSwitaj Says:

    I alternate between water and coffee, occasionally sneaking a little whiskey into my mug. Then when I'm done for the day, it's wine, whiskey, and beer all the way.


  13. sarah Says:

    I love herb tea when I write and anytime, but if I lived in Georgia like Ernest Hemingway perhaps I would drink rum.


  14. There's nothing like an ice cold martini at the end of a day of writing. As Dorothy Parker said:

    "I like to have a martini, two at the very most. After three I'm under table, after four I'm under my host."

    Love you, Dorothy!

    Judith Marshall
    Author of "Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever"


  15. Tahlia Says:

    Scotch and coke or hot chocolate if I want something hot. I don't like coffee.

    I'm going to follow your blog becasue we're doing the same things and I like to support others like me. I've just written a YA fantasy novel and my blog is about my journey to get published. If you'd like to have a look, you can see ch 1 and we can share experiences.
    http://publishersearch.wordpress.com


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