You don’t necessarily have to travel anywhere to write, but sometimes a change of scenery can break up the mental monotony. Even a desk with a view can lose its artistic edge after a while; getting some fresh air makes a big difference too. So, if you’re like us and enjoy a little adventure or just want to get outside and write, here are some of our favorite places to write in Springfield, MO.
Fellows Lake
On the north side of Springfield, Fellows Lake is a peaceful escape from city life, with tables and awnings placed strategically along the inlets of the lake. Some are out in the open with a fresh, lovely view of the lake while others are hidden by the wily branches of oak trees. This lovely gem has become a hideaway for many ponderings and poems.
If you are the type of writer that likes a little noise while writing, Classic Rock Coffee will do it for you. Along with delicious drinks, this shop has a great atmosphere. Conversation, classic rock music playing in the background, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee make this place a winner. Not everyone is a fan of noise when it comes to writing, but noise can lead to inspiration. Pop in some headphones, turn on Crime Junkies or Gustavo Santaolalla’s “Last of Us Part II”, sip on some coffee, and let inspiration find you.
Lake Springfield Park
Nestled away on the south side of the city, this scenic escape features an array of covered picnic tables and shade trees, miles of paved trails, swings, and a pavilion for larger gatherings. Albeit busy by day during the summer months, we enjoy writing at Lake Springfield Park in the early (and, in the summertime, cooler) morning hours before the rest of the city shows up to play. The covered picnic tables are far enough from foot paths and busier section of the park to prevent you from being bothered by hikers or woolgatherers. Personally, we prefer to stray off the beaten path with a portable table and chair in the shade of a tree.
Mudhouse/MudLounge
For those 1,000+ word days, the Mudhouse and Mudlounge are there for you. Knock out your first draft in the morning at the Mudhouse with a frozen mudpuddle. Bring your laptop; bring a pad of a paper and a pen. Bring your imagination. Order a latte and grab a table out front. Make some hay while the sun shines. Bale those pretty little words into purple hays. Then wander down the street to the Mudlounge for an evening of editing and chocolate espresso martinis. Let your hair down. Paint yourself into a vacant back corner table where there’s always more poetry to be written.
In Your Car at Little Caesars, Waiting for Pizza
Hungry, committed, and a little stoned—so of course there’s a twenty minute wait. It’s Saturday and you’re craving something that’s not kept hot ‘n ready. You’re back in the car instead of awkwardly avoiding eye contact in the lobby. Why not write? If you don’t have your laptop or even a notebook, open up the note app on your phone. Listen to Universe’s spoken-word ticker tape. Half-heard conversations, single lines of dialogue without pretext or preamble. Would-be altercations. A gun shot. Sirens. Unexpected acts of kindness. A narrowly-avoided car crash. Panhandler’s promises—with your help. A million different voices crying out their strangeness, asking us to listen. To respond. To tell their stories. So much magic happens in a parking lot.
the water and the gills 