Hey there!
I’m McKenzie — a writer, artist, and critic currently based in Boulder County, Colorado. I serve as the executive editor for sneaker wave magazine and the inaugural critic-in-residence for MAYDAY. I’m also the founder and host of the Thunderdome Conference, a small-scale writing conference for people eager to learn from each other. (Wanna see more of my work off substack? Find it all at https://www.mwatsonfore.com/publications.)
So what are we doing here, at Critic at Play?
I created this space as a container for work that doesn’t fit elsewhere. It’s a space for book reviews, inquiries into cultural phenomena I’m just starting to explore, and engagement with the work of other creatives. I publish one essay every Tuesday.
Most of these essays will, in some way or another, spring from my perspective as a white woman who grew up evangelical. I’m often writing about the spiritual or religious dynamics of things that may not seem spiritual, like this book review of Piranesi as a Deconstruction Story.
Original artwork in your mailbox
Right now, my entire archive is available to read free of charge. However, if you choose to support my work as a paying subscriber, about once every three months, you’ll receive handmade snail mail from me including an original art print.
Share with friends and deepen your discussions
I love covering buzzy topics and I strive to have a nuanced perspective. Since launching a few months ago, I’ve written about demystifying AI, a controversial bookstore in downtown Denver, and Pantone’s Color of the Year. I’d love to hear your perspective: weigh in via the comments or repost my essays with a reaction. Consider adding me to your recommended substacks so your friends can join in, too! And as always, thanks for being here.
To learn more about the tech platform that powers this publication, visit Substack.com.
