Let’s talk about coffee and writers.
The association is a stereotype and yet the fetishization is based on some truth — or at least the preferences and experiences of some writers. Just scroll Twitter and see all the writers and authors tweeting about their morning Joe or the need for that fuel for their work day.
At the same time, many writers drink tea, juice, other non-caffeinated drinks, or just water (if you can believe that), so it’s reductionist to say that writers need coffee to function. Shakespeare didn’t have any. And his work turned out just fine.
But when the writers who love coffee do say they need coffee, my hypothesis is that it’s mainly two things: (1) their bodies are going through caffeine withdrawal and are craving it AND/OR (2) they’re declaring it on social media as a way to be part of the writing community — to be heard and understood, to share a desire that many of their colleagues have, to participate in a ritual they see intrinsic to the culture of writing.
The first bit is brain biology; the second is cultural anthropology and coffee culture. And either or both are acceptable. And if you don’t like coffee, that’s okay, too. Really embrace that. Don’t feel bad or shy if some coffee-crazed writer gives you a hard time. That’s really their problem, and not your cup of tea.
Be you. And be glad that you get to be you. If there’s only one thing you get from this post, that’s what I’d like it to be. Enjoy your next beverage — whatever it is!
