I’ve been watching Twin Peaks again lately, which has been making me very nostalgic. When I first watched the series, I was the same age as the young girls in the show: Donna, Shelly, Audrey, Laura, and Annie. Now it’s amazing how much time has passed. I’ve come away from a binge-viewing of multiple episodes with a few lingering impressions: waving pine branches, traffic signals changing in the dark, laughing evil spirits, red velvet curtains…and, of course, those countless damn-fine cups of coffee.
Lately I’ve had a ritual with my own work: I bike to a particular cafe early in the morning, about two hours before my official day job starts. I get a large Americano, add a dollop of half-and-half, and sit at a table in an outdoor courtyard where I can feel the summer breeze—and then I unpack my laptop and write for two hours. The weather helps, the courtyard helps, and the knowledge that I have two free hours helps; the time I get to spend on writing is the best part of my day (though it’s always over too quickly). But however silly it sounds, the coffee helps, too. It sets the tone. It’s something to look forward to.
Some people, perhaps, can write when they’re surrounded by chaos; I’ve had days like this. I’ve taken my laptop to the doctor’s office and written in the waiting room; I’ve written in airport lounges and on planes; I’ve written in a room full of people who were watching football on TV. But sometimes it can be all about the ambiance, the environment you try to create for yourself. Sometimes cafes are calming and sometimes they’re too disruptive; sometimes I can write in bars and shut out the din, and sometimes loud music and conversation make writing impossible. Sometimes the library provides the peace and quiet I need, and sometimes the chairs are too hard and I have to go somewhere else. The mood for writing can change from moment to moment, and the environment in which I’m writing is, of course, a strong influence.
One of the things I like most about the character of Agent Cooper is his constant enthusiasm for the small things in life. (My favorite quirky moment in the series this go-round might be the one where he exclaims, joyfully, “Ducks! On a lake!”) When it comes to writing, sometimes it’s the small things that help you find the inspiration you need in order to take a deep breath and dive into the page.
