She talks to wolves...

Many times in my life have I heard this dismissive phrase spoken. It is a phrase generally uttered with contempt, in blithe and blind disdain of its cause. It is a phrase of prickled pride or of devoted defense of a dear friend or beloved author. It is a pitiable tactic of those who do not wish to engage the varied and complex world of dialogue, interpretation, meaning:

"Those who can, write [or some other creative activity]; those who can't, review [that creative activity]." (Or, even worse: "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.")

What conceit! What patently false nonsense! What, dare I say, poppycock!

I thought to bring myself forward as Exhibit A as I both write and review. However, who am I? I have only one creative piece published professionally thus far. I have won no prestigious awards. My own creative work has not yet even been reviewed. And my reviews have hardly graced the pages of The New York Times Book Review or even Publisher's Weekly. So, no, I cannot present myself for your consideration.

Instead, consider Eudora Welty.

Eudora Welty was a single woman tour de force in Southern literature, matched (and perhaps surpassed) only by William Faulkner. Her short stories and novels are feats of piercing insight and comic brilliance. She was a six-time winner of the O. Henry Award (for short stories) and won a Pulitzer. Her work is still avidly read and studied today and she was granted over thirty honorary degrees by various universities.

She also happened to write reviews throughout her career and even worked for The New York Times Book Review.

Let us consider this from another perspective. ( Those who can't do, teach? Those who can't do or teach, complain. )