My father’s favorite “fan” letters were the ones who hated his books – nothing gave him greater joy than a hate letter.

You write voraciously, and therefore, are not a failed writer. Published success is not writers success. Look no further than James Patterson.

And I agree, when Tomás puts his mind to a comment, he gives goooood comment. I live for them.

It was not a chore in any way to come see American Dumpling so no thanks for that are needed. I enjoyed the film and your company, Kelly and Tomás – and that of Michael and Aminta.

Tomás,

You “cut your teeth” in the Blogsphere at Reflections From A Murky Pond!?! Talk about jumping straight into the deep end of the pool.

Thank you for your kind words about my review. It was actually difficult for me to write, both because fair criticism is hard to do and because I was trying to convey a sense of the film while not providing any sort of spoilers.

I am, in fact, a “failed” writer. My most interesting rejection letter strongly suggested that I seek “professional psychiatric help.” What I’m not is bitter about it.

Kelly,

You’d know better about what you put in Tomás’ coffee than I would – or any other morning rituals that you might have changed or “enlivened.” Whatever it was, keep it up. Tomás gives good comment, which is what feeds the beast that is a blogger’s ego.

Eileen,

Again, it was no chore to do anything that I did, with the possible exception of this review. That, though difficult, was both an interesting challenge and a learning experience – and, therefor, serving my own self-interest in the long run.

I stomped my foot and insisted that Tomás likes you more than he likes me:)

If E. had a blog, I would just spend hours on it, and neglect “Dumpling” and everything else! So there!

(oh,oh, the ten-year-old is getting cran-ky…..)

Gotta Run, Bobby is finally writing his first book review today. I think he has chosen “Stuff White People Like”, but he was also gazing at “Stranger in a Strange Land”…….

Stay warm, stay safe,

Kel

Thanks again,
Eileen & Darrell

Having to get back to our latest project I voluntarily, albeit with difficulty, went to your rather in-depth musings on “American Dumpling”.

Thank you for writing about it and for relieving me of my worries that the audio wasn’t as problematic as I felt. I also wish to thank you for taking the time to come down, and let you know how much I enjoyed meeting you, Kel’s most original and favorite online nemesis, and finding out you’re a real live human being after all.

Onto this post – I’d say you’d make a great fair & balanced critic/reviewer and should consider it as a secondary or even new primary career choice, but for one thing. That is, that I don’t believe the two dictionary descriptions of critic are mutually exclusive and would not harmonically coincide well in your particular brain. The definition below, to me, requires one to dislike something first, then be somehow convinced it may/could possibly/perhaps/could barely conceivably have a modicum of merit.

critic |?kritik|
noun
1. a person who expresses an unfavorable opinion of something.
2. a person who judges the merits of literary, artistic, or musical works, esp. one who does so professionally.

Since you are fond of going to, and enjoying the multitude of events offered in your fair city, you are excluded from being a professional critic by that very sheer fact – unless you are secretly an angry, bitter, wanna be or washed up writer/director/producer looking to take vengeance out on anything that finds it’s way into their minute, minuscule, panorama.

Finally, you can see why I stay away from anything blog related as this was to be (and is!) a simple, short and heartfelt thank you.

Best,
Tomás

I am speaking for the entire (four of us) crew, but I have a feeling you will be getting a comment from the individuals themselves in the very near future.

So glad you attended, and your insights and suggestions have put a fresh coat of paint on very tired eyes and ears. Don’t be surprised if you find “American Dumpling” Round Two showing up in your DVD box someday

Cheers!

Kel