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Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Isabella tells the story of how she became a vampire.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked how the relationship grew slowly over time.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person by Isabella. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's not much dialogue. If anything, the story reads more like a diary entry and perhaps you might want to do an edit to reflect that? I liked the plot very much, but the story is very "telling" as opposed to "showing." I'd love to see a scene where Nickolas and Isabella share a first kiss or talk and get to know each other. Those are the type of scenes readers enjoy.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes, but this is something that could be expanded on. You might want to touch on the 5 senses. What does Nickolas smell like? Woodsy? Spicy? Citrus? When you use the senses, it helps to further engage and hold the reader.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: urban setting?

This is something that is not defined but could be clarified for the reader. You could easy say something like,

"France
2010" at the beginning of the story to frame the setting for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Isabella

There's enough here to understand her motivations. She is in love with Nickolas. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening catches the reader's attention. Good first person voice.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of Not Quite Death  
Review by StephBee
Rated: ASR | (4.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Arianna prepares for the last day of her life.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked that this was a very delibrate choice for her and she knew what she was getting into.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person mainly from Arianna's perspective. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. I would suggest an edit for dialogue tags. Use only "he said" or "she replied" in tags to identify the speaker only, if you have to. Put action in a seperate sentence. Put the action first, then the dialogue.

FOR EXAMPLE, AS WRITTEN: "Kristopher," she said, raising her hand up to gently caress his face.

MY SUGGESTION: She raised her hand up to gently carress his face. "Kristopher, you had everything and nothing to do with my decision."

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes. I especially liked "She let herself cry for a few minutes, hugging her knees to her chest." It evokes emotion as well as paint a picture.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: urban setting?

This is something that is not defined but could be clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Arianna

There's enough here to understand her motivations. She is in love with Kristopher. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctution mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening intrigues the reader. Very nice visuals using a good economy of words.

Write on!

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of Monster Justice  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 18+ | (3.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

In a world of monsters, a human is accused of a crime.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked how the story put monster telling on "it's head" so speak. Good creativity.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told using an omniscient POV in the third person. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately. I would caution for the present tense and I might suggest you do an edit to make the tense consistent.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. I would suggest an edit for dialogue tags. Use only "he said" or "she replied" in tags to identify the speaker only, if you have to. Put action in a seperate sentence. Put the action first, then the dialogue.

FOR EXAMPLE, AS WRITTEN: "Why did you do that?" the one asks, as he turns to the other.

MY SUGGESTION: One man turned to face the other. "Why did you do that?"

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes, but this is something that could be expanded on.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: urban setting?

This is something that is not defined but could be clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

James

I was curious to know how James came to be living in the land of monsters.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctution mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening catches the reader's attention but the ending is a little confusing as who was who and who did what. An original read with a nice twist on the monster world.

Write on!

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of Lessons of Love  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Suzy and the narrator are childhood sweethearts with a secret.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I loved the opening. Good character voice.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person by an unnamed narrator. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. I would suggest an edit for dialogue tags. Use only "he said" or "she replied" in tags to identify the speaker only, if you have to. Put action in a seperate sentence. Put the action first, then the dialogue.

FOR EXAMPLE, AS WRITTEN: "What was that!" Suzy screamed, jumping up and pulling her blouse closed.

MY SUGGESTION: Suzy jumped up and pulled her on her blouse. "What was that?"

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes, but this is something that could be expanded on. Use the five senses. Taste and smell would work nicely in this story.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: urban setting?

This is something that is not defined but could be clarified for the reader. Something like, Everyday New York, 2010 in the beginning of the story.

*Star* CHARACTERS

The narrator

There's enough here to understand his motivations. He loves Suzy *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. I would have you give the unknown narrator a name. You can put it in dialogue as Suzy addresses him. I also think you can rework the ending to really hit home by taking out the surprise of it. Have them both know they are vampires and I think it will work better. The opening engages the reader. Write on!

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of Rosa  
Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (3.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Rosa is a beauty on the outside, a beast on the inside.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

Good ending. It was a surprise. Well done.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person ominiscient. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. Good job with dialogue tags. The dialogue moves the story forward.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes, but this is something that could be expanded on. You don't need a lot. Use the five senses and a couple of stragetically placed sentences and you'll round out the story.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: urban setting?

This is something that is not defined but could be clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Rosa

There's enough here to understand her motivations. She trolled the nights looking for prey, and then discovers she's been stalked herself. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestion as mentioned above. The story moves well, the opening is a little slow and a little descriptive. I might start with Rosa in motion, on the 4th paragraph. The rest you can work into the narrative of the story.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of A Love Story  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)
Hello, I'm StephBee and I am reviewing your story for Show Your Best at the Sandbox. Thanks for entering.

*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

A young man meets a young lady on an island and falls in love, but their love on Earth wasn't meant to be.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

Ah, love's foolish mistakes. It's a theme I think we can relate to. "The one we let go and should have held onto."

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person omniscient. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's not much dialogue and when there is it is included in the body of the paragraph around it. I would make the dialogue a seperate paragraph.

Remember dialogue lends itself to showing. You want to strive for a 50/50 balance between dialogue and narration. When narration is the better part of the story, it's usually "telling," and most professional editors would counsel against that technique.


*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the immediate scene and the flashback in the reader's eye.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern
PLACE: urban

This is something that is not clarified for the reader. You can always add something like

Los Angeles
2010

(for example)
at the beginning of the piece to "set" the setting in the reader's mind.

*Star* CHARACTERS

unnamed man

Always try to fit the name of your main character into the story if you can. There's enough to understand his motivations and his regrets.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned before. Remember watch out for "telling." You want to show a story as opposed to telling it. The beginning engages the reader. Word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the contest.

Blue ribbon banner for contest.
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Review of The Ritual  
Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (3.5)
Hello, I'm StephBee and I am reviewing your story for the Show Off Your Best at the Sandbox Contest.Thanks for entering.

*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Osper goes to pay homage for his first kill and Stealth joins him.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked the ending. All that for a ............!! *Smile*

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person using Osper's perspective. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. I would suggest an edit for dialogue tags. Use only "he said" or "she replied" in tags to identify the speaker only, if you have to. Put action in a seperate sentence. Put the action first, then the dialogue.

FOR EXAMPLE, AS WRITTEN: "What now?" the thief asked, as he picked himself up.

MY SUGGESTION: The thief picked himself up and dusted off his pants. "What now?"

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes, but I might suggest using just a little bit more. Trying using the five senses to help describe the mountain.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: historical?
PLACE: mountain side.

I might suggest clarifing this a little bit more for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Osper

There's enough here to understand his motivations. He has to pay homage for his first kill. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest an edit for punctuation. Spell out the work "okay" in manuscript writing. Don't use OK. That's fine for journalistic endeavors, but spell it out in stories.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening engages the reader and keeps them reading. Word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the contest.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of When Beauty Fell  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
Hello, I'm StephBee and I am reviewing your story for Show Off Your Best at the Sandbox. Thanks for entering.

*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Abella marries an handsome man, but there is no beauty within so she leaves, only to find a man who has a kind heart, but lacking in looks.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I thought this was a nice spin on the Beauty and Beast fairytale. Nice character introspection about what is beauty.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person limited by Abella. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. The dialogue moves the story forward.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

The author uses a good economy of words to paint a picture. I especially liked: "She was a whole night's run ahead of him, him with his wide open smile and tight heavy fists and his deep panting breath reeking of rum."

*Star* SETTING

TIME: historical day?
PLACE: rural setting?

This is something that is not defined but could be clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Abella

There's enough here to understand her motivations. She runs away from her husband, looking for something better. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I spotted one spelling mistake "too" for "two." I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening gets the reader's attention. Why is Abella running away? Word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the contest.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of Lani's Blog  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
Hello, I'm StephBee and I am reviewing your blog for Bard's Hall Contest. Thanks for entering.

*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE BLOG

The blog focuses on writing.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked the poems. They were very engaging. I liked the one dedicated to National Candy Month. Cute.

*Star* CONTENT

The content isn't overwhelming or wordy. In fact the author uses a good economy of words to get their point across, focusing on writing.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes, but very easy going when it comes to blogs. I don't expect perfect.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Good use of WDC ML. Perhaps you could find a graphic to use a theme setter (A woman holding a feather pen or a scroll of poetry). An inspirational blog about writing! Good luck in the contest.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of A Love Story  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Alexandra and John embark on a love affair before he goes off to war.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I thought this told the story well and in a realistic manner.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person omniscient. The POV switches within scenes. This is known as a "Lonesome Dove" perspective after the famous novel. Most editors discourage this type of point of view because it can confuse the reader. The romance genre seems almost forgiving of it. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes, but this is something that could be expanded on.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: late 1930's
PLACE: England

This was clarified enough for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Alexandra

There's enough here to understand his motivations. She gives into her love for John and hopes for the best throughout the war. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation. There's a sentence that starts with "i" not "I", for example.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening uses a lot of description and doesn't really catch the reader's attention well. I might start with the second paragraph and then weave in the descriptions after that. I would use "England, 1939" as "header" before the story starts to set it in the reader's mind.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review by StephBee
Rated: ASR | (4.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

To prove her love for Pelo, Pooca takes a long trip for her tribe to San Fransisco.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

The story was full of adventure. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next to Pooca.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person by Pooca. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. I would suggest an edit for dialogue tags. Use only "he said" or "she replied" in tags to identify the speaker only, if you have to. Put action in a seperate sentence. Put the action first, then the dialogue.

FOR EXAMPLE, AS WRITTEN: "Is this what you're taking?" Rorke said as he and Tau grabbed the trunk and sack that were obvious baggage.

MY SUGGESTION: Tau and Rorke grabbed the trunk and sack. Rorke looked up. "Is this what you're taking?"

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

The descriptions really help to set the scene. If anything, I thought the beginning was overly descriptive and it slowed the start of the story down a bit. I might suggest opening with Pooca, Rorke, and Tau actively packing for her trip and get to the back story in a later scene.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: 1840's
PLACE: far away land/San Francisco

I wasn't quite sure where Pooca was coming from. The Pacific Northwest? Alaska? Hawaii?

*Star* CHARACTERS

Pooca

There's enough here to understand her motivations. To prove her love to Pelo's parents, she sets out on an adventure.*Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. I liked the end. It offered hope.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of What is Beauty  
Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (4.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

This is a letter to Mike from Julia. It speaks of love and nature.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I loved how the author entwined love and nature. The closing was especially moving.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the form of a letter by Julia.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's no dialogue.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set emotions. For example "Green and violet northern lights bring fear, disbelief and faith at the same time."


*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I have no suggestions for improvement except to expand on the letter.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review by StephBee
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

A couple loses a child.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked how the author captured the romantic moment midst the tragedy. It was very heartwarming.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person Mrs. Zabel. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. The dialogue moves the story forward.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day
PLACE: hospital

This is something that is clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Mrs. Zabel

There's enough here to understand her motivations. She's heartbroken and her husband's roses inspire hope and love in the midst of a sad event.*Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctutation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I have no suggestions for improvement. The opening engages the reader. Thank you for sharing something so personal. It is very inspirational.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of Bonita Fishing  
Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (3.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

A woman meets a man who feels very familiar to her.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked how it told a story in a vingette.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person by an unnamed narrator. (Who I should assume is Bonita from the title?) Good job with narration. Present tense is used which can be disconcerting for many readers. I might suggest using past tense. Example: as written, "The air, of all the things around me, feels real-" I would change feels to felt.

*Star* DIALOGUE

The dialogue accents the narration.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes, but this is something that could be expanded on. Is this on the Mexican coast? The California or Texas coast? What year?

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: urban setting?

This is something that that is not defined but could be clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Unnamed Narrator

There's enough here to understand her motivations. She visits a small fishing bay.*Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening engages the reader. The ending leaves them curious.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Laura falls in love with a cowboy named Mark.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked the ending and how Laura, at the end, saw what was staring her in the face regarding Jake.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person by Laura. Line breaks are used appropriately. Good job with narration. If anything, I would identify Laura within the context of dialogue and not in the opening paragraph. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a minimal amount of dialogue. Dialogue helps to "show" a story, and I would suggest incorporating more of it into the story.

Don't put dialogue within the context of a paragraph, make a seperate paragraph for it.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes, but this is something that could be expanded on. Use the five senses. You can draw on taste and smell within the context of the story.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: rural setting?

This is something that that is not defined but could be clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Laura

There's enough here to understand her motivations. She gives her heart over to passionate love. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation. You use exclaimation points a lot which makes the story feel a little melodramaic.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening is very descriptive and doesn't engage the reader like it should. I might suggest reworking it so Laura meets Mark at the cafe and let the descriptions come a little later on in the story.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of The first day  
Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (2.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines. It is not personal or an attack on the writer.

*Reading* THE STORY

A lover loses his beloved to winter.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I think the tragedy of finding love and losing it is very relatable. The story was very Romeo and Juliet-esque.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the second person. Second person tense is very confusing for a reader. I would suggest using a first person narrative to draw on the raw emotions of tragedy. Past tense was used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There is no dialogue. Dialogue helps a writer to "show" a story as opposed to "telling" it. Perhaps writing a vignette of the concert or of the accident would help to show more than telling.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

This is something that could be expanded on. Touch upon the five senses to include smell and taste.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: urban setting?

This is something that that is not defined but could be clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Unclear because of the 2nd person narration.

*Star* MECHANICS

I might suggest an edit for punctuation/spelling. For example youre beautiful should be "You're beautiful." i should be captialized when refering to oneself. After "i am truly lost" there should be a period.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening is telling the reader what's going on, not showing, and doesn't engage the reader. If you edit the piece, let me know and I'll rate you higher.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hello, I'm StephBee and I am reviewing your entry for the Best of the Rest Contest. Thanks for entering.

*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE CAMPFIRE

The campfire tells the story of a young couple fighting for their love.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked that the campfire appeared very active. Every entry was easy to read and follow along.

*Star* CONTENT

There are several entries. If anything, I would have liked to have had more of an introduction. Use the intro to set the scene of the story, introduce the characters and give a potential reader a feel of what to expect from the campfire.

*Star* MECHANICS

I might suggest minor edits for spelling and punctuation.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestion mentioned above. I might suggest using a graphic to help as a visual reference and set a tone for your contest as well as WDC ML. Good luck in the Best of the Rest Contest.

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Review of Vampire Origins  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hello, I'm StephBee and I am reviewing your story for Best of the Rest Thanks for entering.

*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE CAMPFIRE

This is a campfire about hunting vampires in Romania.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

It appeared to have been very active. Additions were small and easy to read and follow.

*Star* CONTENT

There are a lot of additions.

*Star* MECHANICS

I might a minor edit for spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I might suggest using some WDC ML or a graphic in the introduction to frame the campfire or set a tone/mood. Overall, good participation in the campfire. Good luck in the Best of the Rest contest.

Best of the Rest Banner
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Review of The Scent Of Love  
Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hello, I'm StephBee and I am reviewing your story for The Bard's Hall. Thanks for entering.


*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Reni works in an office and doesn't Raj for the great guy he is until it might be too late.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

The story hit on a theme that I think you see a lot in the modern day - sometimes you just don't know what you have until it's gone.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person by Reni. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. I would suggest an edit for dialogue tags. Use only "he said" or "she replied" in tags to identify the speaker only, if you have to. Put action in a seperate sentence. Put the action first, then the dialogue.

FOR EXAMPLE, AS WRITTEN: "Do you live alone?" Reni asked castng a curious look at the two bedrooms.

MY SUGGESTION: Reni wondered if he had a wife tucked away somewhere. She cast a curious eyebrow at the two bedrooms. "Do you live alone."

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

I loved the descriptions. The author used a good economy of words to paint vivid pictures. Well done. I especially liked "Lilac white curtains" and "a half smile playing on his face."

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: urban setting?

This is something that that is not defined but could be clarified for the reader. It might help to just identify the town and year at the start of the story to set it in the reader's mind.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Reni

There's enough here to understand her motivations. Once she learns that Raj is taking the attention she's giving Dev in a negative way does she examine her feelings. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation. For example as written: "Hi! Seems you had no trouble finding my house." Said Raj. (who I think should be Dev based on the context of the text around it)

My suggestion: "Hi! Seems you had no trouble finding my house," said Dev.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening caught the reader's attention. Word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the contest.

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE CHAPTER

June talks Crystal into going to "The Place des Negres." It's not for the faint of heart, as it shows a darker side of life.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked how the mystery man saved Crystal. It's a good meeting and sets the tone for the upcoming romance.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person limited by Crystal. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. Try not to put action in the dialogue tags. Use only "he said," "she replied" "she asked" to identify the speaker only. For example, as written: "I nearly did," Crystal said, glancing at the Negro.

I might suggestion: Crystal glanced at the Negro. "I nearly did."

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes. You might want to touch on scent and smells. What did the place of des Negres smell like? The stranger that saved Crystal - what did he smell like? They would really amp up your descriptions. Tap into the five senses when you need to describe something.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: New Orleans
PLACE: 1846

This is something that is clarified for the reader. Well done. I like how you framed that at the beginning of the chapter. I could reference the time period in my mind without having to guess.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Crystal

There's enough here to understand her motivations. She goes with June because June is her friend, but common sense talks her into leaving. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening engages the reader. The pace/flow of the chapter moves well.

Book Cover for Be Mused featuring my short story
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Review of My type of guy  
Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (3.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Michelle recounts how she met Daniel on a day that was really depressing for her.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked the sincerity that Michelle captured. She was very genuine and honest and that made her love for Daniel all that more convincing.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person by Michelle. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. It anything, I would indent each line of dialogue. Reading in a paragraph with the narration can be disconcerting for the reader.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scene.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: urban place?

If anything, I would clarify this for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Michelle

There's enough here to understand her motivations. She's not necessarily looking to fall in love, but she is upset with Daniel. They become friends before they fall in love. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. Good character voice. Keep writing! *Bigsmile*

Book Cover for Be Mused featuring my short story
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Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hello, I'm StephBee and I'm judging this entry for the Best of the Rest Contest.

*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE QUIZ

This quiz is based on a character from Naruto.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I think if you are into the characters from Naruto, this would be a very fun quiz.

*Star*CONTENT

I thought the questions were appropriate and the multiple choice answers appropriate.

*Star* MECHANICS

I might suggest an edit for spelling. I searous for "serious."

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I might suggest offering a little bit more overview in the introducution. I am not familiar with the characters of Naruto, and maybe you could explain the basics. Is is Japanese Anime? Perhaps a graphic in the introduction would help to set the theme or tone of the quiz? Good luck in the Best of the Rest Contest contest.

Best of the Rest Banner
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Review of The Plaid Shirt  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

A plaid shirt has four different adventures with four very different people.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I loved how the theme of love was used to tie the stories together with the shirt. Well done!

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the different perspectives with shifts appropriately done. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration in each vignette.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: urban setting?

This is something that that is not defined but could be clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Plaid Shirt

The plaid shirt and the theme of love tie the stories together. The shirt takes on a "type" of representative love in each vignette. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I have no suggestions for improvement. A poignant vignette centering on a simple item, a plaid shirt, which comes to have a deeper meaning. Keep writing!

#1 2009 Review signature
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Review of The Better Half  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Marli returns to Kerk as a ghost. A medium tries to convince her to cross over into the "light."

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked the dark, gothic, overtones of romance in the story.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person limited mainly by Kerk. Good job on POV narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. The dialogue moved the plot forward. Nice show and tell.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes, but you could to this if you wanted.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day?
PLACE: rural?

I thought this could be further clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Kerk

There's enough here to understand his motivations. His love for Marli keeps her close. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. I thought the opening caught the reader's attention and started where it needed to - in the heart of the problem. The story was a darker styled romance. Keep writing!

Review signature #2 2010
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Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Marie runs a school in Charleston, SC (1875) that accepts Northern and Southern girls. The dynamic is complicated when a divorced man enrolls his daughter, and Marie feels an attraction to him.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked the setting. I think it's something new to explore in romance writing.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person limited. Chapter one was good, in Marie's perspective, but I thought the POV shifted in later chapters and I got a little confused at times. I would suggest using one point of view per chapter. If you need to shift in chapters, use a line break. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. The dialogue moved the plot forward. Good show and tell.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes. I thought you did a good job with this and felt like I was back in Charleston in 1875.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: 1875
PLACE: Charleston, SC

Well done. I thought you did a great job clarifying the setting for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Marie

There's enough here to understand her motivations. She's concerned about money affairs surrounding the school and there's a spark of attraction to Mr. Matthews. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestion as mentioned above. I thought the opening was a bit slow, but I think the setting captures the reader's attention. I would go right into the meeting with Mr. Matthews. In this case, I think chp 2 would make the better opening. I think you've got a good, solid effort here.

Review signature #2 2010
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