Go Where No One Expects You To Be “Creative”

Work at uncool places

Sometimes I go and write at Krispy Kreme.

The chocolate glazed are awesome, but it’s also a really good place to work on writing. I see all kinds of people I wouldn’t normally think of. These people and the most mundane interactions can add to my stories or get my mind moving.

People having different conversations. Two guys talking about a business deal about metal pipes. A whole college baseball team coming in. People in clothes that I wouldn’t usually wear.

Creativity is when unexpected things collide.

Yeah, I visit the cool places too, but that’s usually when I’m working on my day job stuff. If I want do something inventive, like for my novel or starting a new story, I go to the most random, un-cool places ever.

I used to work at Burger King a lot. Denny’s too.

It’s really inspiring. Because no one else is trying to also work on their novel or screenplay or short stories or “business idea.”

The pressure’s off. No one is posing. Everyone is just doing their life. Not like the coffee shop in the trendy neighborhood where everyone looks the same, visits the same places on the weekend and are trying to network or score a new opportunity. That’s not where the real, thoughtful stuff gets done.

Take off to the suburbs or to another part of town. Whatever is unusual for you. Go to a place that’s outside of what you think of for “work.” It’ll be odd for a second, but just get a Coke and do your thing.

It’s not cool. But you’re there to work. You’ll be fine.

Go where no one expects you to be “creative”.