For those of you who don't know, I am a full-time author. A few years ago, I closed down my private dayhome, quit selling Pampered Chef kitchen products (although I still use them every day :), and went back to my original and never fading love—writing fiction. And I haven't regretted it since.

Working from home provides many comforts. I can hole up in my cozy office, surrounded by my books and promotional items (and the photocopy of my first advance cheque on the wall), and easily work through lunch. And what's a coffee break? I grab another cup and then plop myself back in front of my computer, anxious to return to the characters that haunt me.

But my favorite 'haunt' is a quiet little place that I can bring my laptop to and write in, one that offers me gourmet coffees and hot chocolates, a table by a fireplace and interesting people to spy on—I mean, study. The advantages to writing in a coffee shop such as this are that normally I have fewer distractions. If the shop phone rings, it's not for me—not another darned telemarketer trying to sell me something or my husband calling to say "whatcha doing?" I have learned to block out almost any of the noises (except the screaming babies that sometimes find their way here). It’s become my “other office". Also known as the Cappuccino Affair on 50th Street in Edmonton. And that’s where I am now.

The owner, Victor Guan, is a huge supporter of my work and events, even hosting my last book launch (for The River) at his coffee shop. He has also encouraged me to post signs (and there are many :) and I often have people meet me here. Sometimes a fan will recognize me, and that is a thrill for ME. Often aspiring writers will seek me out and ask questions, and I also use the Cappuccino Affair as a meeting place for my interviews and business meetings (like when I met with a local publisher) and for my writers' group—Edmonton Fiction Writers. We meet here once a month.

A few people I've met at Victor's shop have found their way (with permission) into my novels. Not necessarily as themselves, but as character names. Victor will be 'appearing' in my next novel Children of the Fog as none other than...himself, a Cappuccino Affair owner/proprietor. Actually, a few people have found their way into that novel—one I am very excited about.

So, if you’re in Edmonton, AB, and find yourself at the Cappuccino Affair on 50th Street on Wednesdays, I am usually here from 11-4. And sometimes, like today (a Thursday) I’m here as well. I invite you to come down and say ‘Hi’. Fans are one ‘distraction’ I truly enjoy, and I always have a few—

Sorry, my cell phone just rang. It was my husband. Note to self—turn off cell. Now where was I? Oh, yes, I always have copies of my books with me, so if the bookstores are sold out of Divine Intervention or The River, you can buy one directly from me. And I’ll autograph it too!

Well, now it's time for me to get back to the pleasure and business of writing. I'll Blog you later! :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song, Divine Intervention and The River