Okay..."he" dissed your book and yes, he probably is an underwear folder. Poor chap who believes that play is a four-letter word. I think it applies to skiing as well, and teaching skiing. If you're not having any fun, how you gonna learn? I tell my students (both writing students and ski students) that perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. 'Nuff said. PS I've written all my own chapters 38 times.
right? that's funny, about play being a 4-letter word. I think perfectionism is only the enemy of creativity when you're in creative mode. I have nothing against perfecting your words—or at least questioning whether each one is what you actually want there—and perfecting your spelling and punctuation and grammar (if there even is such a thing, which there isn't) when you're polishing something off. Famously the writer of FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, name escaping me, wrote 42 drafts.
I am so proud of my kids doodling book. For me, it's timeless and useful. Here's my 1 Star Review (so far):
Dianne
1.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
One star, only because I had to give it at least one.
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2019
I felt obligated to warn others, this is a waste. I’m returning this and looking for a better one. I’ve had great ones and know that there are better choices.
I had coffee with a teacher/curriculum developer today, and her crusade is to bring curiosity back into elementary school teaching. As things are going, school is beating the play out of kids instead of teaching them how to use it in their lives.
I keep thinking about this customer comment, and it irks me to no end. I’ve been trying to figure out how I really feel about it besides annoyed. I’m also annoyed that I can’t find the right words for how I feel. Once I figure it out, I will let you know. In the meantime: Your workshops are fantastic and the book is a must both for new and established writers. Playing is vital!!!
"I’m just out here trying to play." More from Kiese Laymon in that wonderful interview you cited. No one would accuse him of not being a "serious" writer. And his current book, written for young people, is all about the saving power of play during his Mississippi childhood.
My rec is to start with "Heavy." True to the bone, and worth all of the praise. My "Southern Cultures" essay is in a similar vein, though a much different experience.
Poor Amazon Customer! He must be a rather dull chap who reads very dull material and hasn't used his imagination in so long he no longer has one!
Most likely he dresses all in black because he can't see color, eats dry toast and drinks weak coffee because he doesn't play with food, can't hear nature's symphony or smell it's perfume since he hasn't played outside since he was two.
Definitely he writes letters that start with Dear Sir or Dear Madam even when he's addressing a friend or relative.
Maybe even folds his underwear! Okay that's not fair, it could be the onIy creative act he does. I could go on but that's what I think.
I think maybe everyone can learn to play, but for some people that's very difficult because they had it beaten out of them at an early age. It's a really interesting idea - thanks for giving me the starting point for another Substack post!
What I really dislike about comments like that is because they're delivered with such certainty, people believe them. I don't - but it's damaging to people who don't know better
Perhaps you should attach this entire thread as a rebuttal within the Amazon Customer Service comments under this individual's mistaken and misleading entry. Issue a challenge for this disillusioned dilettante to join in on an Imaginative barn-Storm.
I wish I could! You can't reply to Amazon posts, but I'm maybe someone will go on there and put the URL for this post.... although I doubt Mr. Underwear Folder will go back to the page and see it.
Some people take great pleasure in being the burr under your saddle. When they succeed, then you miss the joy of the ride. Ignore those people. They misuse the pen.
Thank you Allegra for this— as I venture into my own Memoir effort on listing the woes in my life! I’ll go get the book, about writing playfully! And “Hello,” from New Mexico to you, James Nave and all who were part of Julia’s circle!
I am in New Mexico! In Taos - as is Nave at the moment.... You can order the book directly from imaginativestorm.com or wherever books are sold. Please post a review on Amazon if you enjoy it.
Okay..."he" dissed your book and yes, he probably is an underwear folder. Poor chap who believes that play is a four-letter word. I think it applies to skiing as well, and teaching skiing. If you're not having any fun, how you gonna learn? I tell my students (both writing students and ski students) that perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. 'Nuff said. PS I've written all my own chapters 38 times.
right? that's funny, about play being a 4-letter word. I think perfectionism is only the enemy of creativity when you're in creative mode. I have nothing against perfecting your words—or at least questioning whether each one is what you actually want there—and perfecting your spelling and punctuation and grammar (if there even is such a thing, which there isn't) when you're polishing something off. Famously the writer of FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, name escaping me, wrote 42 drafts.
I am so proud of my kids doodling book. For me, it's timeless and useful. Here's my 1 Star Review (so far):
Dianne
1.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
One star, only because I had to give it at least one.
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2019
I felt obligated to warn others, this is a waste. I’m returning this and looking for a better one. I’ve had great ones and know that there are better choices.
* * * * *
Speaking of fear of being playful!
🙏🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️🙏🕊✌️☮️💃🎶
I had coffee with a teacher/curriculum developer today, and her crusade is to bring curiosity back into elementary school teaching. As things are going, school is beating the play out of kids instead of teaching them how to use it in their lives.
I keep thinking about this customer comment, and it irks me to no end. I’ve been trying to figure out how I really feel about it besides annoyed. I’m also annoyed that I can’t find the right words for how I feel. Once I figure it out, I will let you know. In the meantime: Your workshops are fantastic and the book is a must both for new and established writers. Playing is vital!!!
irked me too! It's the blazingly ignorant certainty and the humorlessness, I think.
"I’m just out here trying to play." More from Kiese Laymon in that wonderful interview you cited. No one would accuse him of not being a "serious" writer. And his current book, written for young people, is all about the saving power of play during his Mississippi childhood.
I'm looking forward to working my way through his books -
My rec is to start with "Heavy." True to the bone, and worth all of the praise. My "Southern Cultures" essay is in a similar vein, though a much different experience.
Poor Amazon Customer! He must be a rather dull chap who reads very dull material and hasn't used his imagination in so long he no longer has one!
Most likely he dresses all in black because he can't see color, eats dry toast and drinks weak coffee because he doesn't play with food, can't hear nature's symphony or smell it's perfume since he hasn't played outside since he was two.
Definitely he writes letters that start with Dear Sir or Dear Madam even when he's addressing a friend or relative.
Maybe even folds his underwear! Okay that's not fair, it could be the onIy creative act he does. I could go on but that's what I think.
That's hilarious about folding his underwear! Also love the idea that he drinks weak coffee because he doesn't play with food. Please do go on....
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this brillan topic.
It is evident for me that everyone can learn how to write, but not everyone can learn how to play,
Playful writing is a higher step for a soul experience on earth.
Harmonize thinking , feeling and willing. 🙏🏼
I think maybe everyone can learn to play, but for some people that's very difficult because they had it beaten out of them at an early age. It's a really interesting idea - thanks for giving me the starting point for another Substack post!
He's dead wrong. You're live right. Never stop writing. I love you.
What I really dislike about comments like that is because they're delivered with such certainty, people believe them. I don't - but it's damaging to people who don't know better
Perhaps you should attach this entire thread as a rebuttal within the Amazon Customer Service comments under this individual's mistaken and misleading entry. Issue a challenge for this disillusioned dilettante to join in on an Imaginative barn-Storm.
I wish I could! You can't reply to Amazon posts, but I'm maybe someone will go on there and put the URL for this post.... although I doubt Mr. Underwear Folder will go back to the page and see it.
Well, yeah. And my first thought was, did he even ever try the exercises? I bet not.
I bet not too. He was so disgusted by the very first exercise that he stomped off and refused to play.
Some people take great pleasure in being the burr under your saddle. When they succeed, then you miss the joy of the ride. Ignore those people. They misuse the pen.
Though it's nice when they give me fodder for these pieces!
I love the book, “Write What You Don’t Know.” It really opened me up and made my writing muscles stronger. Thank you for all that you and James do.
Fonda! It's so nice to see your name. Please come back to our Zooms!
Thank you Allegra for this— as I venture into my own Memoir effort on listing the woes in my life! I’ll go get the book, about writing playfully! And “Hello,” from New Mexico to you, James Nave and all who were part of Julia’s circle!
I am in New Mexico! In Taos - as is Nave at the moment.... You can order the book directly from imaginativestorm.com or wherever books are sold. Please post a review on Amazon if you enjoy it.