This reminds me of what Al Franken said about the "media": they aren't biased...they are lazy. They just use stereotypes, press releases, the first thing that comes to mind to do their work. No thought necessary.
I'm assigning some women photographers to pose men the same way...preferably a guy in a business suit, 50s, big pot belly...Or maybe perched on top of a horse, or a sit-upon lawnmower tractor thing.
I just tried it and 1. It hurt my shoulder which has some bursitis or something 2. It was hard to get up after 3. Couldn’t concentrate on Writing because felt like bad position for vertigo
You're right. This is weird. Even as a teen with a diary, I sat at a table or cross-legged on my bedroom floor to write.
As a non-multitasker, due to focus issues, I have no idea how people write in coffee shops or any place where people are talking or being annoying (chewing, moving, ordering...).
I relate best to Jack Nicholson in "The Shining," as I try to get words down before anyone talks to me.
How do these models even pose on their stomachs, pretending to write? I imagine them telling anyone who'll listen, after a long day of posing as writers, "I need Advil! My neck aches. My elbows are sore. How do writers ever write entire books? It's painful!"
I haven't written while lying on my stomach since I was a teenager. I guess the media wants to perpetuate this immature image. Like all women writers are just girls writing in their diaries, not to be taken seriously. It's actually kind of offensive, when you think about it.
As a woman in her third decade, I would like to report that I have almost never written (or read…) any other way. Sitting at a desk? On my bottom? Blech. Forced to in school, of course, but those strictures are not meant for moments driven by my own agency. No, instead I stretch out on my stomach, the curve of my back cozy and warm enough for an occasional visit from my cat. Both elbows propping my chin up when I’m pondering things…my core muscles firing into action when it’s time to type, my hands hanging at the wrists to hover over the keys. Sometimes I fold both arms to one side and lay atop one fist. At other times, I rest my head on an arm stretched out. I could go on and on, but I won’t. I am simply asking that my kind not be erased from the history of our nation on this patriotic weekend!!
I am mesmerized by the woman in the headphones. To her left is a basket of fresh baked goods on bakery paper. The plant is positioned in a way that prevents her from accessing the coffee cup. The only theory I can concoct is that she was so fully immersed in “writing,” and “listening” that the bored person who brought her to this lovely hotel amused themselves by placing things around her to see what might draw her attention. “Do you smell the muffins?” “Do you hear the alarm?” “Come on, reach for your coffee & grab a plant.”
I think one “ekes” out words, unless we’re writing a horror tale. Extra points tho for “incommodious…” It’s always women pictured because women are better looking + you get to see face + butt at one go. This is a theory. I’ve tried writing while on my stomach but found I end up with a case of Idris Elbow ha. I’ve genuinely been waiting to use that for days thank you for the chance - v. glad you’re writing..
I was directed to this post today. What brilliance! It brought to mind description of a man laying on the floor by another famous women author who lived with her married lover defying convention in the 1850's. From George Eliot's Middlemarch....."Will Ladislaw was stretched on the rug contemplating the curtain-pole abstractedly, and humming very low the notes of "When first I saw thy face;" while the house spaniel, also stretched out with small choice of room, looked from between his paws at the usurper of the rug with silent but strong objection."
Apparently you haven’t read “Core Strength Exercises for Writers” by Joan Didion.
This reminds me of what Al Franken said about the "media": they aren't biased...they are lazy. They just use stereotypes, press releases, the first thing that comes to mind to do their work. No thought necessary.
I'm assigning some women photographers to pose men the same way...preferably a guy in a business suit, 50s, big pot belly...Or maybe perched on top of a horse, or a sit-upon lawnmower tractor thing.
There’s an acre to dig through here, but i had to post this: who eats a PLATE of popcorn?
Haaa. That is a very valid point.
I just tried it and 1. It hurt my shoulder which has some bursitis or something 2. It was hard to get up after 3. Couldn’t concentrate on Writing because felt like bad position for vertigo
This was the highlight of my morning. It's the evolution of "women laughing with salad"—the commentary on each photo seals the deal. I needed that!
Thank you so much. I was worried it was too something or other to post.
You're right. This is weird. Even as a teen with a diary, I sat at a table or cross-legged on my bedroom floor to write.
As a non-multitasker, due to focus issues, I have no idea how people write in coffee shops or any place where people are talking or being annoying (chewing, moving, ordering...).
I relate best to Jack Nicholson in "The Shining," as I try to get words down before anyone talks to me.
How do these models even pose on their stomachs, pretending to write? I imagine them telling anyone who'll listen, after a long day of posing as writers, "I need Advil! My neck aches. My elbows are sore. How do writers ever write entire books? It's painful!"
Ear plugs are essential for those times when one must work in a public place. I always keep a pair in my computer bag.
That would help. But I'm an easily distracted people watcher.
I haven't written while lying on my stomach since I was a teenager. I guess the media wants to perpetuate this immature image. Like all women writers are just girls writing in their diaries, not to be taken seriously. It's actually kind of offensive, when you think about it.
I would like to let you know that a device has been invented that FINALLY allows men to write on their stomachs. And also drink coffee.
https://www.tuvie.com/prone-cushion-an-ergonomic-cushion-to-support-lying-in-a-prone-position/
I object!!
As a woman in her third decade, I would like to report that I have almost never written (or read…) any other way. Sitting at a desk? On my bottom? Blech. Forced to in school, of course, but those strictures are not meant for moments driven by my own agency. No, instead I stretch out on my stomach, the curve of my back cozy and warm enough for an occasional visit from my cat. Both elbows propping my chin up when I’m pondering things…my core muscles firing into action when it’s time to type, my hands hanging at the wrists to hover over the keys. Sometimes I fold both arms to one side and lay atop one fist. At other times, I rest my head on an arm stretched out. I could go on and on, but I won’t. I am simply asking that my kind not be erased from the history of our nation on this patriotic weekend!!
I really enjoyed this investigation into stomach writing
I am mesmerized by the woman in the headphones. To her left is a basket of fresh baked goods on bakery paper. The plant is positioned in a way that prevents her from accessing the coffee cup. The only theory I can concoct is that she was so fully immersed in “writing,” and “listening” that the bored person who brought her to this lovely hotel amused themselves by placing things around her to see what might draw her attention. “Do you smell the muffins?” “Do you hear the alarm?” “Come on, reach for your coffee & grab a plant.”
After they finish writing down their thoughts, they all laugh alone with a salad
https://www.thehairpin.com/2011/01/women-laughing-alone-with-salad/
I wrote while lying on my stomach every night for 4 years, but I was very young (and male) and usually feel asleep while doing it.
I think one “ekes” out words, unless we’re writing a horror tale. Extra points tho for “incommodious…” It’s always women pictured because women are better looking + you get to see face + butt at one go. This is a theory. I’ve tried writing while on my stomach but found I end up with a case of Idris Elbow ha. I’ve genuinely been waiting to use that for days thank you for the chance - v. glad you’re writing..
Thank you for the spelling correction. I will change it. But points removed for Idris Elbow.
I was directed to this post today. What brilliance! It brought to mind description of a man laying on the floor by another famous women author who lived with her married lover defying convention in the 1850's. From George Eliot's Middlemarch....."Will Ladislaw was stretched on the rug contemplating the curtain-pole abstractedly, and humming very low the notes of "When first I saw thy face;" while the house spaniel, also stretched out with small choice of room, looked from between his paws at the usurper of the rug with silent but strong objection."
Haa. What a great quote! Thanks!
I have only read the title and I'm belly laughing. Cat gives me the what'the!? look,