\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/profile/reviews/wordsmitty
Review Requests: OFF
46 Public Reviews Given
242 Total Reviews Given
Review Style
I have two styles: summary and detailed. My summary gives my impressions and suggestions for things such as major distractions to a reader and some punctuation. I do not correct writing errors but will point out some if repetitive and let the author learn to find and fix. My detailed reviews I reserve for special pieces. It usually involves taking an item and copying it into a Word file and doing markup including asking questions about the text, the way ideas and facts are sequenced, any punctuation I see as incorrect, use of words, the meaning that comes through (right or questionable), etc. I am not an editor, and everything I do is my opinion which may be right or wrong. I do not rewrite. I try to encourage learning and improvement.
I'm good at...
... short things, my opinion, and old school training. I can point out basic errors, what I don't understand as a reader, and what comes off as well done to me.
Favorite Genres
I prefer something that involves imagination (fantasy, sci-fi, humor, horror, etc.) and thought (but not too deep). I can do most stuff, but I do get bored easily, so if it doesn't keep my attention, I may decline.
Least Favorite Genres
I don't like gore just for the sake of writing it. (Will add specific genres later)
Favorite Item Types
Short stories (preferably less than 2000 words). I will do poetry but I don't understand it sometimes, and I don't know the various kinds. My review will be more of a basic reader's opinion.
I will not review...
I don't do Contest, Forums, Groups, Images, etc. etc.
Public Reviews
1
1
Review of In search of Iris  Open in new Window.
Rated: ASR | (5.0)

Thank you for sharing this update to your original. A lovely and cheery description made even more delightful with its (new) wording, rhythm and rhyme. This version is better than the old. *Wink*  Your word choice clearly plants a vision in ones mind of this flower on a fresh, early spring day, and leaves the reader happy and content to keep this picture in the imagination long after the page has gone. No more could be or needs be done.


Always remember:

Write from the soul, and the words will form themselves. Let it out!
2
2
Rated: E | (3.0)
Thank you for sharing this tale of railroad mystery and supernatural. It is an interesting story worded such that it could almost be real. Several places there is very good visual wording and the story flows well keeping the reader's interest to find out more.

However, the item does need quite a bit of technical editing to properly format and correct typos, spelling and punctuation. It is currently very distracting to read and stay with it all the way through.

Please do work on fixing these problems or getting help because it can be a very good item.


Write from the soul, and the words will form themselves. Let it out!
3
3
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)

This is a great Challenge and Contest. It encourages writing each day but in a comfortable format of a blog allowing many variations to let your words flow about topics and opinions. Blogging is great!

Although individual entries are not formally reviewed or critiqued, it requires each blogger read other entries and offer comments thereby building relationships, learning, and improving through practice and example.

Not every prompt is easy or may be one wants to talk about, but the flexibility of taking it "any way you want" improves thinking and looking at things more than one way.

Presentation-wise the Forum intro takes quite a while to get through the first time. However, the descriptions are clear. Once one becomes part of the group and just needs to post, perhaps a shortcut to the messages could be added to avoid the long scrolling. The item is under review and being updated which has recently made it easier to get through.

Having participated as well as being a guest judge, I have enjoyed being part of this group and blogging along. I'm sure you'll feel the same if you join in.

Write from the soul, and the words will form themselves. Let it out!


From a member of
** Image ID #1578663 Unavailable **
4
4
Review of Shorty and I  Open in new Window.
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)

Thank you for sharing this story of Shorty's life as a dog with the family. As a reader, I found its style as storyteller-fact-statements gives it a homey feel that will always resonate with the reader. The images and characters described were clear as well as the relationships and environment that existed around Shorty. It was an easy read, and only a few times did this reader have to pause to ensure I understood.

I am not about to try for grammar or punctuation since I saw nothing in the use of words or phrases that disrupted my reading, although a few places did seem a bit "off" (meaning it struck me that something may need changing or corrected, but I'm not sure exactly what or if it really did). I can provide these comments separately if you would like to have them.

There were three paragraphs where the first sentence started me in one direction but the remaining sentences presented a different thought. These might be looked at to split off or rearrange possibly with a nearby paragraph that was on that subject. The three were:

- "At about ten years of age, ..."
- "As I told you, Uncle Roy ..."
- "Uncle Roy would take odd jobs ..."


Also, although the opening paragraph was good to entice the reader, I didn't find any connection regarding "hang-ups" in the rest of the story.

This is a well told story that touches the reader emotionally especially pushing the reader at the end to realize and be happy for the life of Shorty and his family. At excellent ending.


Write from the soul, and the words will form themselves. Let it out!


From a member of
** Image ID #1578663 Unavailable **
4 Reviews · *Magnify*
Page of 1 · 25 per page   < >
Printed from https://writing.com/main/profile/reviews/wordsmitty