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Review Requests: OFF
2,953 Public Reviews Given
3,697 Total Reviews Given
Review Style
Honest. I give my overall impressions, let you know what worked well for me and what didn't, and when that happens, I like to try and offer suggestions--totally up to you if you want to take any notice; it is your writing, after all. I am just glad to have the opportunity to read and review. I rarely think anything is perfect, so please do not request a review if you value ratings over review content.
I'm good at...
...being interested. I take time over reviews. My reviews are intimate, informal and honest. They aim to help, offer insight, and celebrate the graft of craft. I love commas. Punctuation is a personal passion.
Favorite Genres
Comedy, supernatural horror, sci-if, fantasy, thriller, detective, slice-of-life, history.
Least Favorite Genres
Dystopian glumness, romance, personal.
Favorite Item Types
Scripts. Fiction. Essays, especially academic
Least Favorite Item Types
Free form poetry. Other than that, little offends.
I will not review...
Unless previously agreed, novels and chapters are a no go with me. I am sorry to say that I haven't the time.
Public Reviews
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701
701
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hey there,

You requested a review from the Talent Pond Review Forum and I'm helping out for a while *Smile*

This progresses nicely from the previous chapters - good continuity and plot development *Thumbsup*

There were some places in the stucture that could be re-edited to improve flow on the reader's eye:

"The freedom-loving countries of the world will help us
in our struggle of good
verses evil and we will win.”

There really is not need to indent near the end of the speech unless you wish to set tabs for it's entirity. You may want to review the other areas of text where this also occurs *Smile*

Also, it's a peculiarity of dialogue to use quotation marks only at the start of a paragraph of dialogue, if that dialogue is to continue uninterrupted for other paragraphs (weird, I know!)

I hope this is helpful to you. Thank you for sharing, write on and take care, Acme
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702
702
Review of Some Couch  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Hey Tilli,

This is great *Delight* Your use of language and descriptive narrative is OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD!! From start to end it is a well expressed peice of prose. Your sentences do seem rather long though. Forgive my manhandling of it but, here are my suggestions to help with 'flow' as reqested in the TRU reveiw request forum *Smile*

{quote:For the first years of my life, I had lived with a single couch[.] that[It] looked as though my own parents{x], hopefully unwillingly, had spied its speckled, white-washed facade protruding awkwardly out from under a black dumpster cover, and had decided to fish it out for the family. I can only recall single framed reels pertaining to it's gauche penetration into my life,[.] yet I recall [with] in a clarity above that of perfection that from the first time I slid my Old Navy, white-striped shorts slowly up onto the itchy, off-white cushions which fit unevenly across it's length, [that] I hated it.

well-developed tastes[. T]he little bits of green

easily removed[. They] proceeded to dangle unattractively

of puke[. C]ombined and catalyzed

My great-grandmother died from lung cancer at the end of 1997 and created the first callus upon my heart[. M]y father got his first job out of law school working for a friend as a defense attorney[.] M]y sister was born[.] I had to get rushed to the emergency room when I split my head open[.] The family finally found a good church[. M]y mother began to attend AA meetings[,] starting a long journey to a clean soul, and the first inklings of divorce began placing themselves in the arguments between father and mother.

Remember; these are only suggestions *Smile* I just found it hard to take a mental breath with all those commas.

One other thing; I'd change the 'tragedy' sub-genre for 'satire' you have a wonderfully dark comic edge to this peice that should be applauded.

You have a lovely turn of phrase and I really could imagine this ghastly sofa - It's the sign of a good writer to 'show' and not 'tell', and you are a good writer!

Thank you so much for sharing. Write on and take care, Acme
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703
703
Review of Grandmother  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hey there Susu,

This is a delightful tale of family at a difficult time. You weave beautiful pictures of your characters in this story - a real talent *Smile*

There were a few places where the use of language could be improved to assist the reader:

Everyday she went to hospital to accompany her, hoping [a] miracle would happen.

At [the strike of twelve o’clock strike], it was Christmas

The grandma was in danger. Everybody was called to hospital to see her last face.[ - perhaps: 'The grandmother became very ill and her conditioned deteriorated. The staff asked the family to gather around her bed to pay their last respects.']

[The y]oung girl

forthright finger slightly moved. She was with great joy.[ - perhaps: 'forefinger move slightly and she was filled with joy.']

She passed something to young girl’s mom when she went to toilet. - you don't really need this line as the next describes the gift. I would change it a little [ - perhaps; 'When the young girl and her parents went back home for some rest, her mom smiled as she remembered the small red packed that the old lady had passed to her earlier.]

She gladly open[ed]


I hope that you find these suggestions helpful *Smile*

Thank you for sharing. Write on and take care, Acme
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704
704
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Hey Arakun!

Well, now this contest looks just great *Laugh*

So glad you like the Merit Badge and you have made my day for highlighting it *Blush* How did I know? The contest is listed as one of my favourites so I saw that it had been updated and went in for a read!

Having my friend proudly display it has made my day!

Write on and take care, Acme *Heart*
705
705
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hey Hezza,

I just love coming around to visit your port *Smile*. I love the way you have with words - my kind of writing! I settled down to read this and be helpfully thorough, as per your request, and struck a problem. I got sooooo carried away by this fascinating story that I had to re-read it to look for typos*Laugh*

You will be pleased to discover that I can't find many! Here they are:

Most job titles get given the noun-like honours of a capitalised letter eg, Managing Director. The only other needed capitalisation is the 'L' for Limited - as this is indicating a company that is Limited By Guarantee.

There was[, however,] much to do. The excess was [therefore] placed in the storeroom, and the staff given instructions to send it back after the festive period.

There is no need for the words which I have put in brackets and this paragraph can then be added to the one after it, and still retain its flow *Thumbsup*

Other than that - nothing! Just pure Hezza gold. Thanks for sharing. Write on and take care, Acme
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706
706
Review of Island  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hey there,

I said that I'd be back *Smile* I just love the the idea behind this one - your head must ache with thoughts like these zipping about!

I remember this prompt but couldn't get anything for it - did you win? Good use of dialogue (a smooth transition from spoken to mental *Thumbsup*) and lovely interaction between mother and daughter. The only thing that held me back from a perfect 5 was the wish that you could have gone beyond the 1000 word constraints of the Cramp - this story is crying out to be expanded on *Smile*

Thanks so much for sharing. Write on and take care, Acme
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707
707
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hey Kiya,

This is a fantastic idea and has just been added to my favourites.*Delight*

Now I really have very few excuses for all, those, lovely, commas, that peper my writing *Laugh*

Informal, informative and insightful - thank you soooooo much for sharing your knowledge *Thumbsup*

Write on and take care, Acme *Heart*
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708
708
Review of Bogeyman Nights  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Ooh, Gigie!

Mysterious stuff for Nancy Drew (John *Laugh*)

This write is just perfect at building up the tensiona and, just when you think you have it!; building up the tension again *Delight*

Love all of this folder so much and had to stop by to congratulate you on the Drama Newsletter highlight *Bigsmile* Thoroughly deserved (if only we could tie you to the typewriter and get our eyes on the next chapter...)

Thanks for sharing, my friend. Write on and take care, Acme *Heart*
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709
709
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Hey Jack,

This little write delivers; bang, bang, BANG from the off *Laugh*

I am such a huge fan of, what I have now dubbed, the Comedy Vignette. You, sir, are the master*Delight*

I lost count of my guffaws, and all sensible thought of watching for typos went out the window with my first snort. Re-reading it I could find nothing but good solid writing. The structure of the story as an article fit the comedy punchlines like a glove *Thumbsup*. Your characterisations were wonderfully believable; my favourite being the dead-pan humour of the Judge!

Point, shoot, run - comic genius, Mr Rawlins. *Bigsmile*

Thank you for sharing. Write on and take care, Acme
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710
710
Review of Dear Angela  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Hey David,

Creepy and funny? I just love your dark humour *Bigsmile* I know the contest picture prompt for this one and you did a great job of summing it up in this write!

I can't find a single fault in this narrated letter; from its opening address to it's chilling Mansonesque ending. Ace.

Write on and take care, Acme
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711
711
Review of Lost  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hey Paige,

I really enjoyed this essay (shhh, I too know the terror of the previously undriven destination *Confused*

As far as your comedy goes: spot on
You set the pace well and the reader empathises easily with the narrator and the possible comedy out comes.

As far as the writing goes: Smooth dialogue, lovely character build (in satalite characters like the nephew and garage attendant, as well as the narrator). Insightful, obeservational humour in the imagery used.

Saw a couple of places where you may want to re-edit to make reader friendly, just structural and only my thoughts (feel free to ignore *Delight*)

Growing up in a small community, I never knew I had an affliction until I received my driver's license.

Then I remained in denial, and refused to admit my directional shortcomings. The first and most important reason

I'd be tempted to join these two paragraphs together as the stand alone statement before them would then have even greater visual/comedy punch *Smile*

There were quite a few exclamation marks peppering the text where a 'dead-pan' period would have served up the humour just as well.

Like I said, this is all that I can find to mention in what is otherwise a wonderful write.

Thank you for sharing. Write on and take care, Acme
712
712
Review of Allergies  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hey Rob,

DON'T PANIC!! This rate and review is just a 'thank you' for entering the Acme Comedy Poetry Contest. It will not reflect on future judging *Smile*

Firstly, you didn't hit the 'family' prompt with this entry, but you still brought a smile to my face *Bigsmile* Medical humour is always a good funny and this was no exception with the allergy angle.

Good choice of AABB rhyming pattern on the first and last verse but a bit lost in the middle section. The rythym was informal and easy to read so I could concentrate on you comedy *Thumbsup*

Thanks for entering and good luck! Write on and take care, Acme
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713
713
Review of Senior Discount  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hey there,

DON'T PANIC!! This rate and review is just a 'thank you' for taking time to enter the Acme Comedy Poetry Contest. It will not reflect on future judging *Smile*

Firstly, I feel that you didn't hit the 'family' prompt for this round. However, this was a humorous poem that had me reflecting on all the benefits that age will bring *Delight*

Warmly told by penning a realistic character as narrator, and with no stated verse structure, you allowed the poem a natural, informal pace.

Thank you for entering and good luck! Write on and take care, Acme
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714
714
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
Hey Maree,

DON'T PANIC!! This rate and review is a 'thank you' for taking the time to enter the Acme Comedy Contest. It will not reflect on future judging *Smile*

Firstly, you hit the prompt of 'family' in such a wonderfully twisted way *Thumbsup* I love the originality of this letter and soon got drawn into your humour.

I haven't got one favourite bit as the poems are all classics *Laugh* So heres my favourite line:
And we don't care about you being fat. Honestly, it hardly matters at all.


I only saw one typo:
To my Dear sister Meg

[remove extra spaces?] Hello Meg


Thank you again for entering the contest and good luck! Write on and take care, Acme
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715
715
Review of Final Justice  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Hey there,

Love, love, love this write *Delight* I nearly always read too fast and it takes a good author to slow me down to their pace and you did it wonderfully. You managed to pack that Johnny Cash country tempo into this futuristic mercenary tale.

Makes me want to read all my old editions of 'Missionary Man' - Ace *Thumbsup*

Tried really hard to check for typos and spelling and such; kept losing focus and getting sucked back into the story. Realistically, this means you end up with a useless review if you're looking for improvement points. Sorry. Will try harder to pull your next tale to shreds *Laugh*

Seriously, can't find a single fault. Well written and well done (bit jealous, really...)

Thanks for sharing. Write on and take care, Acme
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716
716
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Philistines! *Heart*
717
717
Review of Syl  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Oh, Arakun!

This is just a beautiful and delightful write *Delight* You always paint such vivid characters and this is superb!

Favourite bit:
That garden had more colors than my box of 120 crayolas.

Lovely imagery and a good use of child-friendly descriptive narrative *Thumbsup*

No spelling or typos that I noticed, just one picky little thing:
They have awarded you the title of honorary flower and want [perhaps; Honorary Flower, as it is a titile?]

Please feel free to ignore as it's only personal preference *Smile*

Thank you so much for sharing and good luck in the contest! Write on and take care, Acme*Heart*
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718
718
Review of August Prompts  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hey there,

I enjoyed reading your assignment *Smile*

You really made the characters come alive *Thumbsup*

I did notice a few typos, but they're easily fixed by a quick re-edit:

Tell us about Red Avengers.["]
becoming a police [officer?] one day and
when I was dealing [with?] a murder

He is quite plump[y]

"It's worse[r] that I have expected
Take time, that's okay, but be quick [-re-edit?]


Thanks for sharing. Write on and take care, Acme
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719
719
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hey there,

DON'T PANIC!! This rate and review is a 'thank you' for entering the Acme Comedy Poetry Contest. It will not reflect on future judging *Smile*

Firstly, You didn't hit the prompt of 'family' - but I'm keeping the entry in for others to click on, because you highlight the 'other' family that all WDCers in this community have - each other *Delight*

I like the choice of free verse and enjoyed the subtle humour of the content. One that we can all relate to (if we have understanding partners and a considerate muse!)

Favourite bit:
Pen-de-dumb-Poem

Just love the rhythym of the Dragnet theme peppering this text *Thumbsup*

Thanks again for entering the contest and good luck! Write on and take care, Acme
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720
720
Review of Charley's Story  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hey Dave,

Glad that we spoke earlier as it reminded me to come back and check on this little beauty. I have re-rated it accordingly because you have addressed those issues that stalled it. *Smile*

This write runs so much more smoothly and it really delivers on so many levels - not least, the story. Hurrah *Delight*

Thanks for sharing. Write on and take care, Acme *Heart*
721
721
Review of God's Isle  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hey there,

I'm so glad that I stopped by your port *Smile* This is such a wonderful story for so many reasons - not least of all that I lived in a tiny fishing village on the West Coast of Scotland when I was a child!

You evoke such drama and beauty from the surrounds of Ghigha that I could almost taste it - a true example of 'showing' rather than 'telling' *Thumbsup*

Favourite bit:
The anchor has bitten and the engine is switched off, leaving behind a silence that seems so complete that you’d swear time had somehow moved on, forgetting to take you along. The air is absolutely still, the sea like a sheet of heavenly silk, laid out to catch our dreams. The boats lie in disarray; abandoned by the wind like a child’s toys, scattered carelessly across the bay.

Beautiful imagery, fantastic decriptive narrative and good use of English literary devices (personification of time, simile etc.,) A perfect example of well constructed writing *Thumbsup*

I could find no stuctural problems or typos. The piece flowed at such an organic pace that I didn't notice it flag anywhere. Inspired writing and I have saved you as a favourite authors on the strength of this alone. I will be back!

Thank you so much for sharing. Write on and take care, Acme
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722
722
Review of Fatherhood  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Hey there,

DON'T PANIC!! This rate and review is just a 'thank you' for taking the time to enter the Acme Comedy Poetry Contest. It will not reflect on future judging *Smile*

Firstly, you hit the promt well with one of the classics - parenthood! A wealth of possible comedy out comes and you hit those well too. Here's my favourite:

You'd think that he'd done all the work,
that giving birth was just a perk
of being married to the man
who's proved to all the world - "I can".


You have entered a really well written piece that flowed beautifully with perfect attention to structural detail: AABB quatrain rhyming pattern with 8 syllabic meter.

The only thing that held me back from issuing a perfect 5 star rating was that I felt that the theme went from fatherhood to motherhood and it would have been great to carry on with the one mothers POV of the fathers role as a parent.

Other than that this was a wonderful write that hit the spot and thank you for entering the contest. Good luck!.

Write on and take care, Acme
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723
723
Review of wishes  Open in new Window.
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hey there,

Congratulations on becoming a 'black suitcase'! This means you are officially a writer here at WDC and putting yourself out there is a brave thing to do *Smile*

I liked your little poem and choosing to use a quatrain form with ABCB rhyming pattern was simple and effective way to convey your sentiments.

One thing to note for the future is that once you have written a piece there is the option to 'save and view' if you take this option you can quickly hit the 'spelling' icon on the document and then amend your work accordingly. (touch not toutch)

Write on and take care, Acme
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724
724
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Hey Gigie,

I was logged out and off to bed (it's nearly 1am here!) when I just thought I'd take a peek at the authors listing and see if there was anything new by my buddies. Woah! This just blew me away! *Delight*

What a disturbing read for all the right reasons *Thumbsup* Good pace, tension and suspense. I love the way the narrator is as ignorant of the facts as we are, it means we can sympathise with her character even though we know very little about her or her circumstances.

Favourite bit:
Those ordinary, little slippers lie on the floor, awaiting me.

What a fantastic observation of the simple to really bring home the disablment of the narrator. Fantastic writing *Delight*

I also really enjoyed the questions that you left open at the end and the wonderful turn of phrase that you used really completed the story well.

I could read your work all day and this was simply perfect. No typos, spelling errors or structural problems that I could see. Just tight, thoughtful writing that was wonderfully gripping!

Write on and take care, Acme
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725
725
Review by Acme Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hey there,

DON'T PANIC!! This is just a 'thank you' rate and review for taking time to post an entry into the Acme Comedy Contest. It will not reflect on future judging *Smile*

You have certainly hit the prompt of 'family' really well and I was quickly drawn into the lives of this single mum and her daughter.

It was a great piece of writing to cover 'a week in the life of...' for several reasons; It gave me a good insight into the characters, you could build up the comedy within the structure, you could use the very interesting device of all the 'SM' acronyms.

You made me smile often and got a snort of laughter with:
When we finally arrive at preschool, I discover that my child is barefoot.

The timing on this delivery was pitch perfect following the long list that Super Mom had previously dealt with *Bigsmile*

I could find no typos, structural, or spelling errors. Overall, this was a nice tight piece of writing.

Thanks again for entering and good luck! Write on and take care, Acme
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