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.
I’m not a coffee drinker but who knows. If I took a class for research, I might become one.
I haven’t taken any classes for research but you’ve got me thinking now. Hmmm…. ;-))))))
Paz (with a naughty grin)
P.S. I loved BareNaked Jane.
Happy reading!
Paz
OMG I love the picture. LOL And I’m totally addicted to coffee. Starbucks and I have a great friendship. Codependent really… While I haven’t taken a class to base a book on, I did just purchase a set of tarot cards and the uber classic Tarot
For Dummies book because my current heroine gets an interesting tarot reading in the beginning and I wanted it to be believable. I think it would be fun to do the class thing though!
“Has anyone ever taken a class on something to research a book or WIP?“
No,but Wikipedia is one of my very bestest friends in the middle of a story needing factual confirmation/speculative inspiration.
Hi Paz! Good to see you dropping by. And coffee is goood.
Aura, what a great idea! Good luck with that book. The tarot cards has always been fascinating to me!
LBB, Wikipedia is great! I need to spend more time there
I’m not a coffee drinker. I used to work in a coffee place when I was in college, and got used to the way that I made my drinks, to the point that I wouldn’t drink it when someone else made it for me.
Most baristas look at you funny when you ask for 6 shots of raspberry syrup, you know?
Tag, you are it! Check my blog out for the details, kay?
http://cicicross.blogspot.com/
I miss the old coffee place I went to when I lived in Oregon. Nothing here seems to match it! I drank a lot more coffee then than I do now.
I’m blessed with great coffee shops where I live. When I go to Starbucks I have to ask for triple shots.
No classes, but I’m checking out sites on death and decay. There came a point in my wip where I just had to know what a body dead for a week would look and smell like.
LOL on the coffee! I used to hate it… but now I live by it!!!!
And no I haven’t ever taken a class for a book, but I have started seriously researching things… like I bought several books on wine making. I’m learning how. Why? Because my hero owns a Winery. 
I’m loving the learning — would love to actually make some! 
Cole
I spent a few months researching the book I just sold. It was a pain in the ass. If I’d known how hard it would be to get accurate info, and how harassed Id be, I might not have written the book.
But its over and Im glad I did it - people arent going to believe some of the things Ive written are possible in this day and age, but they are.
Research is important, good for you for doing your homework!
I’ve never done it, but I’d love to find a private class with a dominatrix! — a PRO TYVM
I’d love to take a class. . . but with three kids, two of them under 5 yo, it takes all my energy just to get up every morning and chauffer THEM around to classes!
Argh
Wow, what a great idea. Stripercize sounds hilarious. I’m definitely going to try this when I settle back into Portland life. Right now I need to research early photography processes.
Well I’m not a coffee drinker, like you used to be. hehe. I do like to drink something though with I do go to the bookstore. Starbucks isn’t close and neither is the nearest Large book chain. Its about 30 minutes away. When I do get time to go, not often.
I get some coffe. 
Would be hooked if I went often. hehe.
Oh and you have been tagged. See my blog for details.
Misty