Something special happens when I settle into a coffee shop with my laptop, a warm drink, and a story waiting to be told.
There’s the hum of conversation, the sound of an espresso machine, and the occasional familiar face stopping by to say hello.
For me, coffee shops aren’t just places to grab a drink. They’re where I write novels, illustrate children’s books, meet clients, make new friends, and sometimes figure out a particularly stubborn problem.
I love the energy of being around people while still having the freedom to disappear into my own little creative world.
And although I have a few favorite spots, losing one recently reminded me that sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what we need.
So, grab your favorite beverage. I’m taking you on a little tour of the coffee shops where my stories come to life.
Most Saturday mornings, you’ll find me at Starbucks on Main Street.
Why? Because they open at 5:00 a.m.
Yes, you read that correctly. Five in the morning.
There’s something wonderful about getting a head start while most of the world is still asleep. I can settle in, open my laptop, and get several hours of uninterrupted writing done before the day really begins.
Those early mornings let me make progress on my novels without sacrificing the rest of my Saturday.
By the time most people are getting started, I’ve already spent a few hours with my characters. Then I can close my laptop and enjoy time with family, friends, and whatever adventures the weekend brings.
It’s a rhythm that works beautifully for me.
A little writing before sunrise leaves plenty of room for living after it.
Since Southern Muggs closed, I’ve spent more time at Starbucks in Emerson.
They recently redesigned the interior, and I have to say, it’s incredibly welcoming.
The seating is comfortable, and there’s a communal table with enough room for me to spread out and work with both of my monitors.
Yes, I bring monitors to a coffee shop.
When I’m working on a big project, I like having everything in front of me.
What I love most, though, is the communal table itself. There’s something about sitting alongside other people who are working that reminds me of being in school or an office.
We’re all doing our own thing, but we’re doing it together.
The other day, I finally figured out something I’d been struggling with. I was so excited that I did a little fist pump right there at the table.
The person working beside me cheered!
It was such a small moment, but it made my day.
That’s the kind of unexpected connection you don’t get when you’re working alone at home.
And I already know where I want to be when the first rainy fall day arrives.
With all those windows, a cozy seat, and the rain falling outside, I think this place will be absolutely perfect.
Bring on the autumn weather.
Three words.
Frozen. Hot. Chocolate.
If you know me, you know that hot chocolate is my drink of choice. And Wholly Grounds has a frozen version that makes this spot even more appealing.
But the drinks are only part of what keeps me coming back.
I love the atmosphere, especially the cozy seats tucked into the corner. They’re perfect for settling in, watching people, and letting my imagination wander.
Wholly Grounds also has a message that speaks to my heart:
C.O.F.F.E.E. — Christ Offers Forgiveness for Everyone Everywhere.
It’s a place where faith, community, and hospitality come together.
I often meet clients here, but it’s also one of my favorite places to work on illustrations for my children’s book series, Access Unleashed Tails.
When I’m illustrating, I can curl up in a comfortable seat, put on an audiobook, and draw for hours.
There’s something wonderful about listening to one story while bringing another to life through pictures.
And it’s rare that I stop in without seeing at least one person I know.
Sometimes that means a quick hello. Sometimes it turns into a conversation I didn’t know I needed.
Either way, Wholly Grounds reminds me that creativity and community make a pretty wonderful combination.
Cranes Coffee is a more recent addition to my list of favorite spots.
I’ve been spending more time networking in Acworth as I share Access Unleashed’s mission and introduce people to my children’s books.
All that networking has led me to discover some wonderful new places, including this little coffee shop near downtown Acworth.
Cranes is small, cozy, and full of personality.
Their menu offers flavorful drinks with a Cuban flair, making it a fun place to try something a little different.
It’s also a lovely spot to slow down.
Sometimes I bring my laptop. Other times, I just want to sit with a good book and enjoy the atmosphere.
And because so much of my work involves connecting with people, I appreciate having another welcoming place to meet someone new.
You never know when a casual conversation might lead to a new friendship, a partnership, or even a little inspiration for a future story.
After all, writers are always collecting bits and pieces of the world around them.
If you’ve ever visited Noble and Main in the morning, you know it can get busy.
People come and go, grabbing coffee and pastries before heading off to work.
It has a wonderful energy.
I love watching the rhythm of a town waking up, with familiar faces greeting one another and everyone preparing for the day ahead.
What makes Noble and Main especially appealing is the variety of places to settle in.
Plenty of spots to work, including an additional building next door with weekday hours.
And when the weather is nice, you can sit outside and catch up with friends.
Even your four-legged companions can join you outside.
It’s the kind of place that works for several different moods.
Need to get some work done? Find a table.
Want to meet a friend? Grab a pastry and settle in.
Just want to enjoy a beautiful North Georgia morning? Take your drink outside.
Sometimes the best writing inspiration comes from simply being part of the world around you.
A few weeks ago, Southern Muggs closed its doors.
And I have to admit, I miss it.
Southern Muggs wasn’t just another coffee shop on my list.
It was my spot.
I had a table I considered mine. I knew the staff. I recognized the regulars. I looked forward to seeing familiar faces almost every day.
Over time, I met so many interesting people there.
Some conversations were brief. Others turned into friendships and connections that continued long after we’d finished our drinks.
Walking through the door and knowing exactly where I wanted to sit felt comforting.
I didn’t have to think about finding the perfect workspace.
I already had one.
When you work for yourself, those little routines matter more than you might realize. A familiar place can become your office, your creative retreat, and your connection to the community all at once.
Losing Southern Muggs meant losing a piece of that routine.
But it also nudged me out of my comfort zone.
I’ve started exploring new places, trying different tables, and discovering coffee shops I might not have visited otherwise.
And while I’ve found some wonderful new spots, Southern Muggs will always hold a special place in my heart.
Here’s to the staff, the regulars, the conversations, and all the stories that came to life at my favorite table.
Thank you for the memories, Smuggs.
Writing is often described as a solitary profession.
And in many ways, it is.
When I’m working on the Grace Series, I spend hours exploring my characters’ lives, searching for the moments when faith, love, and hope intersect.
When I’m plotting a Sam Sunday Mystery, I follow clues, untangle motives, and make sure the solution is hiding in plain sight.
When I’m illustrating Access Unleashed Tails, I bring stories about service dogs and hidden disabilities to life for young readers.
Each project requires a different kind of creativity.
But they all benefit from the same thing.
Connection.
A coffee shop gives me a place to focus without feeling isolated.
It gives me a reason to get out of the house, a change of scenery when I’m stuck, and the chance to encounter people whose stories are every bit as interesting as the ones I’m writing.
Sometimes I need the quiet of an early Saturday morning.
Sometimes I need a big communal table with room for my monitors.
Sometimes I need a cozy corner, frozen hot chocolate, and an audiobook.
And sometimes I just need someone sitting beside me to cheer when I finally solve a problem.
The perfect writing spot isn’t always about finding the quietest room.
Sometimes it’s about finding a place where you feel like you belong.
If you want to read more about my daily adventures in the Author Life, or take a peek at Behind the Scenes book development, explore the rest of our blog archive.
Now it’s your turn.
Do you need absolute silence to concentrate, or do you thrive in the cozy chaos of a busy coffee shop?
Do you have a favorite corner table, a bookstore nook, or a comfortable chair at home?
Maybe you have a local coffee shop that feels like a second home.
I’d love to hear about it.
Tell me: Where is your favorite place to read, write, or simply escape into a good story?
Leave a comment below or reply to my newsletter and share your favorite spot. And if you know of a coffee shop around Cartersville or Acworth that I haven’t discovered yet, I’d love a recommendation.
Who knows? Maybe I’ll see you there, laptop open, hot chocolate in hand, and another story waiting to be written.
Until our next story,
Anna
Sharing Stories of Grace, Mystery, and Hope
