Comments on: Freewriting and "Accidental Genius"

By: Dana Detrick from Serious Vanity Music

Dana Detrick from Serious Vanity Music — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 13:38:13 +0000

I immediately started a freewriting “practice” before I was even done with the first chapter, and it’s not only been a godsend for my business, but for my life in general! Recommended it here, and will be singing its praises to everyone I know: http://www.seriousvanity.com/seriousvanitymusic/weekend-warriors-derek-sivers-in-your-face-and-mark-levy-in-your-brain/

By: Mark Levy

Mark Levy — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:33:48 +0000

Thanks for the kind words about my book, Toby. Thanks, too, about the kitchen. I told Stella what you said, and she loved it.

By: Toby Bloomberg - @tobydiva

Toby Bloomberg - @tobydiva — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:25:16 +0000

Mark – congrats! I had the opportunity to read the book … creative ideas that can easily be applied. Mark you are brilliant. By the way, love your kitchen.

By: Mark Levy

Mark Levy — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:21:42 +0000

My publisher, Berrett-Koehler, asked me how I’d describe the book. I said, “Freewriting pulls ideas from every part of the mind. It’s like fireworks going off.” One of the cover concepts they came back with was exploding fireworks.

The graphic arts team there did a beautiful job. I also got lots of smart advice from my client and friend, Larina Kase, who, along with being a business coach and cognitive therapist, is a painter and sculptor.

I agree, Cath. The orange gives it vibrancy.

Have a wonderful birthday! Writing your way into it is a great thing to do.

Thanks, too, for alerting me to the RSS situation. My web guy, who is sensational, is making changes now.

By: Cath Lawson

Cath Lawson — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:24:28 +0000

Hi Mark – I love the colour of your book. I’ve used orange in marketing before and I think it’s a whole lot fresher than red.

As I’ve mentioned before, I love freewriting and I’m always looking for new techniques to try. It’s my birthday in a few days and I always treat myself to a good writing book, so I’m off to add it to my Amazon wishlist now.

BTW – I have tried adding you to my Google reader but your RSS at the bottom of each post just adds a comments only feed, not one for your posts. Is it a mistake, or is there another RSS button I should be using?

By: Mark Levy

Mark Levy — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:44:15 +0000

Glad you found freewriting helpful, Halelly.

You mentioned that the interview technique helped free up your mind. I use that technique a lot, too, because it has a way of objectifying a problem. It drains off some of the emotion, so we can see it more clearly and flip perspectives. We see ways around impediments that initially preoccupied us.

Thanks again for the comment and kind words.

By: Halelly Azulay

Halelly Azulay — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:41:47 +0000

Congratulations, Mark! That’s awesome. What a good feeling that must be… I can’t wait until I can truly understand it myself ;o)
I did some free writing last night to try to work through a problem I’m feeling ’stuck’ on. Did the ‘interview’ technique and came up with some ideas to try. Thanks!

By: Mark Levy

Mark Levy — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:38:26 +0000

Appreciate the kind words, Ron. I look forward to reading about your scripting approach. Good luck with the site.

By: Ron Blau

Ron Blau — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:26:34 +0000

I haven’t read “Accidental Genius” yet, but I just finished “The Fascination Factor,” which is filled with excellent perceptions and tips–and very original. Not censoring ideas prematurely in the creative process is key, and a MUCH more pleasurable way to work. I recently launched a blog about making better online videos, and that includes the amazingly variable scripting process. The blog is called Seeing Your Story (www.seeingyourstory.com) In the June 8 post I talked about working with a Microsoft Word template, but in the June 22 post, the only shooting script was a 3×5 index card I stuck in my pocket. Thanks for your insights!

By: Mark Levy

Mark Levy — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:37:24 +0000

I smiled very broadly, Nancy, while reading your comment about how you only get your photos taken in the kitchen. (Note: Nancy is a Washington D.C.-area personal chef who does cooking segments on TV. Her company is http://mrsrobinsoncooks.com/)

Thanks for buying the book. You’ve already proven you’re a freewriting pro, but I’d be interested to hear how you like it.