January 23rd, 2009 / 7:05 pm
 Author Spotlight & Word Spaces

Classic Word Spaces 2: Chekhov’s Desk

chekhovdesk

I did a search for Chekhov’s desk and the above image was what came up.

There it is, everyone. Chekhov’s desk. As we all know, Chekhov was a physician. Thus, Chekhov cared about the health of his wrists. He wanted to be able to write without pain. This explains his use of a tilt-y desk, I’m guessing.

Remember those kneeling chairs everyone bought during the ’80s? You might not realize this, but in addition to inventing the modern short story, Chekhov also invented those. That’s why so many writers use them. They are good for your back and they also inspire you to write powerfully observed short fiction that limns the human condition in subtle, masterful ways.

Here’s a picture of someone using one. It may or may not be author Cynthia Ozick*:

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* Disclaimer: This is probably not Cynthia Ozick.

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9 Comments

  1. January 23rd, 2009 / 7:18 pm pr—

      I love Chekhov.

      My husband had one of those chairs in the 90s. It helped him. Then he quit his job that he hated and that helped more. Now he has a job he likes and doesn’t have to sit in a special chair.

      I believe that last photo is of the performance artist Diamanda Galas. You see, she used to come into this restaurant when I was a waitress (oops, “server) and she was very sweet. She was one of my favorite costumers.

  2. January 23rd, 2009 / 11:45 pm Ryan Call—

      my 2nd grade teacher had a chair like that – she sat in it at the front of the room (no desk) and read to us.

  3. January 23rd, 2009 / 7:45 pm Ryan Call—

      my 2nd grade teacher had a chair like that – she sat in it at the front of the room (no desk) and read to us.

  4. January 24th, 2009 / 1:22 am cari—

      Yeah, yeah, yeah, desk, chair, whatever. I just want those green boots.

  5. January 23rd, 2009 / 9:22 pm cari—

      Yeah, yeah, yeah, desk, chair, whatever. I just want those green boots.

  6. January 24th, 2009 / 2:50 am barry—

      oh snappity snap. blake and jereme. thanks a lot. i just got my copy of ever today from the contest you guys ran. thanks a lot fellas. i cant wait to devour this biotchhhhh.

  7. January 23rd, 2009 / 10:50 pm barry—

      oh snappity snap. blake and jereme. thanks a lot. i just got my copy of ever today from the contest you guys ran. thanks a lot fellas. i cant wait to devour this biotchhhhh.

  8. January 27th, 2009 / 12:58 am Leigh Stein—

      dibs on the wallpaper

  9. January 26th, 2009 / 8:58 pm Leigh Stein—

      dibs on the wallpaper