Impression: Your short story is a very interesting take on the idea of a revolution. There is the idea of some abuse of the horse families and the efforts to recover from these environmental disruptions. When the three horse families looked at the efforts to curtail this abuse, they found the answer in the form of a humanoid name Jelee. By commandeering her from one planet to the next, they can turn the entire stiuation around: revolution. Unconventional use but it works for this very expansive take on the idea.
What I loved: I love a surprise and I think this story is full of surprises and a twist or two.
What needs work: There is nothing that needs rework in this story.
Final thoughts: The answer to where's Jelee is hidden within the story, within her journal and I hope you don't blush when you find the answer there.
Great story and all the best for the contest.
Impression: For your new short story submission, the tale of Chinese Empress whose army fought to retain Chinese rule when Christian missionaries attempted to infiltrate China with their Western ways and ideals, was fought against with desperate energy as her China changed, the old ways whimpered into a ghost breeze.
What I loved: I really enjoyed detail in the character descriptions, as the scene was set for the revolution to commence. In various places, different players all attempt to assuage the flood pushed the revolution forward and the Empress left her country never to rule again.
What needs work: Nothing in this story needs rework.
Final thoughts: The momentum that pushed the Chinese church forward and upward was stalwart and strong. The desire for change and the manpower involved supported the upheaval that revolutionized a nation at the turn of the century. Wonderful story that truly evoked all elements of revolution for this contest.
Impression: This is the story of a young girl Daisy who is frustrated at a life that seems to repeat itself with nothing different taking place. One day, she thinks she reads the words, "Revolution starts now", in the sky, prompting her to think on revolting to take not only her life but the lives of those who were enslaved by factory work. She decides to do things with changes, and the rest is history.
What I loved: I love the story where a little bit of change just reverses a lot of damage and time. There is so much hope in that thought to me.
What needs work: There is nothing that needs rework in this story.
Final thoughts: Daisy knows she might be the impetus to change for those around her, if she just decides to do things differently. What a wonderful thought and with that, a hopeful story for this contest.
Impression: For your story which tells the story of a character named Russell who embarks on his own quiet revolution that changes so much in his life. His life is carrying on without a real direction or sense of meaning when one day, this changes for the better.
What I loved: I loved this from the last line in this story: "It's despair that is ruining our community." When a group sees no way out, then they begin to doubt why do anything if none of it amounts to any good? The story shifted when Russell found friend, which meant friendship and camaraderie, not solitude. There's a reason God said in the Garden "it's not good for Man to be alone".
What needs work: There is nothing in this story that needs rework.
Final thoughts: Main thoughts of hold on to hope and don't despair over you life, and you will continue on. You might, even, start a revolution of one.
Impression: For your short story, you introduce the idea of revolution that grew, as a slow, quiet burn, from many years of broken promises, community dreams left unrealized, hopes for a better tomorrow, only for a few, that rises slowly from the quiet push of solidarity towards a united design. And all from painted words on an abandoned business to an aim that continued to grow.
What I loved: I really enjoyed the dialogue between the two main characters, both who casually knew one another from high school; lives that touched but never intertwined until it really mattered.
What needs work: There is nothing in this story that needs rework.
Final thoughts: The goal seems daunting but the insistence towards a better place to call home through shared action just thrills the soul. It is wonderful to not only talk about an idea but to change where you live through your own actions for good.
Impression: This is a story of a missionary couple, who find themselves in an alternate universe where AI is the god everyone serves and it is against the law to believe in any other god. There's so much more to this story but I'll let you read it and find out for yourselves.
What I loved: I loved the firm stance in both God and in holding fast to faith. This is a revolutionary idea that carries them on to success in the end.
What needs work: Nothing needs rework in your story.
Final thoughts: Not all revolutions involve guns; there are more that involve standing firm in faith and watching as structures come crashing down. This was a beautiful story and I do wish you the best for the contest.
Impression: In your short story a Leader called YaVont on an alternate planet, not Earth, uses harsh methods to maintain control and dominance over Bovicians. Once this character learned of talk of revolution, he used harsh methods to quell talks of revolution and also to ensure he'd remain in power. WillLina, his right hand, confirmed with him that they exercised a "show of power" no one would ever try to remove them from their powerful positions.
What I loved: I loved how you used the story prompt with ease in your story body and as the theme throughout this tale.
What needs work: Nothing needs rework in this story.
Final thoughts: When you want to drive any possible contenders back, all you need is to show how powerful you really are and they won't test the electric fence again. The electric fence shocks the hands, and its a shock you're not soon to forget.
Really enjoyed your story and best wishes in the contest.
Impression: What is great about your story is how it outlines the thoughts, metaphorically, of not the person, but a place where a revolution of spirit and community comes together in the midst of a history of death and destruction.
What I loved: I loved the seemingly effortless manner in which this is conveyed to the reader through interspersed highlights of the various community member's contribution to insisting on a peaceful gathering.
What needs work: I really didn't see any part that needed work.
Final thoughts: This short story really has a good hold on the idea of revolution but not the kind that stirs up war or active defiance. It's the revolution of community, understanding, and a peaceful togetherness.
Evil cannot stand against good, and this truly shows it.
Impression: For your short story you used the words and sound bites from the PBS YouTube page on Greta Thunberg, the environmental phenom from a few years back. She had an angry message for the world leaders at the 2019 Climate Action Summit in New York City.
What I loved: You definitely fulfilled the idea behind revolution as this was the theme of her speech, nothing physical but angry words and calls for action.
What needs work: Nothing needs rework in this story.
Final thoughts: Your short story that channeled Greta Thunberg in your style was spot on and really showcased the themes of revolution and starting things today, and now.
Impression: Well, for starters, I must congratulate you on your Dear Me 2025 entry as this is a difficult thing for many to do, myself included, and here you are with this thoughtful ,and encouraging reflection on your life's movement from 2024 and onward.
What I loved: You know, to take on this idea that you should keep mirth in your life, and dance, not a literal interpretation but just to keep enjoying your life as you live it, dance through the hills and the valleys of your life, well, this is a great idea. And I think you are definitely on track to achieve the goals you've set for this coming year too!
What needs work: Nothing needs rework in this letter.
Final thoughts: Life has thrown you a few curveballs this past year, as you self disclosed but you are staying focused and have a sharp focus on staying on goal. How important this is to the achieving the success of these goals you outlined for this year, but I think you totally understand this to be true.
Impression: With your entry, "Dear Me 2025", I could see thta you are a youthful(ish) writer who has been deeply inspired by the sounds of One Republic and Imagine Dragons, I could feel that you were pleased to share your thoughts on your writing journey for 2024. It seemed that the year had been a rollercoaster for you but can confidently say that creating your music stories portfolio was one of your prouder accomplishments, among others, last year.
What I loved: I just loved that there is so much passion that fuels your writing. You seem to take from the energy of the two bands like One Republic and Imagine Dragons, and it often seeps into your work, giving it a rhythm an med vibrancy which seems to resonate with your readers. From themes of resilience and hope, there is fusion of music and storytelling which feels like a natural progression that you captured in your portfolio. It is such a pleasure to read this!
What needs work: There is nothing that needs rework from you.
Final thoughts: Now, let’s not overlook the challenges faced throughout this trying year. Like many creatives, I encountered moments of self-doubt and frustration. However, music was always there to lift me up when I needed it most. Those catchy beats and powerful lyrics reminded me why I started writing in the first place—because stories matter.
In conclusion, your letter to yourself for 2025 seems like an achievable, and believable endeavor that I send good wishes for your success in 2025! Here’s to many more years of growth, creativity, and musical inspiration! 🎶✨
Impression: I am struck by this amazing feeling that I am in the presence of age and wisdom as I read your Dear Me 2025 letter.
I wished to congratulate you on your entry but I understand that this is a necessary part of moving daily and positively in your life. Because of this necessity, we gain on the other side with so much insight in the truths of our lives.
It is true you cannot plan to far as you age because life tends to rear its head and a wave will wash your plans so far off shore that you are just grateful that you remain once you can get your bearings.
What I loved: Your ten item list is a gift in its simplicity and brevity. Though it seem short, it is encompasses a large portion of the daily repitions of life. I think that this is so important and you outline this in a great and achievable way.
What needs work: Nothing in this work needs editing.
Final thoughts: I am truly encouraged by your willingness to continue to do in the face of loss, impactful loss in your life. You've chosen to move and do, while you could choose the alternative, and be in your right to do so. Yet, again, I am encouraged, and I do believe others will be, through your insistance to live and do.
Impression: To begin, I would like to congratulate you on your successful entry to the Dear Me New Year letter to ones self, which I see as an achievement in itself. I'd also want to say that I love the energy and clarity in your goal setting letter. You've nailed the balance between ambition and practicality, which is so key for sticking with goals over time.
What I loved: Your letter outlines some specific items to focus on, some writing you must do to reach your self imposed deadline and by giving end dates, there is specificity to the goals. These are sure to be reached this year...with laser focus and the will to complete.
What needs work: There is nothing in your entry that needs rework.
Final thoughts: You've built a roadmap for success that is structured and defined. This will be a transformative year for you. Remember, progress aims at perfection but if a goal slips, adjust the timeline for added needs - it is YOUR plan.
I'm cheering for you that you will make 2025 that productive year that you spoke of in your letter.
Impression: Let me begin with offering my congrats to you for your Dear Me 2025 entry. Major kudos to you for putting together this thoughtful plan - it's clear you're putting together your plan with intention and heart. This important step moved you in a definite direction for starting your goals completion for 2025.
What I loved: I enjoyed how you focusing on health and balance in your goal setting. And with hydration and sleep in your plan - it's the Chef's kiss. Your future self will thank you for those 7 - 8 hours rest.
Now, on to spiritual health. This part really impacted me. Carving out the time for reflection, meditation, or whatever fills your soul is so important. Next, we talk about finanacial health. Budgeting and saving can really feel daunting but you're already winning by naming this a priority. Also remember, small steps lead up.
What needs work: There is no need for rework.
Final thoughts: Your letter to you sounds confident and self sufficient, and I'm here for it! My advice though is celebrate tiny wins. Oh, and win life gets chaotic (because it will), revisit this letter. It's your North Star.
Go back and remember how you got here and celebrate the journey.
Impression: Let me begin sending a congrats your way for your Dear Me 2025 entry for the contest. That is one of the first steps to establishing some thought towards goals that need outlining and a dates for start/end. Your 2025 goals - this plan is like a cozy blanket of intentionally maixed with a dash of ambition. Love this vibe so much!
You've got some strategic goals that involve your cybersecurity and networking expertise and how to continuously stay up to date on these rapid changes within this ever evolving field. Your social media goals while aiming for intended engagement without the mindless scrolling that can eat up so much of your time (and energy). You're going for progress, not perfection.
What I loved: What I loved was your insistence in more community engagement here at Writing.com. As you manage many different activities, always keep track of your limits and set up gentle boundaries to guard against this in your journey.
Make sure you listen to your energy levels and stay mindful of when you need to decline any more duties.
What needs work:
Final thoughts: Your 2025 blueprint is all about growth without grind. It's okay to adjust as you go - life's a draft, nothing is chistled in stone. Keep your curiosity alive, lean into what lights you up, and trust that small steps add up.
Here's to a year of learning, creating and thriving - on your own terms.
Impression: I just want to start with a congrats for your 2025 Dear Me entry for this year's contest. You know you entered, and not many people delved in, and organized thoughts to arrange a idea for their letter but you did. And what a creative turn your story took! :D
So, let's take a peek at your 2025 goals - because, wow, you've packed into this with ambition, growth, and a whole lot of heart. I'm already cheering for you.
We'll begin with personal growth - Keep rocking that progress with your weight loss journey, one healthy choice at a time. Remember, it's not about perfection - it's about consistency. Celebrate the small wins (hello, veggie-packed meals and post-walk endorphins). Remember to treat yourself with the kindness you deserve.
Spiritual goals- Carve out moments for spiritual reflection, prayer, or whatever fuels your soul. Think of it as mental yoga - stretching your spirit to stay grounded, grateful and ready to shine.
Cryto Currency goals - Time to geek out on blockchain basics. Dive into the podcasts, YouTube tutorials, or a beginner's course. No pressure - just soak up the knowledge and enjoy the ride.
5 Book Challenge - Whether it's a swoon worthy Shana Galen romance or a memoir that makes you laugh/cry, let those pages transport you to hidden places for adventure.
Writing.com goals - Daily visits, forum fun, Anniversary and Angel Army reviews, Newsletter goals for adding more value to your interactions on Writing.com, you plan to fill up most of your days with work, community and connections.
There are publication goals for 2025 that involve you finishing final edits, publishing those edited works, going over a nearly finished work and utilizing more marketing infomation to broaden your knowledge base to make you even more formidable.
What I loved: I loved that you stacked your goal sheet so much that even a summary of the goal list with a few words is just a small glimpse into the workload you are setting up for yourself. But it will definitely keep your life full and fun.
What needs work: Nothing from your writing needs rework.
Final thoughts: This is your year to grow, to create and to thrive. Some days will feel effortless; others might need a little extra coffee (or chocolate). But remember, - every tiny step counts. You're building a life you love, one goal at a time. I can feel it. You're going so far this year.
Impression: I just want to begin with a congratulations on your Dear Me 2025 entry, as this is a start of a journey into new things. Just want to give you a high five for setting such thoughtful, meaningful goals for 2025. Healthier eating, daily movement, along with dedicating time to reflect through your journals? You're not just building healthier habits - you're investing in a happier, more balanced version of yourself. That just sounds like fantastic goal setting.
What I loved: I just loved that you observed that you needed to eat healthir and set out to develop a goal for the new year that would address this in your life. And you identified that you wanted to start the habit of daily exercise. By beginning it now, in June of this year, you will be surely in a six month stretch of improved physical health.
When you create your diet journal, it will help to document the development of change in your life and it will show the journey you've made along the months to better health.
Lastly, I love the prayer journal. Whether its gratitude, reflection or spiritual connection, a prayer journal is a heart to heart with yourself (and maybe a higher power). It's a space to air out your concerns, celebrate the joys or just to breathe. Little moments of mindfulness add up to big inner peace.
What needs work: There is nothing in this entry that needs rework.
Final thoughts: I really think you are definitely on the right path to success this year. But remember: if you get off track, don't consider this a failure; they are part of the journey. Forgive yourself. Adjust what isn't working and know that with a steady focus, you'll get back on track.
You're not just making resolutions - you're building a lifestyle change. And that is worth cheering for. Here's to your year of growth, grace...cheers to your best year yet!
Impression: Your short story of a woman who chooses to live alone and has been alone since both parents passed on at age 17, she's grown used to the quiet. However, she doesn't mind if she adds mechanical sounds, just noises to help fill the void, the space while she lives in her home. After she is alone, on her first night, some weird things start happening..but she sees a trend, a theme from a movie seen by millions of families. She will unmask whoever is pranking her house, invading her life...and the game is afoot.
What I loved: I thought this story did a good job with showing a differnt minded woman who won't be driven from the home she's bought but only has a mind to unmask the offender. Good going for her!
What needs work: Nothing needs rework.
Final thoughts: I definitely found myself on the sofa cheering for this character and I'm sure instead of running screaming away, the ghost or person who is trying to drive her away will find themselves homeless instead. This determined story will be a great read that I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Impression: This short story is full of excitement, sci-fi drama with a husband and wife team who strumbled upon a billionaire's property viewing his hidden tech, this puts them in a bad place. The billionaire lays out the parameters for their unhindered stay on his property as long as they keep their eyes out of his private work. As always, they comply until they don't and things take a turn that might change the course of their lives...permanently.
What I loved: I can appreciate a curious husband and wife team but it's amazing that this command cannot be maintained due to their overly bored nature. Adventure awaits!
What needs work: What a fun and twists and turns this story weaves for the scientific duo. I will keep it brief to say that I think you will enjoy this read. This lively story will be a great read that I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Final thoughts: Well, as it is often said, curiousity killed the cat, it often kills grant funding because the scientist husband and wife duo forgot the rule: he who finds the gold makes the rules and they were unwilling to just listen. That stuck out for me that often if you are unwilling to listen and just do what is said, maybe, just maybe things can work out. But we know, this story, left on a clift, doesn't end well for the duo.
It kept me thinking as I hope it will for them, which means it was interesting. Hope the readers will find this work intriguing too.
Impression: Your short story is full of surprises, bullies (no way!), and a tentacle monster that happens to help those in a tough jam. But that's later in the story...retribution is swift and final. The flow of this story is solid, stays focused and integrates with fluidity, the photo prompt for the contest.
What I loved: When the story involves a good ending for the down trodden person just living life. Not causing trouble but just hated for no reason but whatever the real reason, justice is served.
What needs work: Nothing needs rework.
Final thoughts: What a solid moving story that I found myself cheering for the one who survived the evil trap only to live on cured of the fear of water, and now with a new found love for the lake. This wonderful story will be a great read that I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Impression: Your short story is a delicious little gem of story with a sick mom and her only son burdened with school and her care as its not enough to help heal her sickness. Enters a young man, deemed a Warlock who claims good intentions until the son's in a desperate situation that calls for immediate help. There's twists and turns but good wins out in the end. A pleasant story with a feel good ending that utilizes the photo prompt with ease.
What I loved: When an evil plan doesn't work as planned and the person who seeks love and family wins. There's just not enough of it in the world for it to get boring.
What needs work: Nothing needs rework.
Final thoughts:Love saves the day and good comes out on top. Family bonds are stronger than death and love wins over all. This hope building story will be a great read that I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Your entry,"The Maniac Across the Lake", is being reviewed for the "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest" [ASR] contest for this month.
Thanks for entering!
Impression: Your short story is full of angst and confusion for a joyful time never known due to jealousy and bitterness. There is such sadness for the man who is driven to madness, the man who only wanted to wed the woman he loved. The story took such a dramatic turn that I forgot about the lake house. No, I jest. The story prompt was used beautifully and wa intergrated into the story line.
What I loved: I love a good story that draws you inside and won't let you leave. This is how invested I was by second paragraph. I did feel that he was unfairly charged with being a "maniac" though he just disappeared. The home no longer had any value nor would he want to stay in the place where death made an indelible mark.
What needs work: I didn't see anything that required rework.
Final thoughts: A very haunting story that used the photo prompt with relish and left the reader wanting more. This wonderful story will be a great read that I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Your entry, "Win Some, Lose Some", is being reviewed for the "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest" [ASR] contest for this month.
Thanks for entering!
Impression: Your short story sets the scene of hope for a better future from a past that was hard and unforgiving. Through a series of financial exchanges, the family's fortune changed for the better...but, well, I guess this is where the title came into play. It's a bittersweet feeling story that desperately tries to educate the viewer, along with the family, that some higher force was calling for their lives but they failed to heed the signals in time. I felt tense throughout this story and I think that others will too.
What I loved: I enjoyed the story's pace and imagery. I even enjoyed the view of the lake front house. That's all I can say that I loved though. It was well written and that is always a plus.
What needs work: Nothing.
Final thoughts: Tension, suspense, sadness and evil spirits all have a part in this buoyantly moving story. It is a story you'll love to hate but sometimes that's what a good writer does with their characters or villains. This heart stopping story will be a great read that I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Your entry, "An Old Party Every Year", is being reviewed for the "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest" [ASR] contest for this month.
Thanks for entering!
Impression: This short story of a haunted island mansion that reappears once a year and its very sighting means another set of the town's residents will disappear. Enter four kids determined to find answers, even if their lives are forfeit from finding the truth. Tension is in the air, curiosity is in play but danger, grave danger in store for the curious kids. Not sure if they will succeed but they will be forever known as the brave four!
What I loved: I loved that the kids banded together to investigate the spooky haunted mansion, all were brave, even if it placed them in harms way, they had to know.
What needs work: Nothing I read needed rework.
Final thoughts: Adventure is in the air but four brave kids step forward for justice. I love a good story where the young kids fight a monster...will they succeed? You have to read this great story to find out but you'll want to, yes, you'll want to.
I'm reviewing your short story titled, "Right Thirst" for the Daily Review. Let's move on with it...
Impression: This is the story of a young deer that learns to act on his desire, face the threat of death but succeed with his life, and courage intact. This deer truly quenched his thirst today. Through this success he can go forward bravely many more times into the crocodile's realm.
What I loved: I loved the imagery of the deer stepping into crocodile terrain to drink a few gulps of water and rejoicing at the end with its reward. Felt real nice to see the deer win so soundly at the end.
What needs work: Nothing needs rework.
Final thoughts: This was a feel good story of quenching not just a physical thirst but motivationally, it encourages others to step out and face life's challenges and win.
When you stay thirsty, you always seek to quench life's thirst.
Very nice job today! I enjoyed reading your work and hope you enjoy the celebration this week!
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Official Judge's Review 
Impression: Your short story is a very interesting take on the idea of a revolution. There is the idea of some abuse of the horse families and the efforts to recover from these environmental disruptions. When the three horse families looked at the efforts to curtail this abuse, they found the answer in the form of a humanoid name Jelee. By commandeering her from one planet to the next, they can turn the entire stiuation around: revolution. Unconventional use but it works for this very expansive take on the idea.
What I loved: I love a surprise and I think this story is full of surprises and a twist or two.
What needs work: There is nothing that needs rework in this story.
Final thoughts: The answer to where's Jelee is hidden within the story, within her journal and I hope you don't blush when you find the answer there.
My review has been submitted for consideration in "
