It wasn’t like people didn’t warn me. They did. But still, I thought I was different. I swore it wouldn’t happen to me. That I could handle it. But I’m here to say that I can’t. I’m here to say that I think I’m addicted to coffee. That’s right… I need my daily Americano from Starbucks (in a pinch alternate roaster will do.)
I think it really became clear today. I hadn’t had coffee since Sunday–since really, I always figured if I have one I have one, if I don’t I don’t. But the past few days I’ve had this slight headache. Something that no amount of Tylenol would get rid of. And then not one, but three people told me I was withdrawing from caffeine. Really? I didn’t buy it. But now, as I drink an emergency six shot (yes I said six) Americano, my headache is oh so slowly fading. When did this all start?
Believe it of not, I used to hate coffee. Never could stand the stuff. If we went to Starbucks, I’d get hot chocolate or tea. Then a coffee shop opened right next to the place I worked, and I was working the day shift, so I decided to try an iced Americano. It’s a bit harsh, and really hits you hard… but after a few times, you get hooked. You get the whoa and then the hit me again Ike feeling.
Maybe it’s because I’m in the city where Starbucks was born, but I’ve developed a fascination with coffee. So much so, that when I decided to get serious about my writing, I decided to write a book where the heroine owns a coffee shop. To research this book I took two classes.
The first class was: How to open your own espresso business. They asked everyone why they wanted to open an espresso shop/stand. And I said I didn’t, I was just writing a book and my herione needed to know how. It garnered a few interesting looks. The second class I took, since this book was going to be on the hot side, was: Strippercize. Most of the women were sexy, young women with fabulous bodies, just out to spice up their love life. And then there was me. A single mom, still trying to lose the baby weight, bumping and grinding against a door frame all in the name of research.
In the end though, both of these classes significantly added to my book. Added an air of authenticity I would hope. I sold that book (Dangerous Grounds) in March to Samhain Publishing.
The classes weren’t expensive, they were those extended education things (you know, brief classes for about $50). I’ve looked at some of these classes and thought I could take the class, learn a bit about ____ and base my next book around it.
How about you? Has anyone ever taken a class on something to research a book or WIP? Or am I the only crazy, dive right into the class chick. Anyway, back to my coffee and writing.
