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458 Public Reviews Given
458 Total Reviews Given
Review Style
I am not an expert reviewer, but I have some small amount of talent in the field of writing. I will not edit your work, but typos, grammar mistakes, etc. will be pointed out if I see them. I will give you my impression of your work, encourage you, and do my best to review the work.
I'm good at...
I do my best, whether I am good at it or not.
Favorite Genres
Action/adventure
Least Favorite Genres
Science fiction.
Favorite Item Types
Short stories and
Least Favorite Item Types
No least favorites.
I will not review...
Novels.
Public Reviews
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1
1
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (4.5)
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          Sean Yeardley,
I enjoyed the scene where Gregor is in the tavern, he is covered with debris, has to fight his way out of it, when he does, he sees the cause of the wreckage.

I know it's hard to find all the errors in a manuscript, just when you think you have erradicated all of them, another one pops up. Below are a few I noticed.

(a) The main door into the tavern was buried in (rubble.Blast,) he thought.

You need a space between the period after rubble and Blast

(b) Her confusion obvious.

The sentence has a pronoun, a noun and an adjective, but no verb. You could fix this in a couple of ways. Add a comma to the sentence just before, Her confusion obvious and continue that same sentence with, her confusion obvious. Or add was to the sentence. Her confusion was obvious.

Thanks for sharing... good luck with the rest of the story.

Regards, jackson
2
2
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
Beach Raid
Bodhisatta Parekh,
Dear Charlie... What I saw here today in this letter: A few words remembering a companion. A loyal companion. In the night, asleep, to hear his meow was comfort.

Well-chosen words, details and Charlie's love were included in the package. And the love you shared...

Well said, heart-felt, Good flow, and genuine. Thanks for sharing.

Regards, jackson


3
3
Review of Unseparated  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
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Beach Raid
Bodhisatta Parekh,
Unseparated, is a fine tale dealing with Rosy, a girl, and John, a cat. I will, during this review, explain below, how I felt and what I thought while reading Unseparated.

I'll begin with Rosy. To me, Rosy was an ordinary girl, full of life and love, as all girls are. I got the impression that Rosy , by the time she came to live with John, the cat, lived alone. (This is not stated in the story, it's only a feeling I received while reading it.) One day in her life, Rosy acquired John. Before having John in her life, I don't think Rosy knew how to communicate with a cat. Yes, she could, if she had a cat, hold it in her arms, stroke its fur to bring forth its sounds of contentment, and give it the love of her heart... but she hadn't realized she could see their thoughts. But with John, she could see everything, his thoughts, his happiness, his contentment... This bond held Rosy and John tightly, as both John and Rosy could see each other in their entirety.

The cat, John, was not just a cat. Mostly, he was quite like other cats. Contrary to the scientific law of the world, which burdens mankind with the scientific assumption that animals can not reason, much like other cats, John could. Poo on science . . . Brought to life beneath a tree of myth, the jasmine tree, John was bequeathed with powers beyond the minds of men. If John wanted to do this or that, John could. John was a simple cat, all John needed in his life was food, love, companionship and tranquility.

And so the days of the years passed, his life with Rosy gave him contentment. Alas, after years of happiness with Rosy, John passed into the light...

Some time went by, as fate would have it, or as reality would have it, Rosy was attacked in her home. The would be rapists were taken aback when there came John. John's fury struck them down, one was killed, the others ran far away, never to return.

In her gratefulness, Rosy knew, that despite death, John would love and protect her forever. There, not so far from the jasmine tree, life went on. Now, Rosy had a different kind of happiness in her heart.

*BulletB*
Unseparated is a great story, with love, imagination, good details, tragedy and renewal. Thanks for sharing...

Regards, jackson
4
4
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (3.5)
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Beach Raid


         minniemouse,
I enjoyed reading your story of Mogi, a young, thirteen year old boy. The story has a lot of detail. You're good at writing details. Of course, it was an exciting read, too. The story revealed your imaginative writing style.

The only issues in the story are those of punctuation. Punctuation helps us hear and imagine the words as we read.
You mentioned, in your reply to my other review, that you're not good at capitalization or punctuation, but you can learn. It's not so hard...
If you start with only two things, and learn them, you have accomplished a lot. I suggest you try these two things as you write.
1 Remember when a person speaks in your story, that it is always a different sentence, because it came from another source. Always begin a person's speech with a capital letter.
2 The other thing to remember, any sentence's first word begins with a capital letter.

Punctuation issues

1 People rushed over to
what caused it, then a voice on the loudspeakers said; “do not be afraid, we have the situation under control.

People rushed over to see what caused it, then a voice on the loudspeakers said; “Do not be afraid, we have the situation under control.

2 Luckily there was only one badly behaved child. His name, was Móguǐ zhīzǐ.

Luckily comma there was only one badly behaved child. His name no comma necessary at this point was Móguǐ ...

3 So, naturally, they kept close watch over the amazingly behave children, and ignored the badly behave ones.

So, naturally, they kept close watch over the amazingly behaved children, and ignored the badly behaved ones.

4 now, Móguǐ was a bit of a rebel, so no one ever suspected that he could possibly be the; Sādàn zhīzǐ.
Now,, Móguǐ was a bit of a rebel, so no one ever suspected that he could possibly be the delete the semicolon, no punctuation necessary at this point. Sādàn zhīzǐ.

A semicolon is used to connect two complete sentences, which if separated, could be a complete sentence on their own. Example: I opened the door for the cat; it went outside.

5 everyone called Móguǐ Mogi, because Móguǐ was Chinese for devil.

Everyone called Móguǐ comma Mogi, because Móguǐ was Chinese for devil.

6 you may have won, and you may have servants, but I have something better, Love!” the crowd

"You may have won, and you may have servants, but I have something better, love!"

7 "Your puny amount of love has no effect on me,” Mogi said without thinking, “and the way you are trying to defeat me is (futile,"

"Your puny amount of love has no effect on me,” Mogi said without thinking, “and the way you are trying to defeat me is futile period

8 “Give up queen Lilac!”

“Give up queen comma Lilac!"
*BulletB* I enjoyed reading Playing Charades Chapter 1. Keep up the good writing, and thanks for sharing...

Regards, jackson


5
5
Review of To the wind  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (3.0)
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          ghost,

I don't know whether the story is about you... If it is, get out, go somewhere, have fun... To the Wind sounds like depression, but maybe, it's just a story. If it's just a story, you convinced me... Write onward!

Punctuation considerations


(a) With (a) watery eyes these words are written, (a cloudy mind, words my lips couldn’t convey to you is drawn.) My heart aches and my life pays for it.

With watery eyes comma these words are written period With a cloudy mind, words my lips couldn’t convey to you are drawn. My heart aches and my life pays for it.

(b) I wish I could for once tell my dad.

I wish I could comma for once comma tell my dad.

(c) And (i) can’t make sound decisions by myself as a man.

And I can’t make sound decisions by myself as a man.

(d) How do I tell people how lonely traveling to (other) country to survive (is.)

How do I tell people how lonely traveling to another country to survive is ?

(e) I wish I could write these words with a sound mind but I am afraid my emotions wouldn’t help me.

I ask myself every night does it ever get better.

I ask myself every night comma does it ever get better?

I enjoyed reading...

Regards, jackson

6
6
Review of Yip!  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
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          No Sox with Sandals,
Yip! Yip! Yip! I like your story... The neighbor's dog comes bouncing into their yard, anxiously looking for the perfect place to make a deposit. Little does Old Spot know that his long overdue comeuppance was mailed yesterday, and has already been delivered. Seems the man applied pepper spray to his entire yard.

Now, dogs just don't get it... about making their deposits in their own account, seems they enjoy sharing the wealth with the entire neighborhood, especially with their nice, next door neighbor. But on this particular day, after checking his balance with a sniff or two, Old Spot discovered his account was closed with no prior notice. Yip! Yip! Yip! After getting a dose of the pepper spray, Old Spot skedaddled ...

... great story, makes me laugh. More! More!

Regards, jackson
7
7
Review of Post-destroyed.  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: ASR | (3.5)
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          V...
Post-destroyed, in reading this item, I find it to be an opinion piece. Everyone has opinions... Yours seems to be that you hate romance. Actually, to some degree, I dislike romance. Not romance in general, that I hold a great affinity for. I love romance.
• What I don't like is cheesy, half-baked romance storys. But if done well, with a storyline, a romance story can be good. (Not the same old tired plots you seem to see in every romance novel). I'm talking about a real storyline, a storyline that is original, exciting and with action.

Your piece seems to be well thought out, with details explaining your opinion, with a few thoughts on your father's ideas on romance. Good job... Write onward...

Below are some punctuation issues for you to consider at your discretion.

(a) A snake without (its') hiss.

A snake without its hiss.
• The apostrophe is not used with its. Its shows possession just the way it is. ( The same as yours.

(b) A bear without (its')• growl. You don't need it. But without it you are defenseless or so they say. Though many may find this to be a depressing contrast I find it to be perfectly written.

A bear without its growl. You don't need it. But without it comma you are defenseless comma or so they say. Though many may find this to be a depressing contrast comma I find it to be perfectly written.

(c) Yet although older people rant to me about finding "the one" but I prefer to find myself instead.

Yet although older people rant to me about finding the one comma I prefer to find myself instead.

(d) When in reality it's never going to arrive.

When in reality comma it's never going to arrive.

(e) In fact comma it will most likely be stories comma instead of this depressing, despair inducing writing.
Additional comments
I enjoyed your writing, it was generally well thought out and presented.Thanks for sharing.

Regards, jackson
8
8
Review of Rosebuds  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
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          sinbad,
From the list of works at Read and Review, I noticed this little gem of roses, I am at a loss in trying to review this ... The words won't come. I am speechless after reading Rosebuds. Because it's so good. I don't know much about poetry, although I write it from time to time. (Free verse.) I'll just comment, because in that, I know the words.
*BulletB*

Perfect! Each word builds upon its predecessor and each line is, if it is possible, better than the one before it. A sweet, melody of rhythm carries each line on its back, resonating at its ending with the voice of rhyme. And with the last line, you want more... This reader does. Great work...

Thanks for sharing...

Regards, jackson
9
9
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (4.0)
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*BulletB*

          flossy1985,
The End of the World is a fine example of people closing their ears, not listening to good advice and suffering the subsequent consequences.

Dr. Amelia Sherwood is to make a presentation before the bigwigs of NASA, she prepares meticulously, but is rewarded by a chorus of laughter. She's fired.

Humiliated, the doctor leaves the office. Right about then, the father of all volcanoes erupts, triggering the last earthquake on Earth. The destruction of Earth follows. She warned them...

• Issues for you to consider

(A) It's the year 2071, downtown in New York city, an alarm clock rings loudly awakening a tired Dr Amelia sherwood...

It's the year 2071, downtown in New York city, an alarm clock rings loudly comma awakening a tired Dr. Amelia Sherwood...

(B) She tried to warn people but they didn’t listen.

She tried to warn people comma but they didn’t listen.

(C) Since trees were wiped (out ,) there is limited photosynthesis meaning oxygen levels (lead) low.

Since trees were wiped out comma there is limited photosynthesis comma meaning oxygen levels read low.

The comma after out is one space distant from out.

(D) The room fills with laughter by usually serious men, chortling away checking their expensive watches, they fire Amelia on the spot.

The room fills with laughter by usually serious men, chortling away comma checking their expensive watches, they fire Amelia on the spot.
Comments
Your story was greatly enjoyable, write onward...

Regards, jackson
10
10
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (3.0)
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*BulletB*

          minniemouse,
Welcome to Writing.Com! From viewing this story, to me, it looks as if you are a fairly new writer. Below, I will attempt to give you some pointers on various things which make up a story.

It's not just the words of a story... There's punctuation to consider, how to format internal dialog (a person's thoughts), and how to format dialog, (exchanges of conversation between two, or more, people. Other things go into a story, but these three will be the ones I have suggestions for.

No matter what I say in my suggestions, or what anyone says, your words which make up this story are good enough to be called a good story. I encourage you to keep on writing... without writers, the world spins more slowly.

Suggestions


1 Mogi looked around in front of him sitting on a chair, was a girl.
•Mogi looked around comma in front of him comma sitting on a chair comma was a girl.

2 "Wait, no.” thought Mogi, “that’s an angel.”

The sentence above needs no quotation marks, the words weren't spoken. You could write the actual words Mogi thought in italic letters, Wait, no, thought Mogi. Or you could just write them in plain letters. Wait, no, Mogi thought.

Wait, no comma thought Mogi. "That’s an angel.”

Below is an example of how to format dialog. After one person speaks, begin a new paragraph before the next person speaks. Each time a different person speaks, begin a new paragraph.

3 Not again.” He said. “Let me get that.” Said the angel, she unchained him, and he sat up. “My name is Theresa.” Said the angel, “I was assigned to protect you; Móguǐ zhīzǐ.”

Not again comma ” he said.

“Let me get that,” said the angel period

She unchained him, and he sat up.

The angel said,
“My name is Theresa comma “I was assigned to protect you comma Móguǐ zhīzǐ.”

4 Luke!” he shouted. “Easy,” said Theresa, “you transformed twice today, just try to rest.” “where’s Luke?” asked Mogi “he’s gone,” said Theresa, “he possessed you, so I had to do something."

Dialog separated below . . .

Luke!” he shouted.

“Easy,” said Theresa, “you transformed twice today, just try to rest.”

"Where’s Luke?” asked Mogi period

"He’s gone,” said Theresa period “He possessed you, so I had to do something.”

Separate the dialog of the two who are speaking into different paragraphs each time a
different person speaks.


5 Please don’t call me that,” said Mogi, “it reminds me that my life has been a lie since I was first born.” “Then what should I call you?” asked Theresa “call me Mogi.” Said Mogi, “it’s a terrible reminder to know that my name means ‘son of the devil’ in Chinese, so I really prefer Mogi.”

Please don’t call me that,” said Mogi period "It reminds me that my life has been a lie since I was first born.”

“Then what should I call you?” asked Theresa period

“Call me Mogi comma ” said Mogi period It's a terrible reminder to know that my name means ‘son of the devil’ in Chinese, so I really prefer Mogi.”

6 On the contrary sir,” said Theresa, “this young man is capable than you think." "Ok,” said the man, “then follow me.”

On the contrary comma sir,” said Theresa period "This young man is capable of more than you think.”
Separate the speech of different people by creating a new paragraph.

“Ok,” said the man, “then follow me.”

7 the bed was lined with silk, light shone through the stain glass windows revealing...

The bed was lined with silk, light shone through the stain glass windows revealing...
Here's one more example of your dialog, and a suggested edit.

This used to be our best barn, until the night when the flames appeared.” Said the man, “it’s been here for three years, and whenever someone goes near it, they go crazy!” “I see,” said Theresa, “I would recommend that you leave sir, to avoid any unwanted consequences."

When someone speaks, and is finished speaking, you add a comma and say, said the man, don't begin (said) with a capital. It should be just like below.

"This used to be our best barn, until the night when the flames appeared comma ” said the man period "It's been here for three years, and whenever someone goes near it, they go crazy!”
Separate the two speakers dialog.

“I see,” said Theresa, “I would recommend that you leave comma sir, to avoid any unwanted consequences.”

I hope this helps in your future writing.

Regards, jackson
11
11
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: 18+ | (3.5)
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*BulletGr*

          Raving Madly,
Dark Crusade-Prologue is the story of a young couple. They subsist by being farmers. One night, the man hears odd, out of place noises from outside. He rushes out to investigate. He picks up his scythe, which he had left out, in case he needs to defend himself. Hurriedly, he goes to the barn. The big door lies on the ground, burned. Inside, all is quite, which is unusual for a barn full of horses. A few seconds later, he understands. The barn is empty, no animals. . . From inside the house, he hears his wife scream. Rushing back, he sees two men taking advantage of his wife. He is overpowered and tied to a chair. Aftewards, the men cut his wife's throat, and mortally injure him.
• For the readers, there is more to the story. Read Dark Crusade-Prologue to find out what happens.
• Comments
The story needs no additions or changes, it is complete and enjoyable just the way it is. To make it more enjoyable, I suggest the changes in punctuation below.

1 For a moment he thought it odd that the horses were so quiet if something was out here.
• For a moment comma he thought it odd that the horses were so quiet if something was out here.

2 Every once in a while she would look over at him, and her smile would grow larger for just a moment.
• Every once in a while comma she would look over at him, and her smile would grow larger for just a moment.

3 Not even the occasional whicker of the horses or lowing of the oxen.
• This clause needs a verb to become a complete sentence.
• Not even the occasional whicker of the horses or lowing of the oxen were heard.

4 Normally the horses would greet him with all manner of noise . . .
• Normally comma the horses would greet him with all manner of noise . . .

5 One of (the) grabbed the scythe away from him and hit him on the head while the other one knifed him from behind.
• One of them grabbed the scythe away from him and hit him on the head comma while the other one knifed him from behind.

6 The bandits of course, paid him no heed.
• The bandits comma of course, paid him no heed.

The suggestions above are only the opinion of one reader, to be used at your discretion. Write on...

Regards, jackson



12
12
Review of Heart of Darkness  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with disABILITY WRITERS GROUP  Open in new Window.
Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
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          Skyaire,
I enjoyed your story about the unicorn, Chrysalis. How her village had been attacked and almost destroyed. I especially liked how the unicorns could live as humans, and how Chrysalis was the one appointed to investigate the matter. You made the story exciting and unpredictable. Good job...
I have no suggestions about any changes in the story, as is, it stands tall.

*BulletB* Punctuation and grammar suggestions

I offer these suggestions in hopes that they may be useful.
*BulletB*
1 "Where are the others? I only counted warriors among the dead. (No crafters, no priests, no artisans.”)

"Where are the others? I only counted warriors among the dead comma lowercase letter no crafters, no priests, no artisans."

"Where are the others? I only counted warriors among the dead, no crafters, no priests, no artisans.”

2 Moving quickly now, they approached the only (unfired) structure in their village.

Moving quickly now, they approached the only unburned structure in their village.

I think unfired needs to be unburned.

3 Once the meal had cleared away and the children off to bed did she ask what her heart wanted to know.

Only when the meal had been cleared away and the children were off to bed did she ask what her heart wanted to know.

4 As far as anyone knew Chrysalis was now the only remaining priestess.

As far as anyone knew (comma) Chrysalis was now the only remaining priestess.

5 Let’s all get some rest (now,”)

Let’s all get some rest now (period)

6 I’ll go,” (A) younger stallion moves forward. He had only just gotten his braids a month ago. (“they) can spare me to travel with Lady Chrysalis.

I’ll go,” a younger stallion moves forward. He had only just gotten his braids a month ago. “They can spare me to travel with Lady Chrysalis.

7 "You will need this out of here."

"You will need this when you get out of here."

8 As she worked she noticed that most of the dead were warriors.

As she worked comma she noticed that most of the dead were warriors.
*BulletB* Comments
It's a fine story, with good detail and imagery. Thank you for sharing . . .

Regards, jackson










13
13
Review of The Empty Seat  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with disABILITY WRITERS GROUP  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
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*BulletB* Comments by jackson.
The Empty Seat, wow! Sometimes, the seat where our love once sat becomes empty. It is then that our heart truly begins its wail. Each time our eyes fall upon the seat, another way of missing you comes to our mind. Our heart is no longer a wild rose blooming in the springtime, filling us with the scent of happiness . . . our heart has became a canyon with echoes of your love. calling to us.
*BulletB*

This is the way I felt while reading The Empty Seat. Thank you for your words, the song of your heart, thank you.

Regards, jackson
14
14
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
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*Bullet*
Rust and Riverbone, an appropriate title, well chosen.
*BulletB*
          In the story, Evander, a man whose father tried to drown him when he was nine years old, can't forget. Who could? Seems his father received his comeupance though, drowned in his own bathtub.
*BulletB*
          Even though his past revisits him from time to time, Evander is happy; he's got a job, a life worth living and that now-fading memory. One night, Evander gives a ride to a ghost girl. She leads him to Lily, a little girl whose father was akin to his own father. Except Lily's bones are all that is left of her.
*BulletB*
Spare words, good descriptions and dialog inhabit this story; to know the ending, read it . . . I noticed no errors in punctuation, grammar or spelling. Thanks for sharing your story with us readers.

Regards, jackson



15
15
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (4.5)

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          Rojodi,
I understand this item is the plot of a future story, the elements you have chosen to include in the story sound good to me. The Plot, has some good possibilities; from the detail you have written up to this point, the directions in which you could resume this story are many. In The Plot, you've developed a character, Sebastion Petitjean, a pro soccer player whose father, who lives in New York, is seriously ill. Sebastion flys to New York, and has a sense of someone following him. Once in New York, he learns his father is improving in health, but still, he has this feeling of being watched. A good mystery is developing here . . .
*BulletB*
          As for the structural content of The Plot, there are no errors in punctuarion, grammar or tense, and the pov is consistent. The idea for the story is well-conceived.
*BulletB*
I did notice one misspelled word, and I quote, 'Immediately, he (hoped) onto a plane to New York City . . .' (hoped) should be (hopped.)
*BulletB*
Thanks for sharing your work; it's an excellent beginning. Write on . . .

Regards, jackson
16
16
Review of Even Now  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
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*BulletB*           Whitney,
Below, is what I saw in my mind as I read your item. I loved it.
*BulletB*
She waits . . . for the one she loves. Her heart is still tender for him. She longs, deep inside, for his presence. Where is he? Does his heart still beat for her? Are his thoughts of her? The ache in her heart throbs its pain throughout her body. Still, she waits. Time crawls . . . her prayers left unanswered. Will her eyes look upon his face tomorrow? Will his knock sound upon the door? From uncertainty, her mind wanders to doubt and worry. Does he love me? Is he alright? Does he need my help? Is he in trouble? Why is he not in my arms? I want to comfort his worries, soothe his anxiety and just hold him. Please, Lord . . . and the days pass with misery. Still, she waits.
*ButtonB*
. . . good expression of emotions, good details of her state of mind, and written well.
*ButtonB*
Regards, jackson

17
17
Review of Stormy Weather  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: 18+ | (5.0)

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         dragonwoman,
I enjoyed reading your story . . . well-crafted. It's about Elaina, a mage, among other things.

Elaina can sense things. She's onboard a ship when she makes an innocent comment within the hearing of the captain. 'Theres a storm coming.' Over these few words, the ire of the captain is raised. He jumps all over her, spits out insults and is otherwise rude. Then the storm, which he didn't believe was coming, came. Destruction ensues. Then the Rain Ravens arrive. Hell is let loose, rip this, tear that, destroy this. After the storm, the captain blames Elaina, kicks her off the ship for calling the storm upon them. Elaina is desperate, but angry. Where will I go now, she thinks.

. . .great story, I noticed one little typo in the first sentence of the story. You need a space between: "There's a storm coming," and, commented Elaina.

Regards, jackson
18
18
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
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          Daizy May,
Good morning, I am still chuckling . . . Those nice young genthemen who pulled you over . . . you made a fun story from being pulled over for speeding. I liked how you used your wording to make it seem as if those fellows were lonesome and needed someone to talk to. A good piece of writing with superb imagery stared me in the face as I read your item. In my opinion, the story is great, keep up the good writing. My favotite line was 'Then we chatted about how fast I was driving.' A close second favorite was, 'They must have thought I looked interesting to talk to because they did a U turn to follow me a ways . . .' You have a good sense of humor, and you exhibited it well in this story. I noticed no technical issues in your story, good job.

Regards, jackson
19
19
Review of The Golden Ring  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)

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Emyrn,

Hello, I noticed a few places you might consider editing in your item, at your discretion . . . [It's hard to edit, and takes time, I know, because that's my least favorite part of writing.]

Write on . . . I enjoyed reading your story, the other technical aspects were great.

Edit suggestions

1 “I've heard rumors of a ring with magical properties and with a little digging I finally managed to find where it's . . ."

"I've heard rumors of a ring with magical properties and with a little digging comma I finally managed to find where it's . . ."

2 Oh just some traps and maybe a guardian.

Oh comma just some traps and maybe a guardian.

3 "Don't forget you implied magic use . . ."

"Don't forget comma you implied
magic use . . ."

4 Thirty percent and only I know where it is."

Thirty percent comma and only I know where it is."

5 Very slowly the croaking of frogs and the chirping of birds resumed . . .

Very slowly comma the croaking of frogs and the chirping of birds resumed . . .

6 The guards answering in unison boomed with a mighty voice . . .

The guards comma answering in unison comma boomed with a mighty voice. . .

7 "The scroll will take you to the castle and has the incantation on it but it takes a great deal of magic."

"The scroll will take you to the castle and has the incantation on it comma but it takes a great deal of magic."

8 "Don't forget you implied magic use and I'm sure you don't know that many mages."

"Don't forget comma you implied magic use and I'm sure you don't know that many mages."

9 Suspicious again Jargan asked, “And how did . . ."

Suspicious again comma Jargan asked, “And how did . . ."

10 "Do you know what the magic properties are?

"Do you know what the magic properties are? punctuation mark

11 Hurriedly going back to the ring, Jargan opened the glass case . . .

Hurriedly comma going back to the ring, Jargan opened the glass case . . .

12 Yesss, my queen,” responded the leader quivering slightly.

"Yesss, my queen,” responded the leader comma quivering slightly.

13 . . . but Jargan quickly relaxed again when it turned out to be only a moving bones armed with a sword.

. . . but Jargan quickly relaxed again when it turned out to be only delete (a) moving bones armed with a sword.

14 . . . and it seemed as if the castle were falling apart.

. . and it seemed as if the castle was falling apart.

          The suggestions above are only on writer's opinion . . .

Regards, jackson










20
20
Review of Bully  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: 18+ | (3.5)
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          onyx,

          This is a Writing.Com account Image #1585921 over display limit. -?- review. The Bully was a satisfying read. The introduction . . . the first few lines of the story, tells us the two characters who will be involved in the action. A little later, the bully is introduced.

          The plot is articulately conveyed and effectively introduced shortly after the opening lines. The reader has no trouble following the storyline.

As for the action, there is no dearth of action in the story. The details are just right, full and rich, but not overflowing.

*BulletB* Punctuation
Because punctuation is as important as the other parts of writing, most suggestions I mention to authors deals primarily with punctuation, with some grammar and spelling.

The reason I concentrate on punctuation is: Punctuation is a printed recording of all the inflections and nuances in a person's voice as they speak. Without punctuation, the speaker's voice sounds like a monotone with no variety in sound or thought. The printed version of a speaker or narrator's words is an extension of real life, and is controlled by punctuation.

Listed below are some suggestions for your consideration.

1 . . . so I kept (me) mouth shut and my eyes down when he stared me down and his friends laughed.

. . . so I kept my mouth shut and my eyes down when he stared me down comma and his friends laughed.

When two standalone sentences (or independent clauses) are joined together using a conjunction like and, but, or, the conjunction should be preceded by a comma.


2 'He won't be back. '

'He won't be back.'

3 (' Don't worry,') said Mr. Kim when Eddie left the store.

'Don't worry,' said Mr. Kim when Eddie left the store.

3 When I opened my eyes, which were remarkably still intact (.,) I was surprised to see that Mr. Kim . . .

When I opened my eyes, which were remarkably still intact semicolon I was surprised to see that Mr. Kim . . .

4 Mr Kim and his friends go back in there but I'm not really allowed.

Mr. Kim and his friends go back in there comma but I'm not really allowed.

You need a period after (Mr), and (but) connects two independent clauses. When two standalone sentences (or independent clauses) are joined together using a conjunction like and, but, or, the conjunction should be preceded by a comma.

5 ('Fuck you.) Eddie screamed back, but the fight was out of him now.

'Fuck you.' Eddie screamed back, but the fight was out of him then.

7 Eddie kept screaming out abuses at Mr. Kim calling him stuff like chink and (slant- eye.)

Eddie kept screaming out abuses at Mr. Kim comma calling him stuff like chink and slant-eye.

8 'I know your father,' he yelled pointing into Eddie's face.

'I know your father,' he yelled comma pointing into Eddie's face.

9 Eddie was the ringleader, and he was the one that shoved me, so I kept me mouth shut and my eyes down when he stared me down and his friends laughed.

Eddie was the ringleader, and he was the one who shoved me, so I kept my mouth shut and my eyes down when he stared me down comma and his friends laughed.

(and) connects two independent clauses, a comma needs to be placed before it.

10 I wanted so desperately to slough (of) my shyness . . .

I wanted so desperately to slough off my shyness . . .

11 I suppose (me) resolve collapsed half a step, but I was still pretty upset . . .

I suppose my resolve collapsed half a step, but I was still pretty upset . . .

12 It's one thing when a guy picks on a guy and it's another thing when he picks on a guy's friend.

It's one thing when a guy picks on a guy comma and it's another thing when he picks on a guy's friend.

When two standalone sentences (or independent clauses) are joined together using a conjunction . . . and, but, or, the conjunction should be preceded by a comma.

13 (Eddies) yelling that he's got steel-toed boots on and he's going to crack my skull.

Eddie's yelling that he's got steel-toed boots on comma and he's going to crack my skull.

and joins two independent clauses, a comma needs to come before it.

14 . . . but I admit I didn't have it in me (do) do anything about it at that moment.

. . . but I admit I didn't have it in me to do anything about it at that moment.

17 Before then, the only video games I'd ever seen were quite simplistic involving something like a triangle moving through space . . .

Before then, the only video games I'd ever seen were quite simplistic comma involving something like a triangle moving through space . . .

18 At that moment I was terrified for sure.

At that moment comma I was terrified for sure.

At that moment is an introductory phrase which introduces the primary part of the sentence, I was terrified for sure.

*Bullet*

The Bully, is a good example of bullying, told with rich detail and believability . . .

Regards, jackson

















21
21
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (3.0)


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         von Garret,
An Image #1585921 over display limit. -?- review, as this is the month of the anniversary of your WdC account.

In this story, Leom, an older man, decides to herd his goats from lower elevation grazing lands to higher up pastures. With the help of his dog, Leom is moving the goats along, with some difficulty. He regrets his decision to make the move . . . Tired, he sits down and eats. From the distance, he hears the cry of a scartharok. He knows there is possible death for some living being in the near future, because the scartharok gathers where life comes to an end. Compassion dwells in his heart . . . so Leom decides to investigate. After a search toward where many scartharoks are now circling, Leom comes to a place where he can see the slopes below. He sees a figure there, a figure walking with difficulty. He heads down a slope to get closer, and is able to discern the figure is a mam. Determined to save the man, Leom climbs down the scree-ladden slope, discovers the man is a boy, and somehow gets him up the slope. From there, he takes the boy to his home, and cares for him until he has recovered.

Comments
. . . a great prologue. When the story is completed, it will be a worthy story. Write more . . .

Punctuation/etc.
Below are some edit suggestions for you to consider at your disgression.

1 All summer he had kept his goats in the lower meadows and he . . .

All summer comma he had kept his goats in the lower meadows and he . . .

2 In the morning they had the same conversation.

In the morning comma they had the same conversation.

3 . . . and the herd would be happily graving . . .

. . . and the herd would be happily grazing . . .

4 Up in the high country above the tree line, the grass was tough but there were stunted shrubs on which the goats could graze.

Up in the high country above the tree line, the grass was tough comma but there were stunted shrubs on which the goats could graze.

5 In a panic scanned his goats.

In a panic comma he scanned his goats.

6 The scartharok continued circling but had yet to descend upon the dying creature.

The scartharok continued circling comma but had yet to descend upon the dying creature.

7 . . . while the creature screamed and spasmed with death pains with eyes full of horror.

. . while the creature screamed and spasmed with death pains and with eyes full of horror

8 . . .and following Leom’s whistled instructions the hound sent the goats down the path . . .

. . . and following Leom’s whistled instructions comma the hound sent the goats down the path . . .


9 As they drew closer the scartharok’s cries grew ever more grating.

As they drew closer comma the scartharok’s cries grew ever more grating.

10 Far below a figure could be seen moving slowly and . . .

Far below comma a figure could be seen moving slowly and . . .

11 He called out “Hey… you down there.”

He called out comma “Hey… you down there.”

12 His call echoed through the gorge but the figure didn’t seem to notice.

His call echoed through the gorge comma but the figure didn’t seem to notice.

13 Never the less he managed to reached the bottom without incident.

Nevertheless comma he managed to reach the bottom without incident.

14 He was limping badly, his head was hang low . . .

14 He was limping badly, his head was hanging low . . .

15 The scartharok continued to circle over head . . .

The scartharok continued to circle overhead . . .

16 . . . then tried to scramble away tugging the sword free of Leom’s foot.

. . . then tried to scramble away comma tugging the sword free of Leom’s foot.

17 . . . but it took them close to an hour to climb out again, all but dragging the boy up the slope.

. . . but it took them close to an hour to climb out again, with him all but dragging the boy up the slope.

18 As soon as the boy was lying down he fell into a restless sleep . . .

As soon as the boy was lying down comma he fell into a restless sleep . . .

19 Auld was excited to see him master again . . .

Auld was excited to see his master again . . .

20 As the dried blood was washed away Leom could see the extent of the boy’s wounds.

As the dried blood was washed away comma Leom could see the extent of the boy’s wounds.

21 After Leom cleaned and bandaged the boy’s wounds he let him sleep.

After Leom cleaned and bandaged the boy’s wounds comma he let him sleep.

22 After a few hours the boy awoke with a start which in turn woke Leom.

After a few hours comma the boy awoke with a start comma which comma in turn comma woke Leom.

After a few hours, the boy awoke with a start, which, in turn, woke Leom.

23 It’s okay you are safe.”

It’s okay comma you are safe.”

24 By the after noon, his short term memory was returning but he could remember nothing before waking up in Leom’s cabin.

By the afternoon, his short term memory was returning comma but he could remember nothing before waking up in Leom’s cabin.

*BulletG* Comments


An exciting story, with action, compassion and rich details.

Thanks for sharing.

Regards, jackson













22
22
Review of Lost in the Woods  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.5)
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Emyrn,

. . . a Writing.Com account Image #1585921 over display limit. -?- review.

          *Music1*,           *Music1*,           *Music1*

The beguiling and lonesome whistle of a flute beckons an unsuspectig boy into a forbidding forest . . . The flute cries . . . its melody enchanting. Thus dazed, the boy follows the sound of the cry.

          The boy becomes lost, destitute . . . crying. Of a sudden, in the midst of his confusion, his despair, a frog approaches him . . . speaks.

          "Need some help?"

          Tauntingly, it proceeds to inform the boy that it has no intention of helping him. Rather, its aim is to help itself, as in, "Pass me a tidbit of that boy's liver, Jim."

          In the mind of the frog, and the many other frogs who have been attracted to the scene, the boy is, Tonight's dinner.

          After informing their guest of the contents of tonight's menu, the frogs press in closer to the boy. Salivating . . .

         Before their meal can be served, a lovely voice rises above their chorus of anticipating croaks, stopping them in mid-drool.

          "I'll light your way."

          Esmeralda, the fox, saves the boy from consumption . . . She guides him home, and he never listens to a strange flute again.

*BulletB* Punctuation suggestions

1 The fox only took a deep breath spewing forth fire burning a trail through the darkness.

The fox only took a deep breath comma spewing forth fire and burning a trail through the darkness.

*BulletB* Other comments

• Plot . . . a nicely done plot, leaving no room for complaints from the reader.

• Action/detail A precise combination, lending neither to overuse.

• Resolution The boy escapes the call of the flute and vows to never listen to strangers again.

          I enjoyed this story, in one word, delightful.

Regards, jackson
23
23
Review of Pay back  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: 18+ | (3.0)
Anniversary Reviews email siggie
Image #2194839 over display limit. -?-

Soul sister,

I am today, reviewing your story, Pay Back. I'll be concentrating on grammar and punctuation, as these two things are important to the health of a story. Before that, I'll give the readers a brief outline of, Pay Back.

*BulletG*

The story involves a woman taking a measure of revenge against her rich, ex-husband. Her ex has severely abused her in many ways. He put her in a mental hospital, cut off her funds, accused her of having sexual affairs and lied to her family about her.

She is, at this moment, standing beside his historical home, which she has just set on fire, watching it burn with pleasure. As she stands there, she revisits her memories of all the wrongs he had perpetrated upon her, and makes plans for further acts of revenge. Payback is hell . . . she thinks.

*BulletG*


Below, see the things I noticed, and an edit suggestion for each one.

1 . . . along with on lookers.

Onlookers is misspelled.

2 It would be like tangling a carrot in front of him.

It would be like dangling a carrot in front of him.

Typo . . .

3 Too bad he wasn't here to see it happening.

Too bad comma he wasn't here to see it happening.

4 Her modeling career was over thanks to Pete.

Her modeling career was over comma thanks to Pete.

5 They believed she had stole from Pete and had affairs... She was on drugs he had told them. She was a nut case he led them all to believe.

They believed she had stole from Pete and had affairs... She was on drugs comma he had told them. She was a nut case comma he had led them all to believe.

6 He had had to divorce her because she was cheating he had lied to their loved ones. She was selling dope he had made her own family believe. She was crazy he had told everyone.

He had had to divorce her because she was cheating period He had lied to their loved ones. She was selling dope comma he had made her own family believe. She was crazy comma he had told everyone.

7 He had grabbed her hair when she woke up and dared her to go again him.

He had grabbed her hair when she woke up and dared her to go against him.

8 She had had do so to protect them.

She had had to do so to protect them.

9 Oh he would begin to wonder if it was her doing. He may even try to find her or even hurt her family.

Oh comma he would begin to wonder if it was her doing.

10 Oh how she had wanted to tell them to truth.

Oh comma how she had wanted to tell them the truth.

11 But when she awoke in the hospital, that (it is the) day he had made the threat.

But when she awoke in the hospital, that was the day he had made the threat.

12 She had to do some of those things he accused (her her) like stealing. She had stole his money.

She had to do some of those things he had accused her of comma like stealing. She had stolen his money.

13 She felt an indemnity that (she she) knew she deserved.

She felt an indemnity that she knew she deserved.

14 Oh that would be enough to give him a stroke.

Oh comma that would be enough to give him a stroke.

15 But she knew in her planning of tonight she had to do it when he was away on business.

But she knew in her planning of tonight comma she had to do it when he was away on business.

16 Oh that smug look of his!

Oh comma that smug look of his!

17 Her plan (that that) had been in the making was finally coming to fruition.

Her plan that had been in the making was finally coming to fruition.

18 She knew she had to have evidence on him or no one would believe her She had found it.

She knew she had to have evidence on him comma or no one would believe her period She had found it.

19 Then, there was the clients who would be dropping their accounts with him for no reason.

Then there were the clients who would be dropping their accounts with him comma for no reason.

(Clients) is plural, use (were) instead of (was).

*BulletB* Comments

The story follows a good plot, the pov is consistent and her revenge has began to bear fruit.

Regards, jackson

24
24
Review of Lady Rose  Open in new Window.
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Anniversary Reviews email siggie
Image #2194839 over display limit. -?-

          Emyrn,
Congratulations on the month of your WdC account anniversary. I liked your story about Lady Rose; it's good to read about a female pirate. She really had it all figured out, how to decoy other ships until it was too late for them to fight back. The ruse of having a few of the pirate crew lounge around on deck, wearing women's clothes, was a good stroke of the pen, as was the rest of the story. The story was exciting and held my attention throughout. The pirate flag on a black background with a skull clutching a crimson rose between it's teeth . . . great imagery.

I have one edit suggestion, no biggy.

Edit suggestion

1 "It's Sloop class sporting the Union Jack.”

"It's Sloop class comma sporting the Union Jack.”

Above you have two things happening. First, he tells them it's a sloop, then he tells them what kind of flag they are flying. A comma needs to separate the two.

"It's sloop class comma flying the Union Jack."

Comments

. . . a good story, I enjoyed it. Write, write . . .

Regards, jackson


25
25
Review by jackson Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (3.5)
Anniversary Reviews email siggie
Image #2194839 over display limit. -?-

          bluehats#5,

On the month of your WdC account anniversary . . . a review. Nice work with the story. You probably should stick to one name for the girl, Coraline/Cora.

You used some good sentences throughout the story. I saw a couple of things, or so, that I think you need to edit. They're listed below.

1 Coraline could hear the (voices) below, loud, with no care for how their (voices) betrayed them.

The structure of the sentence is unclear. Betrayed them from what? The sentence makes it sound as if the voices have voices . . .

Coraline could hear the loud people below, they had no care for how their voices might betray their presence.

2 A good thief didn’t waste time, (“in an out”) was her motto.

And is misspelled; do away with the quotation marks, use commas instead.

A good thief didn’t waste time, in and out comma was her motto.

3 Cora shook her head, “I’m okay Mommy.”

Cora shook her head, “I’m okay comma Mommy.”

Nice work, write on . . .

Regards, jackson


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