The Literary Arts Bookstore & Cafe is thrilled to announce the start of themed monthly Write-Ins: nights where we welcome the community to come in and co-work to an instrumental soundtrack and featured drink special. But what is a write-in, really? And who are they for?
We define a write-in as a community gathering where writers come together to share space, write, and make connections. Everyone is welcome, but we do ask anyone not writing to be mindful of their volume. Mingling is encouraged but not required—sometimes, the simple act of body doubling* can help break through creative blocks and influence productivity.
Lead Literary Arts bookseller Alex Abraham who championed the Write-Ins says, “Personally, I find it very difficult to lock in with my writing at home when I know there are other things I “ought” to be doing, like chores and cleaning. Write-ins also provide us with an opportunity to get out of the house and into a fresh setting without any of the usual distractions.”
But you don’t just have to take Alex’s word for it— we reached out to local writer, Kim Price, to ask what she likes about write-ins.
“As an introvert who dislikes small talk, write-ins are great opportunities for low-stakes socializing,” Kim told us. “While there is no pressure to chat, because we are all there primarily to write, when you do connect with folks there you get to hear about the cool projects they are working on or dreaming up.”
Alex agrees. “Writing can be a very isolating endeavor,” they say, “but it’s an important part of the work to get out and stay connected with other writers in your community. Though it sounds simple, the act of sharing space can go a long way in bringing communities together.”
Write-Ins at Literary Arts will also incorporate a monthly theme—giving our creative cafe staff a fun excuse to come up with a monthly drink special.
Alex realized early-on in planning that they’d need to curate a special playlist for these Write-Ins to work the way they were envisioning. “I remembered what an old friend told me once, that he liked to write to movie soundtracks because they were usually primarily instrumental and very atmospheric. I liked the idea of using music to inspire a creative ambience. For our first write-in, I took a chance on the Twin Peaks soundtrack. It made the whole store feel somewhat mystical and other-worldly, like a liminal space.”
A friend of Alex’s and local writer, Maxamaris Hoppe, has recently been getting back into writing after an extended break. Alex encouraged Max to join the July write-in. Here’s what they had to say:
“This worked exactly like I wanted to! The theme drink tasted great, the vibes were on point, and everyone else dedicatedly writing made me feel like I had to, and before I knew it, I was just enjoying myself!” — Maxamaris Hoppe
For September, we channeled an autumnal atmosphere by listening to the music of Over the Garden Wall, a series beloved by our booksellers and baristas alike. To honor the song Potatoes and Molasses, our food and beverage assistant manager, Miah, whipped up a delicious molasses latte.
Now that you know a little more about write-ins and what to expect, we hope to see you at the next one! And just in case you’re still nervous, we also asked Kim Price if she had any advice for someone wanting to attend their first write-in
“They are chill events with nice people working on fun projects. Just show up and give it a try,” Kim suggests. “And don’t forget your laptop/tablet charger.”
Upcoming Write-Ins at Literary Arts are being held on October 15 and November 19.
* The Newport Institute defines body doubling as “the practice of doing a task in the presence of another person.”
“The idea behind this practice is that engaging in a task in the presence of another person can help increase focus and motivation. For young adults who struggle with planning, organizing, problem-solving, and time management, body doubling can be a lifesaver. And for those with anxiety or perfectionism, body doubling can help them push past mental blocks so they can move forward on a project.” (The Newport Institute, https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/empowering-young-adults/body-doubling/)
