I had a boss once who imagined Joyce Carol Oates’ prolific output was a result of her having a typewriter in every room of her house, and every time she entered a room she would write a bit. This fake explanation still lives rent-free in my head as the source of JCO’s productivity.
As a lifelong loafer and quitter of many jobs, I love this perspective. Also, I might need to bring a picture of young Francoise Sagan next time I see my hair stylist!
What a beautiful reworking and explanation of 'laziness'. Yes to being moved about mentally, sensually, creatively, moment to moment - and then, because of this surrender and attention, having inspiration that makes the work more enticing than doing nothing. I love this.
Maybe she worked that way because she did not have the creative energy for more each day or in the week. I started to paint everyday again lately but I can’t paint more than 3/4 hours a day. And if I try to do more, I don’t do a good job. Also there are days where I will take a break from painting because I want to keep the energy to do it.
I bought a copy of Bonjour Tristesse while staying with my French penfriend in Paris. All the pages were joined together, normal back then, and I had to take a penknife to each one before I could read it. That felt very romantic! I bought Francoise Hardy's Tous les garcons et les filles de mon age.... too and played it incessantly.
I really enjoyed this. My friend Annette Wick forwarded this to me. This bit I love: "Being lazy also means that other people’s opinions don’t matter. Nor does the idea of always having to prove yourself." It reminds me of this: "A person becomes cool after they stop tryign to be cool." Thanks for your writing.
I had a boss once who imagined Joyce Carol Oates’ prolific output was a result of her having a typewriter in every room of her house, and every time she entered a room she would write a bit. This fake explanation still lives rent-free in my head as the source of JCO’s productivity.
what a great topic. thanks for pulling that quote from Sagan on laziness! Inspiring.
As a lifelong loafer and quitter of many jobs, I love this perspective. Also, I might need to bring a picture of young Francoise Sagan next time I see my hair stylist!
Wow, I love the photos of her (LAZING ABOUT).
What a beautiful reworking and explanation of 'laziness'. Yes to being moved about mentally, sensually, creatively, moment to moment - and then, because of this surrender and attention, having inspiration that makes the work more enticing than doing nothing. I love this.
Love this! But can laziness survive so many distractions nowdays? 🥺
This is why we need the reminder! I think it can survive but we need to aspire to it 😌
Maybe she worked that way because she did not have the creative energy for more each day or in the week. I started to paint everyday again lately but I can’t paint more than 3/4 hours a day. And if I try to do more, I don’t do a good job. Also there are days where I will take a break from painting because I want to keep the energy to do it.
BDE! Love it!
I bought a copy of Bonjour Tristesse while staying with my French penfriend in Paris. All the pages were joined together, normal back then, and I had to take a penknife to each one before I could read it. That felt very romantic! I bought Francoise Hardy's Tous les garcons et les filles de mon age.... too and played it incessantly.
Very romantic! And I love that song 💙
I’m going to check out and go work on my laziness.
She is smoking in every photograph. Maybe I should take up smoking?
🤔
Really enjoyed this post! Hurray for the "lazy" part of being a writer and its crucial role in the creative process :p
I really enjoyed this. My friend Annette Wick forwarded this to me. This bit I love: "Being lazy also means that other people’s opinions don’t matter. Nor does the idea of always having to prove yourself." It reminds me of this: "A person becomes cool after they stop tryign to be cool." Thanks for your writing.