Hello and Happy Birthday. I do hope the British weather has turned on a Sunny, warm day for you. Although I live in Western Australia now my first 28 years were in the Midlands and have experienced the longing for the sun.
This lovely little poem makes me a little homesick for the soft rain, the sparrows, which we don’t get here, and my English dogs of my childhood.
Thank you for a taste of home. Have a wonderful day, thank you for sharing your poem.
Sue
Hi, I’ve just read this story as I was checking out the Horror Writing Contest entries. This was a great read, the sense of unease and tension I felt remained throughout the story. Your images of the river setting were well drawn and you included all the senses, especially the sense of smell as you described the unique swampy odour.
Catchy title and great use of the prompt.
Sue
Hi, I saw this little story on Read and Review.
It was an enjoyable read and anyone who has kids will recognise the “joys” of a road trip with them.
The moral of this story is to listen to Mom, she always knows best.
Another thing which rang true was the fact that Dads are loathe to stop for rest breaks. They just want to get there in as short a timeframe as possible and forget to make the journey part of the experience.
You incorporated the prompt word “chocolate” seamlessly into the story.
Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed reading.
Sue
Hi, at last I found something I enjoyed reading on Read and Review.
This is a really cool poem. At first glance I didn’t realise it was poetry because of the way it appears on the page. Yet it’s more than poetry it’s a lyrical conversation. As I read it I imagined it was a song, a rap song.
There’s some great advice too. So whoever you had in mind when you wrote this is lucky to have a friend like you.
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed reading.
Sue
Hi Carly, I found your entry to Writer’s cramp on Read and Review. This essay is a personal look into your psyche as you seek to understand how you see yourself and how you fit into the world.
You’ve tried to change, stick to promises you’ve made to yourself, but you knew as you made those promises, those resolutions to change, you wouldn’t succeed.
Perhaps you were just too hard on yourself, expecting that this time it would be different. You would stick to that diet, limit your alcohol consumption, and definitely stop swearing, and yet, there you go, failed again.
The solution is simple. Acceptance. Accept the true you and stop beating yourself up. After all would you recognise yourself if you were a clean living, health-obsessed, non drinking, non swearing and completely rational human being? Do you want to be someone else?
Forget about restrictions, just be you.
Thanks for sharing, it could be written about most of us as we beat ourselves up. I loved it!
now that about coves me for the day did you mean covers?
Sue.
Hi, Jacky, I came across this story in Read and Review. It made me smile as you described the feeling of something in your shoe. Yes, no matter where you might be there’s no option other than to remove it. Fortunately, as the story goes you saved the day and the jeweller a lot of money. Seems though despite the reward you still were twenty five bucks out of pocket! What a day. A great visual story.
Thanks for sharing.
Sue
I found this poem on Read and Review, and as I read it I recognised how you were feeling when you sat at your computer ready to write.
There’s no worse feeling than having nothing! Nothing in your mind, no ideas, not even a glimpse of a promise of things to come. No, you convince yourself that you’ve been fooling yourself all along.
“What made me think I could write?” That’s something I ask myself on a regular basis and yet my portfolio is crammed with stories.
“Ah, but are they any good?” The doubts creep in.
We are our own worst enemy, our worst critic.
The best way of dealing with those times are to do what you did. Write how you’re feeling and post it.
Be sure everyone who reads it will understand this poem.
Hi, I’m reviewing this story for I Write in 25.
I loved this story, and I’m sure there’s truth in it. Although it’s difficult to know the feelings of small children as they’re ripped away from their family(no matter how abusive) and sent to live with complete strangers, you seemed to capture some of what Monica was experiencing.
There was a sense of realism at the carnival when Monica became overwhelmed by the noise and crowds. It wasn’t surprising she overreacted.
I couldn’t see annt errors in grammar or spelling.
The first line: into her mouth.
The last few paragraphs have a different sized text to the rest of the story.
Thank you for sharing and good luck in the contests.
Sue
Hello, Kenzie, I hope everything is going well with you.
I came across this essay on Read and Review. I’m pleased I did because it gave me food for thought. I loved hearing about the person who, in her own unique way, gave you and your son a reason to smile.
Although some people find it easier than others to bring a little joy into someone’s life, I think it’s something everyone could do if they at least tried.
There are those in our midst who seem to take pride in never raising a smile. They’re the ones who believe they are worse off than the next person. But facing adversity with a touch of humour can lighten that load, put things into perspective and also make others feel less anxious.
Because it is stressful being in the company of someone who always looks on the dark side.
I know we can’t always be rays of sunshine, but just giving someone else a reason to smile is a gift worth giving.
Thank you so much for sharing. Sending good thoughts to you.
Sue
Hello, I read this poem and wondered what had inspired you to write it.
I checked out the contest
FORUM
PromptMaster ! (18+) A relaxed writing competition inspired by Taskmaster! #2329438 by Jayne
and saw the prompts, and realised I would have had no way of coming up with a poem based on such a prompt. I really admire, and perhaps envy, your imagination. I then had a look at the second prompt for April and that one was even more tricky in my opinion. And yet I saw you had again written another poem worthy of the contest. Well done.
It seems to me that this is not an easy contest by any means. However you’re a worthy challenger and I wish you luck.
Sue
Hi, Amethyst Angel 💐 I’m reviewing your story for I Write in 25.
It’s a story as old as time, isn’t it? A fairy tale any young child would love to hear. And of course it has a happy ending as all fairy tales must have.
My only concern is the contest it was written for.
I read the contest rules and it’s a celebration of Prince the singer’s life.
The judge asked for at least five Prince songs to be referenced in a story or poem. I don’t think your story does that.
Anyway good luck in the contest. Thanks for sharing.
Sue
Hello I’m reviewing your acrostic poem for I Write in 25.
Reviewing poetry isn’t something I usually do, not because I dislike poetry, quite the opposite, rather I don’t feel expert enough. However some poems can affect me emotionally depending on the topic, rhythm and metre.
Acrostics can add another layer of complexity.
This poem, which spells out the name Reuben, had me puzzled. I didn’t get the religious genre. I’m guessing Reuben is a biblical character who people dislike and have plotted to kill? If I’m correct then you succeeded in what you set out to do. Sorry for my ignorance regarding the subject matter.
I don’t know if it was written for a contest or to a prompt so that makes it more difficult for me to comment.
Anyway good luck with the poem and if you wish to enlighten me a little as to its meaning I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Sue.
Hello, please let me be one of the first to welcome you to WdC. I do hope you get what you joined up for. If you ask for any advice on navigating around the site or about story improvements there’ll be someone to help.
I loved your song lyrics and as I read I tried to fit them to some music my heart and mind could recognise, but failed miserably. I’d have loved to have been privy to your mind’s music as you wrote the words.
The lyrics conjure up a party celebration after the corn harvest and are catchy and well written. Congratulations.
Keep on writing and enjoy your time here. I’ll keep my eyes open for more from you.
Sue
Hi, John, I came across this story of yours in Read and Review. I read it and it left me wanting to know what happened next, a sign of a good story.
I wondered if you are planning on writing the next chapter or is this a stand alone story and the ending is left to the reader’s imagination.
One thing that puzzled me a little was that the vendor of the box tells Jamie that it had been in his family for years and it had a way of finding its owner. The question which came to my mind was, why was he selling it and that surely he was the owner? I think it would be better if he had been just the vendor not the owner as surely he would have known what was inside? That part didn’t ring true to me and perhaps if the box had been part of a consignment of lots of old stuff from a house sale it might be more believable? Anyway that’s just my thoughts.
Thanks for sharing your story and continued good luck with your writing.
Sue
Hello, first let me welcome you to WdC. I hope you enjoy your time here and you receive any help you require whilst navigating what can be a sometimes confusing site. But it will be worthwhile, I can promise you that.
This story certainly has a moral and I love being entertained with a little good advice thrown in.
I loved your descriptions: the marvelous stretch of sand along the coastline that crunched under their feet like brown sugar when it was soggy. also: and the sunsets that bled red, purple and pink every good evening.
I wished that I’d have been so easy to convince to do your own thing when I was young. I think embarrassment goes with being a teenager.
Hi, John as promised I’m here in your portfolio to read and review one of your stories. I quite enjoyed reading this item. Looks like you’re planning on writing more. What are your plans? A novel perhaps?
If you want to draw people to read your stories you should consider filling in the genres. This story would attract readers to perhaps the genres: horror, mystery and supernatural. Please don’t waste the opportunity to grow your profile and membership.
I noticed on another story in your portfolio, which I haven’t yet read, you suggested the item might not be suitable for a younger audience. This is when you should use the rating system. There are many, such as: suitable for Everyone, 13 years and over: 18 years and over: and then the rating for more explicit material.
I enjoyed Part one of The Mirror.
Write on.
Cheers Sue
Hello once more, Rene, I reviewed the first story you posted yesterday and made the mistake of not realising the narrator had been male and not female as I imagined. I hope you can forgive my ignorance. After reading your biography I realise English is not your first language and that you speak and write in many others. I’m envious of your writing skills and talent so feel unworthy to even comment on this story, Guizor.
However having read it I feel compelled to say how much I enjoyed the soft, lyrical rhythm of your words. It was a little like reading a fable, one with a lesson to be learned as all fables should strive to impart. I have no criticism with your translation from what I presume is Russian. I hope you find the person you’re seeking to translate your stories into English. There maybe someone here on WdC.
Returning to the story, my heart swelled with pleasure when the brothers were treated with respect, kindness and assistance. But your words made that same heart sink as they saw that kindness as something not intended.
The visualisation of the desert sands encroaching and then reclaiming were powerful.
Thank you so much for sharing with the readers lucky enough to find your stories.
All the best, Sue.
Hello, firstly let me welcome you to WdC. I hope you find a home here and people who’ll assist you with any questions about the site.
I’m so pleased I read this story which I found on Read and Review.
You seemed to have a knowledge of the Islamic faith which many of us may not. Girls of Jandal’s age are considered disposable, as are females in general. They aren’t held in high regard and are there to be used and for the will of men.
The story is powerful, distressing and very well written. It kept this reader’s attention right from the beginning.
I do have some advice about spacing. Reading text on a screen is so different to reading of a page in a book. By spacing out paragraphs and chapters it makes it so much easier to read. Being faced by unbroken blocks of text is off putting to many WdC readers. In this case it would be the perspective readers who’d be the one’s missing out.
I saw no grammatical errors.
Thank you so much for sharing. I wish you all the best in the future.
Sue.
Hello, I’m returning the favour and reviewing your story for I Write in 25.
I noticed you entered it in Twisted Tales. That was a good choice as it certainly was a twisted tale!
There were all sorts of twists from the mysterious pale, blue eyed man in the story Sara’s grandmother told her, to the appearance to her grandfather who didn’t seem to have aged. Was he a ghost? I’m not an expert on tenses but I sensed there was some mixing of past and present tense throughout the story.
Thanks for sharing. Good luck in the contest.
Sue
Hi, Kare, as usual a wonderful poem. I really liked the form how the second last line becomes the first line of the next stanza. Does it have a name or is it simply a Kare poetry form?
I was reading Hoarfrosts from Hell today and your poem written for 8 reached out to me.
Sign me up to leave this world
that will not let me breathe.
I thirst for a cup of water,
my other humble plea.
No — wait — I see a sunset
and a sky of twinkling stars.
Perhaps I'll sit here till the sunrise,
hold unto hope for one day more.
It’s a poem full of hope for a better day/future. I think as we get older we perhaps too lightly wish to sign up to leave this world, but life is precious isn’t it? I know some religions believe we get another go at life, but that’s not my belief. So, No, I’ll sit here till the sunrise too.
Sue
Hello, this is an interesting article. It’s refreshing to hear someone coming out in favour of social media. I always like to hear or read the views of younger people. Of course it’s what you know, it’s your reality so how could you understand the detractors?
Yet as an eighty year old who brought up a family when only tv was the entertainment available. At a time when phone calls had to be taken in the middle of the family room on the only land line available then of course I obviously have differing views.
My adult children never felt deprived, we spent time speaking to the family, not closing themselves away in their rooms on their devices. They had no bullying following them home with their phones. Slept well with no calls and pings keeping them awake. They went out with groups of friends and actually talked without checking their social media every few minutes. This was their reality and I’m so pleased it was.
Hello again, you’re being a very prolific writer. You’re amazing.
I checked the prompt for this poem it certainly fits.
I know it is about an owl giving advice, and great advice it is too. Know yourself, know what you’re capable of and be aware of the pitfalls.
This wise old owl knows what he’s talking about Best pay heed.
Thank you for yet another charming poem.
Sue
Hello, Ember, welcome to WdC. I see you haven’t yet completed your biography. That’s disappointing as I always like to check out to see whom I’m reviewing or talking to.
I haven’t yet read anything else you’ve written but I see you like poetry.
Your genre for this poem is children. I’m unsure if a child would understand or enjoy this poem though. The first line: The sea is wet and blue is certainly a simple line and I thought this was going to be a rhyming poem, as all children love the rhythm and flow of rhyming words. I was a little disappointed to find it was free verse which usually children don’t appreciate, unless of course it’s accompanied by brilliant illustrations.
The last four lines seem to me to be seperate from the beginning, and if I’m correct are about people who have died at sea? I feel you strayed a little from what you originally intended.
Anyway as I said before it’s always lovely to have new writers here at WdC. This is the place where you’ll receive help to improve if you ask for it.
Keep on writing.
Sue
Hello, I saw your story on Read and Review. It’s a lyrical, sweet story written for children and I’m sure any child would love it to be read to them before they closed their eyes.
I have a few suggestions which would make the reading it off the screen easier.
Spacing: There were no spaces between the paragraphs. This is very off putting to anyone who comes across the story.
Punctuation: There were quite a few places where punctuation, commas etc would have made it easier to know where to pause.
This piece reminded me of a story from Aesops Fables which I loved to read myself when I was small. I could imagine this as a children’s book with beautiful illustrations. It’s certainly worth the effort to give it a good edit.
Well done.
Sue
I think this has to be the best reason ever for being late to work. Being held hostage until you gave those little green men from a UFO your vehicle’s rear window, was certainly stretching your boss’s credulity.
I loved this poem. It’s clever, original and humorous.
Thank you for sharing and giving me a smile.
Sue
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