I am also reviewing your item as a judge at the "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering our Holiday Rush, Acrostic Poetry prompt in December.
Initial Thoughts:
You chose Silent Night as your prompt. The first line gave me images of falling snow and the pale teal first initial on each line gave the reader the feeling of its cool crispness and aqua hue so often seen with with the right lighting on a blanket of snow.
Further Thoughts:
You did a lovely job of describing winter's birth.
Loved these lines:
"It lay upon the earth
Like a frosty blanket
Encasing winter's birth.
Beautifully descriptive metaphoric lines that fit different interpretations of that time of year.
Observation:
"Til the Spring" "spring" Seasons are not capitalized unless starting a sentence. They are general nouns not proper nouns.
Conclusion:
Beautiful poetry, followed the Acrostic style effortlessly.
I am also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering the Holiday Rush acrostic poetry prompt in December.
Initial Thoughts:
You chose Dashing Through The Snow, which is the longest prompt to chose, so kudos for taking the challenge!
Further Thoughts:
I loved how you wove into the poem the need for healing, forgiveness and love and family for the season. How beautiful a message to send with your poem.
Your Acrostic followed the form with ease. No glitches in the reading other than ...
You have an open ML at the start, so it doesn't read smoothly when looking for the "D" in the Acrostic. It is of course, an easy fix once the contest is judged. Not a huge deal.
Parting Thoughts:
Your poem highlighted the goodness and kindness of the season. It's a beautiful message!
Well done!
I'm also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering our Holiday Rush, Acrostic Poetry prompt!
Initial Thoughts:
You chose Silent Night for your acrostic poem. A quick glance showed me this would be a fast-paced poem highlighting the "Rush" part of Holiday Rush. I like that!
Further Thoughts:
Using only a few words or less per line meant that the words chosen would have to capture the reader's attentions and hold it through to the end while filling the mind's eye with imagery.
I have to say, you did that job handily!
I loved the compact way of bundling the season and filling it with joy. Sleigh rides, eggnog, laughter, glee trimming the tree ... hit the holiday nail right on the head.
Conclusion:
Loved the fast-paced yet meaningful words chosen to put together a wonderful acrostic of celebrating such a joyous time of the year.
Well done!
I'm also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering The Holiday Rush, Acrostic Poetry prompt in December.
Initial Thoughts:
You chose the prompt "Candles of Eight."
I loved the story told through your poem of the celebration by sharing with the reader the that each day a candle is lit, a prayer is said.
Further Impressions:
This line caught my interest:
"Elephant tusk decorate the table" I assume the gift of elephant tusks brings good luck to the home. What a beautiful picture of that came to my mind.
Rules Followed?
Yes. You chose from the list of prompt titles given, created an acrostic poem. You followed the acrostic form perfectly.
Other Observations:
"Over the walls and {xthrough{/x} to the ceiling" I assume you were describing the light from the candles and how they wash against the walls and hit the ceiling. I doubt if the light could go "through" the ceiling. That is how it appears to me when read.
Parting Thoughts:
I like how you took the prompt not mostly chosen on the list. You did a lovely job describing the need for prayers each day while lighting the candle.
I was amused by the ending with:
"Happy holidays full of cheer
Time to call it a long week"
A long week indeed. Holidays do take their toll on us no matter how we celebrate them.
I am also reviewing your item as judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering the Holiday Rush Acrostic Poetry Prompt in December!
First Impressions:
Strong title.
It commands the bells be rung to alert all of the beginning of the season. I like the way it pulls the reader into the poem expecting the joyful sounds of the bells to be heard through your words.
Further Impressions:
Your Acrostic was based on the "Silver Bells" prompt. You did a magnificent job of blending the lines while painting a beautiful picture of jubilant believers in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
I like that the first letter of each line is placed in bold type and the words Silver Bells pops out clearly.
Your poem flows with ease like a sweet melody of the season.
Parting Thoughts:
I saw nothing out of place to disturb the read and imagery of the joyous bells ringing in praise.
I am also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering our Holiday Rush, Acrostic Poetry contest in December!
Initial Thoughts:
You chose Winter Wonderland as your prompt. My thoughts went to cool crisp, linen-like snow upon the ground. All things winter and stunningly beautiful.
Further Thoughts:
You did paint a magical picture of winter beauty with your poem.
Words I loved:
Radiant Glistening, Rolling hills, Laughing children ... This made it all come to life. Lovely!
Observations:
"Deer will wonder (wander) about the field"
You need a space between Radiant, and glistening.
Conclusion:
I am also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering our Holiday Rush, Acrostic Poetry contest in December.
First Impression:
Oh, my -- Bah Humbug was the prompt chosen. I was preparing for the humbug to shine through the lines with some Grinch-like sort of poetry. Boy was I wrong! So happy I was wrong. This was such a creative use of that prompt.
Further Impressions:
This acrostic was beautifully written. It was smooth and reverent. I loved how you wove in the true Christmas spirit with the title you chose. Not easy to pull that off!
Parting Thoughts:
Your poem was a joy to read, Very lyrical! It was a song within itself. Loved that, and the twist that turned Bah Humbug into Oh beautiful night of holy birth -- the miracle that is Christmas.
Conclusion:
I am also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering Holiday Rush, December Acrostic poetry contest!
My Thoughts:
Sweet as a whisper Gentle as a spiritual breeze All the love could be felt through these lines.
My Surprise:
I loved how you took the song Silver Bells, a relatively benign carol heard throughout the season, yet this one brought the reader right into Bethlehem to see the babe in the manger and the glory that surrounded the birth.
You made it about the light and joy of Christmas.
Parting Thoughts:
The acrostic lines flowed like a melody. Perfect song to pen your acrostic. It really worked out well.
Conclusion:
Beautifully done. Each line told the story. And, it did so effortlessly.
I came across this little delight while perusing your portfolio.
I notice the words in bold which must have been part of the contest prompt. You weave those word with purposeful fluidity. They fit within the lines without appearing forced. I hate when that happens!
I can relate to an overactive brain at night pushing away the Sandman.
I want to thank you for all your Public Reviews at The Witch's House recently. A little bonus is included since it's over two weeks.
Keep on writing from the heart as you've done with this poem. I loved it, and I can relate with the words used within the lines.
I am also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering our October, Something Horror Quotation Prompt contest!
First Impressions:
Intriguing Title and brief description pull the reader into the story.
The opening of the story solidifies that the character has a ghost living in his head.
Further Thoughts:
The character has a struggle with Bruno, the name he gave to the ghost living in his head.
You've chosen the prompt quote: "If a man harbors any sort of fear, it percolates through all his thinking, damages his personality, makes him landlord to a ghost."
- Lloyd C. Douglas
This story definitely meshes well with the quote.
There is real struggle of mind vs ghost in this story. The character is overrun with guilt that he will somehow kill people through illness, even though he tested negative. Bruno torments him that it's not good enough.
I love the psychological struggle with the character. He has fallen through the holes from the fear he indeed harbors in mind and spirit. The ghost always wins in this struggle which makes him feel doomed against ridding himself of Bruno. Mentally disturbed beyond words, he tries and fails to knock out the unwanted, uninvited ghost of doom and gloom.
Observations:
I liked the story. It has that psychological thriller effect. However, I wish there were more about the character and what led to the Bruno in his brain. I want to know where he was at the time.
Conclusion:
Great use of the prompt. Rules followed, word count included.
I am also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering our October, Something Horror quote, contest!
First Impressions:
You chose the quote, "Prompt: 3) I will show you fear in a handful of dust." T. S. Eliot
The beginning pulls the reader into the story due to the anxiety and fear of Milly.
Further Impressions:
Milly claims she's fearless, and dust is not something she's willing to begin fearing. However, Mike insists the dust will cause her great fear.
Observations:
"Just watch the just please," Mike said with a sigh. Just watch the dust please.
Also, I think this story has some potential in the horror genre if the reader were able to feel the terror. It was difficult to relate to the characters. I believe more developing of the story's plot, scene, characters, location would have pulled the reader in right to the end.
Conclusion:
A story of fear with great potential. It just needed a bit more meat on the dusty bones.
I am also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering our Something Horror Quotation Contest in October.
First Impression:
This is a well-constructed poem.
interpreting the prompt: 1) O, how vain and vile a passion is this fear! What base, uncomely things it makes men do.
- Samuel Johnson
Further Impressions:
Loved this: "Fear compels action,
rather than contemplation;
Very strong opening lines for setting up fear in the poetry. It pulls the readers in, compelling them to read on.
Great word choices at the ending:
"like a rogue wave"
"Demanding its due and
Beating into submission."
Observations:
Were the Rules Followed?
1)The prompt: "Give us your best Horror/Scary/Bone-Chiller-Thriller Story all derived from one of these famous quotes:" You chose number 1, the Samuel Johnson quote
Quote was interpreted within the lines of your poem very nicely.
2) "Rules: Short Story based on 1 of the above quotes." Here's where you veer off the rules. As much as your poem is excellently penned, it is not a "short story" as per the rules.
Parting Thoughts:
I had to change the rating on your item due to the violent content of the line "Beating into submission"
I did enjoy reading your poem. It is filled with the tension of fear that makes the quote pop out to the reader.
I am also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering our annual Cop Shop Mystery in September.
The Prompt:
Your job was to solve the mystery set out in the prompt's scenario.
The mystery solving had to be accomplished in exactly 22 sentences.
My Observations:
Upon reading the story, it appears to be a double homicide has developed.
First,
Nancy Pringle bled to death due to a trap set up under the table by Little Robby. I feel badly about poor Nancy, but I guess she got in the way.
Secondly, Chef Cawpa, Robby's dad, was killed. You gave a motive for that murder, so that answers the Who, and Why he was killed.
Hey, I don't mind if another character is pulled into the scenario to bring about the natural progression of the mystery to the conclusion.
Observation:
It seemed that the Chef was killed before the actually party?
There was nothing about him being found under the banquet serving table where Nancy lost her footing and fell close to the body. She seemed to be alive up to that point. Thus, her bleeding to death before the Chef's body was discovered is a little confusing.
However, the Suggestions do say to make it, fun and make it your own to solve.
Parting Thoughts:
That Robby did in fact kill his own father, the chef, due to jealousy. Poor Nancy got in the way of the trap with sharp objects. That's still a homicide, setting a trap that resulted in the death of Nancy Pringle. Yup, a double homicide not seen before in The Cop Shop Mystery scene solving.
Conclusion:
You have proved to yourself that a mystery can be solved in exactly 22 sentences! I hope to see you back next year when you get one extra sentence to solve the mystery.
I am also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering our annual Cop Shop Mystery in September.
First Impressions:
Very interesting deduction of the crime involved. I like that there was a bit of the game "Clue" woven within. Indeed, there was no Colonel Mustard.
Solving the Crime:
You chose poison as the cause of death.
Rules Followed?
Your job was to write a story to solve the mystery of the scenario written in the prompt in exactly 22 sentences.
You did indeed solve the mystery.
The Mayor is the culprit
The reason, a recipe exchange with Mrs. Mayor which really angered the mayor!
Write a Story?
As much as your poem told the story, it was technically a "story." It was under the Poem Genre, as well. You solved the mystery in 22 lines. Splendidly crafted, by the way.
Conclusion:
This was an excellent attempt to solve a difficult crimes in exactly 22 sentences. You indeed solved the mystery in exactly 22 lines. Kudos!
I am also reviewing your item because I was tagged in it earlier this month when all the birthday festivities started. The month seemed to keep me busy, but I kept this little gem on my top to-do list of open-tabs.
What Pulled me in: (Other than being tagged, that is.)
My curiosity from your brief description. Good way to hook this reader.
What kept me reading on:
I loved the way your described the years of learning, fun and sheer joy at WDC. Your gratitude really shines through as you point out who and why you came to accomplish so much with your novel writing and being published. I swear, with your schedule, I have no idea how you managed to find the time. I have read your writing and enjoyed it very much. My Kindle holds a few of your books. My first read was the Wolf's Torment. Oh, my, I loved that book!
What made me blush:
Seriously? I'm a Soul sister, amazing, imaginative, full of energy, to name a few pats on my back from you?!! Thanks for that, by the way. I have also been so fortunate to be your partner at The Bard's Hall. It's been such a fun and unique group to be a part of. 17 years!!! It's older than I am in WDC years. What a marvelous creation you have started so many years ago. And that was before I got here to help you with it.
Parting Thoughts:
Yes, SM & SMs have been brilliant in developing this home away from home for us. They are amazing in all they do to make it a beloved spot for creative people ... the best ever actually, where we have found developed friendship bonds and have learned so much from helpful members, groups and activities, to help us grow as writers. Can't give enough kudos for all they've done.
Great tribute to a great site!
Until next time--gush-on! Okay, okay, just kidding...Write on!
I am also reviewing your item because it popped up on the random Read & Review.
Initial Thoughts:
I was drawn to the title and brief description. It made me curious enough to plunge right in.
Further Thoughts:
Being a mother of five and four of the five are daughters, I could feel the strong emotions you wrote about.
Daughters do have their moments. More than one daughter, it may become a competition. It seems that your daughter felt that since she was the second born girl, perhaps she didn't fit into the family unity as much as the older daughter. Also, one of the twins is a son, therefore, he's the first boy, and gets that attention.
We can only ponder about the ways one child needs more attention than another child. I think you are correct about her insecurities and that she needed to be the squeaky wheel, which she knew would get attention.
Quick Observation:
There are a couple spots with formatting issues. It breaks up the easy flow of reading. Nothing major. But otherwise, no huge grammar issues that I could spot.
Additional Thoughts:
Mothers take on all the burdens of a child who doesn't quite get on track in life. We can't of course take on all the responsibility. Once your daughter was grown, she was an adult who could share her love with her children. Forge her own way through life with her husband and children, but still chose to cling to a part of her she could never find.
Parting Thoughts:
No matter how often our children may slip, we are mothers. We are there for them. However as you so succinctly put it, the words "I love you" melt away so much angst.
Also, it's true. Mothers can't be here forever picking up the pieces of failed choices in life. One can only pray their child finds the way out of self-inflicted misery. Your story sounds so closely related to a woman who was a dear family friend. Her daughter went down a very similar path in life.
Finally, she pulled out of the bad habits, the rehab issues, and did get back to a responsible, loving daughter who was with her mother until she passed a few years back. I'll miss that woman, but, I see her daughter has remained strong and positive in life.
Thank you for sharing this story. I assume since it's under the sub-genre "biographical" it is based on a life experience. I love the refrain at the start and conclusion of the story. No better way to write a story of a mother's love than that.
Very touching story. You've done a great job describing the difficult subject matter of dealing with a troubled child.
I am also reviewing your poem because it popped up on the random Read & Review.
Opening Thoughts:
The title and brief description let the readers know this is a sonnet about faith.
Further Thoughts:
I love the sonnet form, its lyrical quality and majestic flow. The story it holds here is one of deep reflection of life lived and the afterlife.
I love that it is about continuing being in the service of the Lord. Probably a thought that doesn't cross many folk's minds. Some believe to die is the end and they no longer have any jobs to do in their spiritual state. The state of the soul.
Parting Thoughts:
The poem is eloquently written and contains a very strong message about faith and looking beyond this mortal life we share as earthly human beings.
Further, the beauty of this piece is at the end, when a humble servant of the Lord asks what more can be done in His name. I'm so happy this item popped up for me to read tonight. It made me ever so thankful seeing its words and to always know who it is we serve for eternity.
Conclusion:
I found this poem to uplifting, inspirational and simply beautiful in its message.
I am also reviewing this item because I seemed to have been tagged. Yes, that's right, tag, I'm it!
What a lovely poem you wrote about some members of the site--including me, I must say. I am but a humble witch here on WDC, but I love recognition.
Suggestions:
I suggest any genre that has me in it, isn't labeled "nonsense." I think I bring a lot of sense to, well, everything witchy!
Great rhyme and a telling story lies within your lines.
I enjoyed it. And, I'm so thrilled you added me to your poem ... or is it nonsense?
I am also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering our August, Create a cNote Shop, contest!
Initial Impressions:
It seems you didn't quite complete the cNote shop under one ite, but rather, spread a couple cNotes under headers in your portfolio. That makes it very difficult to follow and review. Since a full shop may contain up to 10 cNotes, with a variety of topics for greetings, the notes could have all been placed in one shop.
Further Thoughts:
I have to say, I did visit each "shop" and saw a beautiful collection of notes and lovely sentiments to go along with them. I go back to my earlier statement, I wish they were all in one shop.
Suggestions:
The contest is over, thus, I suggest adding eight more notes already stored in your portfolio, and placing them all in one shop. You will have more traffic to your shop when it's easier to navigate for a particular greetings they may be looking to buy and send to a member.
This is just a suggestion, but you have talent that should be shown off in a full shop.
Conclusion:
I loved the notes I saw. The first ones in this review are simply beautiful in their tone on tone simplicity. I just love the leaf with water droplets and the lake's reflections of the hills and trees. Elegant!
Thank you for entering the contest. I hope to see your shop filled up with more notes to enjoy.
I am also reviewing your item as a judge at "The Bard's Hall Contest" Thank you for entering our cNote contest month in August.
Initial Thoughts:
I see great potential in the shop, and hope you continue to add to it.
Suggestions:
I think you would catch more cNote shoppers if you put a cover on the page. You could use one of the cNote. The Bubble bee is adorable, or any of the others.
Also, the first note would probably read better with a different font other than Impact. Just my personal observation. Impact if used a lot in a mall area takes over the sentiment and becomes the importance of its font. However, the words are too beautiful to be stuck in a heavy font, weighing it down. That of course can be edited when the judging is over, if you wish.
Further Thoughts:
I really wish you had added more notes to the shop for better judging. You were on the right tract with the ones you posted.
Notes on friendship and encouragement. Lovely images and beautiful sentiments enclosed with them.
You only have three notes in your shop. You know you can have up to ten in one shop.
My Favorite Things:
This one is my favorite: "Let's not see the season wane
Let's see the new days shine
They lie in front of us like promises
Let's give them our best try"
The autumn leaf, all dried as one season passed. The dandelion absolutely popped right out of that image to show the hope that is spring, and new life beginning. Beautiful!
Also, I love the bee! It has a sense of whimsy that just brings the not to life!
Parting Thoughts:
This shop is a work in progress, but it has so much potential. I suggest adding a few more notes, at least. And, as stated above, put a cover image in your shop and on the item's description-part.
Thanks again for entering the contest. You have some fine cNote talent!
I am also reviewing your item because it popped up on the Random Read & Review. Welcome to WDC.
Initial Impressions:
I love the way you set the reader up. I'm all prepared for a day at the beach.
Further Thoughts:
Okay, now you start sending chills through the reader's spine. A chase scene, the beach, all that water and sand. One awaits the conclusion of this disturbing scenario.
It was indeed a very short piece. Perhaps a little more tugging the reader along? Nah, I think there are times where short is sweet.
Parting Thoughts:
I so enjoyed the ending. I could almost hear a child's giggle.
Conclusion:
Very well-played out scenario with a surprise ending.
I am reviewing your item because it caught my attention while I was perusing the Comedy Genre page.
Initial Thoughts:
Your title and brief description made me want to read about a plot-pitching dentist.
Further Thoughts:
I got a chuckle out of the poor patient being a captive audience to the dentist's ideas for a screen play. He couldn't talk with a hand and instruments in his mouth.
Parting Thoughts:
I laughed at the end of the story when I found out who the patient was. Evidently that dentist had reached him. Oh, my, to think the dentist didn't get any credit for the top grossing movies in their time.
Conclusion:
I found this story amusing and it fits within the subject matter of my upcoming Comedy Newsletter, due to be out Wednesday. Thus, your item will be highlighted.
I am reviewing your item because I found it while perusing the comedy genre page.
First Impression:
It's a curious description that just calls a reader into the poem.
Further Impressions:
When the dentist can't fix the problem with a tooth, trouble is forthcoming!
Your poem had great rhythm and rhyme, and beyond the technical stuff -- it had good humor. Now you see, that's what I was looking for!
Parting Thoughts:
Loved the ending! That Leprechaun took the bait, and problem solved! It's a good idea to brush up on the Irish folklore. A golden opportunity, I'd say!
Conclusion:
Your poem will fit fine with this week's upcoming Comedy Newsletter. It's about going to the dentist office.
Thus, I am highlighting your poem. The newsletter is due out on Wednesday.
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