COFFEE ANYONE? by Judy Ann Davis

Coffee anyone?

I enjoy coffee. I drink coffee when I write. In fact, my morning is not complete without a cup, and my night ends with a decaffeinated cup. Although I don’t enjoy many flavored coffees, I do like to add a splash of a flavored liquid creamer to give my coffee a slightly different taste. Right now, our grocery store has come out with a new flavor, Marshmallow, with colorful bunnies on the container. I’m assuming it’s been released in preparation for Easter.

I personally salute goat herder Kaldi who, centuries ago in Ethiopia, discovered the wonderful coffee berries when his goats ate them, became energetic, and wouldn’t sleep at night. He shared his findings with the local monastery, and in turn, the local abbot helped spread the word east to the Arabian Peninsula.

By the 15^th century, coffee was being grown in Arabia, and by the 16^th century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey where it was enjoyed in homes, but also public coffee houses.

In the mid-1600s, it was brought to New Amsterdam, later called New York, and replaced tea in the New World when the colonists revolted against the heavy tax on tea imposed by King George III.

Most interesting to me is a quote from Thomas Jefferson: “Coffee…the favorite drink of the civilized world.” After learning Jefferson wrote that quote—and knowing he wrote The Declaration of Independence, I wonder how many cups of coffee was consumed by him as he created such an important document that changed our lives forever?

By the 17^th century, European travelers brought the beans to Europe, and coffee became a breakfast drink, replacing beer and wine. It was said the people who drank coffee, instead of alcohol, began the day energized and the quality of their work improved. <Who knew??? Just kidding! :) >

 

Missionaries, travelers, traders, and colonists continued to carry coffee seeds to new lands, and coffee trees were planted worldwide. By the end of the 18^th century, coffee had become one of the world’s most profitable export crops. After crude oil, it is the most sought commodity in the world.

What is your favorite drink in the morning or when writing or when relaxing? 

 WILLIE, MY LOVE

RAFFLECOPTER LINK 

 

2016 Holiday Gift Guide For Writers

It's that time of year again, and every year I update the gift guide for writers. For those of you who have writers in your life (and we all do. We're like black sheep, we're everywhere!) don't miss this list!

Here’s a simple guide of various gifts that writers would greatly appreciate, including a few items to avoid. :)

~Reviews! - 2nd year in the row on the top of the list! Reviews on novels through whatever medium you use. Amazon, GoodReads, B&N Nook. If you loved a novel, write a review and let others know! Can't tell you how much this one is appreciated, especially by Indie authors like us, more than any other 'gift!'

~Wireless laser printer (color or black & white) - With the amount of paper we go through printing out our masterpieces, the faster the better. Preferably one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to replace the toner.

~ Subscription to PicMonkey or Canva - Most authors are now involved in areas of marketing or promotions for their own novels and brand, if not 100% responsible for it. These sites help us create graphics and appealing ads to market our lovely books! (Writers, if you don't know about these sites, you must check them out!)

~Printer paper - A whole case doesn't cost that much, and we'll go through every single sheet. It's like chocolate or coffee, they don't last very long in a writer's household.

~Ink or Toner - See paper.

~Coffee mugs - Speaking of coffee, we go through ridiculous amounts of this life-saving beverage. Though feel free to spread the wings a little bit and include some kind of special flavored hot teas. Just to shake things up. But be unique with these mugs. Show us something different, and of course must be dishwasher safe!

~Coffee, or Starbucks gift cards – We need something to put in those lovely mugs you purchased. Since we're not allowed to filter coffee through an IV, we'll settle for the next best thing.

~Pens – But not just any pen. Give us something different, like those coffee mugs.

~Books – Obviously! Was there any other guess? We'll settle for giftcards to bookstores, too.

~ Chocolate or Fruit Bouquets - Something snack size so we can munch as we write. Chocolate because this is my guilty pleasure, and fruit bouquets because it would be nice to have something healthy in there. Or perhaps chocolate-dipped fruit! Ooh, best of both worlds!

~Massage or Spa Day gift card – This one is still on the list, because it's vital. Can't stress it enough. This forces us out of the house to relax our writing muscles.

Don’t Bother With These:

X Thesaurus – Once again, top of the Do Not Purchase List. Every writer already has one, and every good writer knows not to use it. Still #truth.

X Subscription to Writer’s Digest or Writer’s Journal – This was on the list last year as an option, but this year it got kicked to the curb. Why? Because all of the information in these subscriptions are now available online through other means, and mostly free of charge. Sorry!

X Digital Voice Recorder – Every phone has something already on it that works. My phone came with 3 different apps.

X Journals – Unless specifically requested, stay away from these! Every writer has a billion of these shoved somewhere in drawers. Plus, it’s a cliché. Writers are supposed to hate clichés.

That's this year's gift guide for writers. Do you have any suggestions for this list, something that we missed?  Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanza! Happy Holidays! PEACE ON EARTH

*This post originally appeared on Smart Girls Read Romance blog on 12/10/15.

Susan Sheehey writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance. Her latest series, Royals of Solana is currently being recovered and packaged, and will be available early 2017. Her original debut novel, Audrey's Promise, was rereleased November 2016, and is available on e-retailers now. Susan is a strong advocate for autism awareness and acceptance, and includes the healing element of water in every story. She lives and laughs in Texas with her husband and two boys. Follow Susan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and SusanSheehey.com. Sign up for her monthly newsletter of goodies and exclusive contests Here.

Holiday Gift Guide for Writers

Writers tend to be like black sheep. Everyone knows a writer: in the family, a friend, a quirky coworker…we’re everywhere. :)

With the holidays around the corner, here’s a simple guide of various gifts that writers would greatly appreciate, including a few items to avoid.

~ Printer paper - Reams of it. Because most writers go through them like water. Or wine. Or chocolate.

~ Ink - See paper.

~ Coffee, or Starbucks gift cards – Most writers could probably use this best in an IV, but unless you’re a doctor and can write a prescription for the needles, best stick with the gift cards or beans.

~ Pens – Something cool, unique, different. Even a different color than the usual blue or black.

~ Coffee mugs - Just like pens. Be unique (and dishwasher safe!)

~ Books – Duh! Bonus points for knowing their favorite genre. But a safe bet would be a gift card to their favorite bookstore.

~ Comfy Clothes – Bonus points for writing related shirts/sweaters, such as “I’m the PsycHOTic

Writer Everyone Warned You About,” or “Grammar Snob,” or a personal favorite “Don’t Piss Me Off, Or I’ll Kill You In My Novel.”

~ Subscription to Writer’s Digest or Writer’s Journal – precious jewels in the mailbox, that many budget-conscious writers are forced to consider luxuries.

~ Massage or Spa Day gift card – This forces us out of the house to relax our writing muscles.

Don’t Bother With These:

X Thesaurus – Every writer already has one, and every good writer knows not to use it.

X Digital Voice Recorder – Every phone has something already on it that works. My phone came with 3 different apps.

X Journals – Unless specifically requested, stay away from these! Every writer has a billion of these shoved somewhere in drawers. Plus, it’s a cliché. Writers are supposed to hate clichés.

Hopefully, this list gives you some ideas and starts you off in the right direction. Have a fantastic holiday!

Susan Sheehey writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction. Follow Susan at http://www.SusanSheehey.com, or on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, and Amazon. Be sure to check out her upcoming release, Jewel of Solana!