Decaffeinated coffee is like a hairless cat: it exists, but that doesn’t make it right.
Anonymous
Caffeine and Content Creation – Early Mornings at Denny’s and Late Nights at Starbucks
Welcome to a unique twist on the content creation process. This article unveils the unconventional spaces I frequent: early mornings at Denny’s and starlit hours at Starbucks. Rather than cloistering myself within the familiar four walls of a traditional game room, I find that the hum of these places, coupled with the comforting embrace of caffeine, ignites a creative fire within me. Here, against the backdrop of morning chatter or the evening lull, I sketch out dynamic narratives and characters for my TTRPG campaigns. Let’s delve into how these environments, distinct from the norm, serve as cornerstones in my content creation journey.
Embracing the Dawn
It might seem odd to many, but my internal clock now routinely jolts me awake between 3 and 4 AM. Freshened up, I seize my personal laptop and TTRPG essentials, then whisk away on my Vespa to Denny’s. This sacred morning period, amidst the wafting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, is devoted to administrative duties: catalog updates, personal account maintenance, and conceptualizing content such as Insight Checks and Perception Checks for this blog.
By 6 AM, I’m swapping gears, switching my personal gear for my professional toolkit, and heading to Starbucks. There, beneath the soft glow of the cafe lights, I immerse myself in a day of work.
Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get. – Ray Crock
When friends or family glance my way and comment on my “luck” in having the type of job and life I lead, I often reflect internally. It’s not mere luck. It’s the sum of early mornings, late nights, dedication, and grabbing every opportunity with both hands.
From the early morning hum of Starbucks till mid-afternoon, I’m laser-focused on my tasks. And while the specifics of my job are shrouded in confidentiality, know that with every project, with every email, I’m wholeheartedly invested. But it’s not all work and no breaks. Interspersed throughout the day are those cherished moments where I take a breather — to glance at personal emails, take important calls, or even to just let my thoughts wander.
As the clock chimes 3 PM, I saddle up on my Vespa, steering my way back home. Once there, I spend another focused hour, sifting through work emails, ensuring everything is in order. But soon after, work is set aside, marking the transition to personal time — a space reserved for family, for reflection, and for myself.
Finding Balance in Passion and Partnership
The evenings, as the sun sets, are moments I treasure most — they’re bathed in the warmth of shared laughter, meals, and episodes of our current binge-worthy show. These times with my wife are precious, a serene counterpoint to my otherwise bustling day. But as darkness deepens, she casts a knowing glance my way, understanding the restless energy that simmers within.
Even after a day that has weaved through work, content creation, and personal time, my drive doesn’t wane. In fact, the perfectionist in me is most often re-energized by the world of TTRPGs. So, most nights, the allure of Denny’s or Starbucks calls again, beckoning with the promise of quiet reflection and renewed inspiration. Here, amidst the soft hum of background chatter and under dimmed lights, I delve deep — sometimes it’s research, sometimes brainstorming story arcs, and on some special nights, immersing myself in actual solo play.
But then there are times, when the siren song of a melody tugs at my soul. With an infectious tune playing on a loop in my mind, I would make my way into my studio, letting the music flow through my fingers, crafting the next potential track for an album or designing ambient background scores tailored for TTRPGs.
Racing against the clock, and with ideas bubbling over, I’d frequently dash back home, eager to execute a particularly thrilling combat encounter, expand a burgeoning plot point in one of my solo roleplaying games, or to perfect that evocative musical piece. But by 9PM, the day’s fervor starts to fade, and I retire — body weary, but mind already sketching the outline of tomorrow’s adventures.
Beyond Coffee Shops: The Heartbeat of My Creativity
My personal game room is a treasure trove of inspiration — an intimate sanctum where the walls are lined with my ever-growing collection of TTRPG resources. But it’s not just rulebooks and adventure guides that populate these shelves. I’m a fervent collector and my library is testimony to this passion. Fiction books that have shaped and molded my imagination over the years have a pride of place. From the vast, intricate universe of Dune to the chilling tales of Stephen King, the philosophical depths of Isaac Asimov to the rich tapestries of Tolkien, each volume is a wellspring of ideas, a cherished gem that has time and again reignited my creative fires.
Sprinkled amidst these titans of literature are tales from the Alien universe and the expansive narratives of The Dark Tower, each offering its own unique flavor to my creative potpourri. These aren’t just books; they’re gateways to alternate realities, catalysts that spur my imagination to craft richer, deeper worlds for my TTRPG campaigns.
Yet, my game room isn’t just a testament to my own interests. A stone’s throw away is my wife’s personal hobby room. Her space mirrors mine in passion, housing a vast collection of Manga, art books, and the nerdy and geeky collectibles we’ve both come to adore. The proximity of our hobby realms signifies more than just shared interests. I often find myself wandering into her domain, not just to marvel at her collection, but to steal a moment, to let her know just how much she means to me amidst the whirlwind of our individual pursuits.
Closing Thoughts
Every creator has their rhythm, their unique spaces that fuel their imagination. While the bustling coffee shop might be another person’s distraction, it’s my muse. Whether it’s the familiar aroma of a cappuccino, the distant hum of conversations, or simply the act of relocating from the familiar, it works wonders for me. I encourage every creator to find their unique spaces, whether it’s a serene garden, a busy café, or the cozy confines of their home. In the end, it’s all about what stirs the depths of your creativity.
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