Picture this! As you relax into the cozy armchair, you hear the crackling of the fireplace and the smell of fresh ground espresso comes to greet you. Hello friend.  And your gaze moves to the window outside where you’re greeted with the  most spectacular setting-snow is falling.

If you’re like me, you like snow from afar. But, you love a cozy fireplace and good coffee.

Grab your favorite pen and pad and meet me at one of the coffee shop’s below!

Here are my top 7 coffee shops for expressive writing:

1. Shoredog–Just like the name suggests, this cafe has a nautical theme. Their syrups are all homemade. And the food is good (not a food critic here!). If you like to sit next to a roaring fireplace-it’s electric but it’ll do the job just fine.
2. Ellwood Thompsons. (outside or inside). Ellwoods has always been high on my list. I’m not sure if it’s because of their abundant outdoor seating or the amazing juice bar, but I do enjoy a beverage or two here while getting work done.
3. Ironclad. I believe they source their own beans! And the vibe is top-notch!
4. Sub Rosa. I don’t come here for the coffee as much as I do the delicious baked goods. Either way it’s a favorite of mine. Your senses will be assaulted with delicious fire oven roasted bread and pastries.
5. Lamplighter. A nice place to shed some layers and sit outdoors. And their coffee is spectacular.
6. Crossroads. Prepandemic, there was a nice indoor seating. Now it’s outdoor seating only but it’s across the street from Forest Hill Park! Have a writing session, then go for a hike. Win/Win.
7. A list wouldn’t be complete without Starbucks. And you can find one just about anywhere. 

For More Expressive Writing Inspiration, Try A few of My Favorite Notebooks:

1. Moleskin Classic Notebook, Soft Cover
2. The Artists Way Morning Pages Journal

Sometimes you just need to get out of your environment to gain that spark of motivation for expressive writing. 

And sometimes you will get that spark when writing in community. Hello Writing Bravely Course.

Writing in Community

In my experience, I know writing works. In fact, it was the one thing that jump started my healing process. I write everyday but when I get the chance, I love writing in community. Thus, I started Writing Bravely! The community is for the shapeshifters, the rule breakers, the out-of-the box thinkers, and the brave who want to shed their masks and write their way through to their future selves!

Learn more about how to write with me, here!

About the Author

Adina Silvestri, EdD, LPC is the founder at Life Cycles Counseling.She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Certified Brainspotter in Richmond, Virginia. As a writer and a trauma specialist, Dr. Silvestri helps move individuals through the healing process using creative means such as expressive writing.  Dr. Silvestri believes strongly in the power of writing to improve mental and physical symptoms of trauma (big T and little t traumas) and PTSD symptoms. It is her mission to support people in their healing journey so that they can live more fulfilled lives.