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Review of Billy  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
*Reading* THE STORY

Billy is trapped in the body of cat.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

A very original and creative story. The ending brings the story home.

*Star*POV NARRATION/TENSE

The story is told in the first person by Billy the cat. Good job with POV narration. Watch out for the present tense. It creeps into this line: "she lets out a groan as she steadies the tray." Most professional editors recommend you use the past tense to tell a story.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's not much dialogue, but it is appropriate to the story.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Billy (main)

Billy tells a story about a curse and how it haunts the house. The story itself is more plot driven than character driven.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

If anything, I might suggest expanding on the descriptions a little more. Use the five senses or even try using metaphorical descriptions. For example: My stomach roared like waves crashing on the sand. Really paint the scenes of the lighthouse and the ocean for the reader.

*Star* 1ST THREE PARAGRAPHS

The opening had a good blend of action and plot development which caught my interest.

*Star*MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctutation mistakes.

*Star*PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

You might might want to check your paragraph structure. They are long and the single spacing is hard on the reader's eyes.


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Review by StephBee
Rated: ASR | (2.5)
Hello, it's StephBee with a review for your item being the following contest:
Show Off Your Best at the Sandbox  (ASR)
A monthly contest that focuses on Genre writing. CLOSED for the Summer.
#1092898 by StephBee


*Reading* THE STORY

The Doctor, in Tardis, lands in Hogwarts (from Harry Potter lore.)

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

It was a good opening with action that catches the reader's attention.

*Star*POV NARRATION/TENSE

The story is told in the third person mainly from the Doctor's perspective. Good job with POV narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

The dialogue moves the story forward, but don't put action in a dialogue. If you have to use a dialogue tag to id the speaker, keep it simple like "he said," or "she replied." Put the action in a separate sentence. For example, as written: “Just checking she’s in order. Now, let’s get out. See where we are, to start.” The Doctor said, making for the door.

My suggestion: The doctor made for the door. "Just checking. She's in order. Let's get out and see where we are."

*Star* CHARACTERS

Doctor (main)

The doctor accidentally lands near Hogwarts. I got the impression he was brave, but the story is more plot driven than character driven. The Doctor doesn't really go through any self-growth periods or learning experiences.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

If anything, I might suggest expanding on the descriptions a little more. Use the five senses. In Sci-Fi writing, you, the writer, are establishing a world outside of the norm, so it's important to really the paint the scenes and settings for the reader.

*Star* 1ST THREE PARAGRAPHS

They opened with action which caught my attention and held it. It was a good opening to the story.

*Star*MECHANICS

I might suggest an edit for spelling/punctutation mistakes.

*Star*PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I might also suggest spacing between paragraphs and dialogue tags. The single spacing as it is on WDC is hard on the reader's eyes. Also, Sci-Fi is a genre, like Fantasy, that requires some suspension of belief and usually the author can get away with one element of that. Mixing Doctor Who and Harry Potter was hard to do in this story as it is. The story fit the prompt, "Sci-Fi" and the word count was listed. Good luck in the contest.

This review was given in conjunction with Mad Mod Reviews.

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Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hello, it's StephBee with a review for your item being the following contest:
Show Off Your Best at the Sandbox  (ASR)
A monthly contest that focuses on Genre writing. CLOSED for the Summer.
#1092898 by StephBee


*Reading* THE ARTICLE

An article about how to write articles.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

Great advice. I liked how the paragraphs were structured, easy to read and to the point.

*Star* THE BODY

The body of the article addresses ten points. These points are clearly listed with a paragraph or two that discusses the points. I wholeheartedly agreed with point #9 - Revise & Edit.

*Star*MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctutation mistakes.

*Star*PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I have no suggestions for improvement. This is a great, comprehensive, but not overwhelming article about article writing. A must read for anyone who writes articles. Two *Thumbsup*

This review was given in conjunction with Mad Mod Reviews.

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Review of After the Storm  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)
Hello, it's StephBee with a review for your item being the following contest:
FORUM
The Bard's Hall Contest  (13+)
JULY: Best of the Losers Wins!
#981150 by StephBee


*Reading* THE STORY

Justin takes a harrowing trip in the Everglades.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

It was a very original and creative story.

*Star*POV NARRATION/TENSE

The story is told in the third person mainly from Justin's perspective. Good job with POV narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's no dialogue in the story.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Justin (main)

Justin goes on an adventure as he takes his kayak through the everglades. It's more of a plot driven story than a character one. We don't learn much about Justin as a character, but we do experience what he does.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

The descriptions seemed overwhelming at times and dragged down the pacing of the story a bit. I would suggest using less descriptions. By just mentioned the Everglades, a reader an conjure up a "rough" idea of what the terrain is like. From there, paint the rest of the scene with descriptions that touch on the five senses. It will be easier for them to make the trip with Justin.

*Star* 1ST THREE PARAGRAPHS

I might suggest starting with some type of action to draw the reader in. Yes, Justin is steering the van, but it doesn't hold the reader's attention because it's followed up with description. I might suggest starting with Justin unloading his kayak and using short, to the point sentences, to put him in motion and build suspense.

*Star*MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctutation mistakes.

*Star*PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I might suggest shorter paragraphs. The long paragraphs were hard on the eyes. I thought the ending was very good and put the pieces of the puzzle together well.

This review was given in conjunction with Mad Mod Reviews.

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Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
*Reading* THE POEM

A woman watches the world pass by at a laundromat.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked the description of the woman's night. I thought the poem was written in such a way to suggest different things and I liked that. It made me think as a reader.

*Star* STRUCTURE

The 2nd and 4th lines rythme in each stanza. The meter is rhythmic and flowing.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. Good use of punctutation.

*Star* SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

I have no suggestions for improvement. An interesting peek at someone's life.

Keep writing!

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Review of Passionesque!  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
*Reading* THE POEM

A poem about passionate love.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I thought this was very romantic. I especially liked the line "No further than the beat of my heart."

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a free form poem. There is no established meter.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest an edit for punctutation.

*Star* SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

The emotion comes across as very sincere and honest.

Keep writing!

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Review of The Dove  
Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (4.5)
*Reading* THE POEM

A story of a white dove in search of land. Inspired by Noah's Arc.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I loved the opening stanza. It grabbed my attention and held it throughout. The descriptions used in the poem were great.

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a free form poem. There is no established rythme scheme or meter.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. Good use of punctutation.

*Star* SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

Great visuals, poignant, good storytelling. Two thumbs up.

Keep writing.

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Review of Dirt-Stained Hero  
Review by StephBee
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
*Reading* THE STORY

A young German man finds a boy after an allied bombing raid amidst the ruble.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked the setting of the story, Germany in World War II. There are so many stories that can still be told about the time period. I also liked the poignant emotion that's in the story. It will touch a heartstring.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

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

*Star*CHARACTERS

Dietrich (main)

Dietrich is caught in moral and ethical dilemma when his nation begins to come down on the Jews. He's friend with a Jewish man named Jacob. Dietrich is caught between being loyal to his country - or his own value system.

*Star*DIALOGUE

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

*Star*MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest an edit for /punctutation. There were no uneven or choppy sentences. TIP: Spell out "okay" not "ok" in manuscript. "ok" is fine for journalistic articles.

*Star* SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

My tip is mentioned above. This is what "drama" is all about!

Keep writing.

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Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
*Reading* THE SCRIPT

Several famous playwrights sit down for a conversation in "Heaven."

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked how the 3 playwrights discussed what "drama" meant to them.

*Star*FORMAT

The play followed an introductory format listing the characters and settings.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. There were no uneven or choppy sentences.

*Star* SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

I have no suggestions for improvement. A well thought out play. Enjoyable to read!

Reviewed by StephB

Bastian & Edana from "The Flames of Madeoc"
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Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (3.5)
*Reading* THE STORY

Sidney and Kate pop into a garage sale and find something unexpected.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

It was a very heartwarming story.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

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

*Star* DIALOGUE

I might suggest an edit on the dialogue. When Sidney tells Kate about Blue it doesn't sound realistic. My suggestion would be make that part of Sidney's narration or work the information in a more "conversationalist" way.

Also, keep the dialogue tags simple using, "he said," or "she replied." Don't put action in a dialogue tag. Make it a separate sentence. For example, as written:

"So Sidney, have we decided which mall we are shopping at today?" Kate asked her friend as she backed down the drive way.

My suggestion: Kate backed down the driveway. "So, Sidney, have we decided which mall we're shopping at today?"

*Star* CHARACTERS

Sidney, (main)

Sidney's story is interesting. She's the character who is affected the most by the find at the yard sale. Kate is a good friend.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star*SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

Suggestions as mentioned above. A sweet story about finding a lost love.

Keep writing!

Reviewed by
Coffee Cup 2007 Review signature

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Review of Make Me Care  
Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (4.0)
*Reading* THE STORY

A girl lets down a boy in a cruel way.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

What really grabbed me was the unspoken regret the narrator had. It was very poignant and real.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person by a female narrator. POV narration is good. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Girl, Boy

While short, there's a lot of characterization here. The girl is more rounded as a character, but the reader can also identify with the boy's emotions as well.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star*SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

As a suggestion, I can definitely see this being expanded on. A good emotional vignette.

Keep writing!

Reviewed by
Coffee Cup 2007 Review signature

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Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (3.5)
*Reading* THE SCRIPT

A look at America throughout the years.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

Each scene focuses on a particuliar historical point in American history. The first scene is fleshed out well. I liked the "theme" of the play.

*Star* DIALOGUE

The dialogue sounded realistic. I might suggest centering the speakers name the line above the dialogue to be spoken as that's what most scriptwriters do.

*Star* STAGE DIRECTIONS

Good use of stage directions. They were separated appropriately with brackets. If anything, I might suggest off setting them w/an indent.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star*SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

Suggestion as mentioned above. I would also suggest including a cast of characters so the reader has an idea of who to expect is in the play. Including a scene breakdown also helps to structure the play. I loved the idea of an historical journey through America's rich past and I can't wait to see you develop this play further. I think you've got a good working first draft here.

Keep writing!

Reviewed by
Coffee Cup 2007 Review signature

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Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (4.5)
*Reading* THE CHAPTER

A history student finds out the "true" cause of Robert E. Lee's death.

*Smile*WHAT I LIKED

I thought it was a great beginning to a novel. It got my attention and held my interest. The chapter was well paced.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person from Melissa's perspective. Good job w/ POV narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

Good use of dialogue here. It moves the story forward. There's a good balance of dialogue and narration.

*Star*DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scene. If anything this could be expanded on. Have Melissa tap into the odor in the house. Is it the same as journal? Old and musty? Just some suggestions.

*Star*CHARACTERS

Melissa

Melissa is our history detectives. Her curiosity is infectious in this first chapter and it makes her interesting.

*Star*MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. There were no uneven or choppy sentences.

*Star*PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Again, my suggestion goes to description, that's it. It's a good opening for a novel. Keep writing.

Reviewed by StephB

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Review by StephBee
Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
*Reading* THE STORY

A graphic look at the California school system.

*Smile*WHAT I LIKED

Sadly, it's like this in some places, I know because I'm a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. The reality of it is very sad. I thought you did a great job capturing the "realness" of it.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person by the narrator. Good job w/narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star*DESCRIPTIONS

I thought there were enough to set the scene. If anything, this could be expanded on.

*Star*CHARACTERS

narrator

Our narrator is a mother who is filled with anxiety as she lets her daughter attend public school in California. In one instance, there's a drive-by shooting at the school. The anxiety and desire to protect her children come across clearly.

*Star*MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. There were no uneven or choppy sentences.

*Star*PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I have no suggestions for improvement. A gritty, realistic read.

Reviewed by StephB

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Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)
*Reading* THE STORY

On the Wild West frontier, Jake buys a piece of property that was hard to acquire. Jocelyn returns to town to find the mother of her niece.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

Each character was interesting. The backdrop of the story was also interesting.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

Past tense is used appropriately. Chp. 1 is third person mainly from Jake's perspective and chp. 2 is mainly from Jocelyn's perspective. This is good - switching perspectives with chapters. It was easy to follow along as a reader.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend blend of dialogue and narration, but the dialogue is a little choppy. I might suggest reading a period romance to get the feel for the old western style of talking.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Jake, Jocelyn

Both were interesting. Jake has a challenge with the King's Ranch owners and Jocelyn has one in finding her sister.

*Star*DESCRIPTIONS

I think you could expand on this. Touch on the five scenes to give us a feel for what life is like in River Grove.

*Star* MECHANICS

I might suggest an edit for punctuation. I did not spot any spelling mistakes, but there were a number of choppy sentences that needed to be smoothed out. For example, as written: "Jake left the office with great relief he had he deed in his hand and could not head out to this land."

My suggestion: Don't tell us Jake left the office with great relief show us. Makes this two to three separate sentences that flow.

Jake walked down the steps of the bank and let a long whistle escape his lips. He had the deed in his hand and could now head out to his land.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. I might also suggest spacing between paragraphs as it's easier to read here on WDC. I think you've got a good rough draft here and with a little editing you're going to have a great start to your novel.

Reviewed by StephB

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Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hello, it's StephBee with a Simply Positive Review.

*Reading* THE ESSAY

A look at how the author spent winters in Maine.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I loved the conversational tone of the piece. The author really drew me in, talking to me as if I was an old friend.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person by the author in almost a "bloggish" style essay.

Past tense is used appropriately.


*Star* CHARACTERS

Author, main

I got a sense that the author appreciated a hearty New England winter. I'm from New England as well, I share the same feelings the author conveyed when it came to winter. I really connected with the emotion and the feeling here.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

Great descriptions. I could picture those 30 in N'oreaster dumps in my mind's eye. My only suggestion might be to add a couple of metaphorical descriptions to augment the visual.

*Star*[b} MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. There were no uneven or choppy sentences.

*Star* SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

Suggestion as mentioned above. Well presented.

Keep writing.

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Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Hello, it's StephBee with a Best of the Rest Review.

*Reading* THE FORUM

The forum hosts the author's short story competition.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I especially liked the limiting of prizes when there weren't enough entries to award the full prizes. That's something I can take back with me to my own contests.

*Star* RULES

The rules were clearly stated and every aspect of the contest was covered. I was very impressed.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes in the introduction.

*Star* SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

I have no suggestions for improvement. A well thought out contest that looks to be very active. The prompts are challenging, but not overwhelming. Good use of graphics and WDC ML. Good luck in the Best of the Rest Contest.

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Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
*Reading* THE STORY

The narrator retells a story where traveled to Michigan with a friend to see the friend's girlfriend. When she rejects them, they head back to their home state on the kindness of strangers.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked some of the descriptive passages used in the story. For example: traffic trickled on this lonely interstate. Passages like that made me feel I was sharing the adventure with them.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person. Good job staying in perspective. I might suggest an edit for tense. There were times when it jumped around to present tense. Most editors highly suggest writing in the past tense. For example, as written: "I have chosen to take the lead... would be better off as "I had chosen to take the lead."

*Star* DIALOGUE

The dialogue moves the story forward.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Narrator, Allen

It's hard to get a feelings for them. I got the impression they were in their late teens, maybe early twenties and they started their trek out of love. As they go home their adventure runs foul of a hedgehog and Limburger cheese. I think the main culprit here is the choppy sentences. I think if they were smoothed out, the story would have more of a friendly feel to it. (see below for mechanics.)

*Star* MECHANICS

I might suggest a minor edit for spelling mistakes, i.e, "guest," for "guessed," and a minor edit for punctuation mistakes, i.e, put punctuation inside quotes. For example, as written: "It's kind of late, long walk, these guys would like to go to bed". My suggestion: "It's kind of late and we all had a long walk. These guys would to go to bed. I'll crash on the couch."

I think the author is going for a style with the use of choppy sentences, but for me, as a reader, it was hard to get a grip on the story and characters, so I would suggest smoothing them out a little and giving them a conversational tone so the reader feels like they are taking the the journey with the narrator. For example, here's the first paragraph as written with choppy sentences:

A warm June morning, a brisk walk with my best friend, his heart a state away as I joined his journey, sometimes it's better to let a friend do his own thing. School now over, my own path unsure, my health failed the army screening; the return from Michigan not filled with fanfare.

My suggestion: School was over and my friend, Allen, wanted to go to Michigan to see his girl. I didn't think it was the best thing for him to do, but I understood that sometimes a guy has to do his own thing so I decided I'd go with him - just to keep him out of trouble. Besides, I had nothing else on my plate. I failed the army screening test and I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with my life. It was a warm June morning when we set out with high hopes and sense of adventure.

*Star* SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

Suggestions as mentioned above. I'd love to rate the story higher if the author does an edit. I think there's a foundation for a great story, but it needs to be smoothed out a little bit.

A review signature
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Review of May Angels Watch  
Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (5.0)
*Reading* THE POEM

An inspirational poem angels and their job to watch over us.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

The poem is full of good will and very uplifting. I loved the positive message.

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a free form poem with a ABAB CDCD EFEF GHGH rythme scheme. There is an established meter.


*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. There were no uneven or choppy sentences.

*Star*[b} SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

I have no suggestions for improvement. The author did a great job on constructing the poem. The poem is has been a 10K awardicon, which is very deserving.

Keep writing.

A review signature
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Review of A Ghost Story  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
*Reading* THE STORY

The author shares a ghost story with us that happened on a navy ship.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I loved the setting - on a navy ship. The author gave the story a lot of authenticity.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

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

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

If anything, you could expand on this a little by tapping into the five senses a wee bit more.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctutation mistakes. There were no uneven or choppy sentences.

*Star*[b} SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

Suggestion as mentioned above. I really liked the style in which this was written. It felt very informal to me and I felt as if I were a good friend of the reader which really brought me into the story.

Keep writing.

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Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (5.0)
*Reading* THE ESSAY

The author tackles reviewing vs rating.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

This has happened to me. I've got a great review and the rater only gave it a 3 or a 3.5 and I'm like "huh??" I thought you broached the subject tactfully, using humor effectively to make your point.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

I have no suggestions for improvement. ((hugs)) I've been here. You did a great job telling us the problem and inspiring us to do better.

Coffee Cup 2007 Review signature



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Review by StephBee
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello, it's StephBee with a Best of the Review Contest Review.

*Reading* THE FORUM

The forum hosts the Simply Positive Review Group.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I love that that this group espouses a positive environment for WDC writers and authors. It's not overwhelming. The hosts' enuthism for the group is infectious.

*Star* CONTENT & RULES

The rules of the forum were clearly stated. There's a good variety of items to review, which again, aren't overwhelming.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

I have no suggestions for improvement. Good use of graphics and WDC ML. A great, interactive group! Good luck in the Best of the Rest Contest.

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Review by StephBee
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
Hello, it's StephBee with a Best of the Review Contest Review.

*Reading* THE FORUM

The forum hosts the author's discussion on writing and the publishing world.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I thought this was a great, overall, comprehensive forum. It took a look at not only characterization, writing issues, and publishing issues, but offers a great reference for new authors to come to and ask questions.

*Star* CONTENT & RULES

The rules of the forum were clearly stated and the content covers a wide variety of the writing world.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* SUGGESTIONS/PARTING THOUGHTS

I have no suggestions for improvement. Good use of graphics and WDC ML. A great forum to come to for questions about "writing" in general. Two thumbsup. Good luck in the Best of the Rest Contest.

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Review of The Life of Riley  
Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hello, it's StephBee with a contest review from Show Off Your Best

*Reading* THE STORY

Riley, a dog who has it rough in life, encouters Jane who also doesn't have it easy.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

This story really shows what the power of loving a pet a can do to help a person.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person limited. The scenes skip narrators appropriately by using line breaks so it's not confusing to the reader. Good job. Past tense was used appropriately.

*Star* 1ST 3 PARAGRAPHS

It was a decent start to the story. There's some nice introspection on Jane's part.

*Star* DIALOGUE

The dialogue drives the story forward.

*Star*[b} CHARACTERS

Riley (the dog)

The dog has it rough when his mommy dies while he's a puppy and he goes through a series of owners before meeting Jane. What I liked is that the chraracterization of Riley was similiar to what people go through when they go through the same events. Riley proves resiliant which is inspiring to all.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There were enough to set the scene. If anything, I think you could expand on this a little, and little places. By touching on senses like smell, taste, touch in an appopriate place, you can add nicely to a scene.

*Star* MECHANICS

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

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as listed above. I loved the ending and I was satisifed that Jane would give Riley a good home. The story fit the prompt of the contest (pet writing) and the word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the contest!

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Review by StephBee
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hello, it's StephBee with a contest review from Show Off Your Best

*Reading* THE STORY

A girl remembers her dog.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

This is a really nice, heartwarming story. It's a wonderful look at how much the dog meant to the narrator's life.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person by the narrator. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* 1ST 3 PARAGRAPHS

It was a decent start to the story, setting the tone well.

*Star* DIALOGUE

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


*Star*[b} CHARACTERS

Narrator

The narrator is a young woman who is digging her dog's grave, a dog she's had since she was a little girl. Smokey (the dog) needed a little extra care since he suffered from seizures, and he really grew to be a wonderful part of the girl's life. As a reader, I felt like I got to know Smokey well.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There were enough to set the scene. If anything, I think you could expand on this a little.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctutation mistakes. There were no uneven or choppy sentences.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as listed above. A nice character driven story with a heartwarming message about how important pets are to our lives. The story fit the prompt of the contest (pet writing) and the word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the contest!

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