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61 Public Reviews Given
138 Total Reviews Given
Public Reviews
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Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Chilling! I wish it was a bit longer with more detail thrown in so the reader really feels the scene and the narrator's fear. I know I'm not alone with hearign strange sounds in the night. Sounds unfamiliar and dangerous, that keep you up even as you tell yourself the doors are locked and the alarm set- heck, they are the reason for the alarm in the first place. Good job, your last line is brilliant!
 
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Review of Deceived  Open in new Window.
Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (2.0)
Hi AiEnma09,

I saw that you wanted reviews to help you fine tune something for your school paper, so this with be a brutally honest review, as requested. *Smile*
 
The usual disclaimer: The comments within this review are never intended to be malicious, callous, rude, or hurtful. I am always willing to re-review if you edit your story and want my opinion of the changes. If you do not like my review then remember this is personal opinion and you are welcome to ignore it as everyone’s opinion differs.

 
Descriptions: You’re got a good start with describing whistling wing and strong trees, but if you close your eyes and see that image you are left with a few holes. Was the wind whistling, screaming, roaring, shrieking, howling? The ‘strong’ trees make the reader imaging something immovable, but that takes away from the fierceness of a storm. Are they swaying, rocking, whipping, bending, or maybe leaning? Is a storm coming or has it already arrived? Can you see it from a distance, or is it coming from behind you? Was there a weather report? What smells are around?
 
You then say the hall was dead silent, but have already talked about the sound of the wind. Is your narrator escaping the wind by going inside where it is silent? How else does your narrator know about the sound of the wind? Also, you say dead silent, very silent. If you need to describe something twice in the same sentence then that usually means your description was not powerful enough either time. Try something like: The hallway was quiet, with only the buffered whispers of the noise outside.
 
Spelling/Grammar: In your first paragraph you might consider using semicolons instead of periods in order to connect your sentences so they will stand out individually while still being linked together.
 
“Chatting, eating, caring. And even doing assignments together.” Use a comma instead of a period and then lowercase the a to form a complete sentence.
 
An ellipses can demonstrate a longer pause or even trailing off, but be careful not to overuse them as they’ll lose their impact if used too much.
 
Short sentences are used best when they are used in moments of urgency or speed, not when you’re safe inside a school, waiting for a storm to pass.
 
something, something that cause me to shiver . caused. Also, when you’re writing something it is easy to be dramatic, but pause to think if the drama is actually taking away from the impact of your story. Try something like I heard the faint echo of a whispered conversation and stepped closer. The noise of the storm was still rushing through my ears, but the more I listened the more I was able to detect the rhythm of spoken words. This tells the reader that you heard voices, without all the drama of a shiver at hearing voices in a school, or the “but no, it’s whispers!”- Which makes me think of the drama prairie dog.
 
faint that I can't guess . Remember what tense you are using while you write. Is it past, present, or future? Try couldn’t. You change tenses many times through the tale so be sure to re-read this and make sure everything is in the same tense.
 
being bloated because of shockness. Shockness? Shock?
Suggestions:
In your first paragraph your goal is to say that some people helped you grow up, and in your present life, while others tear you down. You say ‘weep while kneeling on the floor’. In a short metaphorical section such as your start, it would be best not to use too much step-by-step descriptions. By that I mean that it seems like you’re guiding the reader through two stages: Stage one, weeping, stage two, kneeling. It lacks the power you are trying to convey, and also makes it seem like you are weeping while they kneel on the ground. You could try “just come to torment me” as an alternative, or something along those lines as you want to express that some people help and others harm or take pleasure in witnessing harm.
 
Your next paragraph is also a little unclear. You say “thought for once they were my friends” when it might be better to simply say “I thought they were my friends.” After that you begin to describe actions, but do not have complete sentences. Instead of talking about eating and doing assignments, try closer times like how long you have known them. For example, “We stood side-by-side through the last four years; witnessed everything from death to birth, romance to heartache, and defeat to victory. With them I found a place to belong and with me they had an ally.” That displays more emotion than the fact that you knew people and ate with them.
 
You really need to tone down the drama. Your narrator was in a hall with a storm outside, and heard voices. That does not need an entire paragraph of description. The continued battle between if she should listen in or not is also a bit much. Never make your narrator entirely innocent as that reads as a ‘here is my version’ tale and everyone knows those have inaccuracies. Don’t be afraid to say your narrator listened in because he or she was curious. When you reveal that your narrator’s friends are keeping secrets it does not need such a huge reaction. People keep secrets; if they didn’t then the word would not exist. Perhaps your narrator hears the two friends whispering and notices a particularly spiteful tone, so he or she makes the active decision to listen in and see what is wrong. Yes, your narrator could just pop around the corner with a “hey guys, what’s up?” but your reader will forgive him or her for not doing so because eavesdropping is a lesser offence than saying mean things about someone unless your narrator intends to use the information to blackmail the people he or she is eavesdropping on.
 
Ordinarily, when people are plotting, they don’t speak like villains giving a monolog. “You see, Hero’s name does not know that I, villain’s name, and secretly plotting to destroy his/her happiness. Oh how I almost feel sorry for the poor fool…” yadda yadda yadda. Instead try something like pointing out you’re your narrator’s faults through the eyes of the villains. Even if your reader can sympathize with your antagonists they can still understand how the antagonists are acting unfairly.
  Try: “He/she is just so annoying. If I have to hear one more stupid joke, I’ll blow my brains out just so I don’t have to muster up another fake laugh.” “I’m with you on that, but it beats spending our own money, right?” “She/he’s so clingy! The other day I went to get lunch and she/he paid for us both, but I tried to step aside for just oe moment to talk to (other friend’s name) and (narrator) follows me. I tell her/him ‘Hey, I going to talk to (other friend) for a bit. I’ll meet you back at our table,’ and he/she just stands there and starts talking like he/she was invited!” “I know! I try to invite people over or go do anything and (narrator) finds some way to barge in.” “How much longer do you want to keep him/her around? The money is great and all, but is it really worth putting up with him/her all the time? If I wanted to plaster on a fake smile and be annoyed for hours a day I’d go get a job.”
  At this point you can have your narrator run away in tears if you want to, or just shrink back and find a corner to sob in. Then you do not need to type out how betrayed your narrator feels as the reader can understand everything based on the conversation and the fact that your narrator is crying over it instead of getting angry. It also tied back to your beginning when you say that some people just make “me” cry.
 
Overall: You’ve got the makings of a good story, just need to tidy it up a bit.Keep writing, you’re doing well!
 
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Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
Hahaha! Very amusing read. *Smile* Strange that Shauna did not just throw Megan right back out the door. Some more backstory would be nice as I'm not sure who any of these people are, what they are doing, or who they are hiding from- but I'm intrigued to find out. Awesome!
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Review of Stall  Open in new Window.
Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  Open in new Window.
Rated: 18+ | (3.5)
Hi Todd!

Congrats on getting a place in this week's horror/scary newsletter! Your story really fit the trapped analogy.

*Smile* I liked your short story for the idea that bad things will happen to bad people and the bold move of making the bad thing happen in a bathroom. I am always a little creeped out in public restrooms, so that stillness and fear of what you cannot see came through in your story.

I would recomend no trying so hard to make the reader hate Chet. It is hard to feel scared for someone we don't like. When he gets stuck in the bathroom stall and begins cursing everyone and everything we definitely see his anger, but he's been angry since the start of the story so we don't get to experience his torment until the very last moment when he dies. Maybe he seems charismatic but secretly he's ruining Chloe's life or he has been reported a dozen times and is always picture perfect in front of the higher-ups but a horror to be around ordinarily?

Just my opinon though. Overall it was an enjoyable read!
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Review of Dead battery  Open in new Window.
Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
I can sort of tell what you're goign for with te story, but maybe first-person was not the way to do as the reader is left sittign thre thinking 'I don't care what he did... I don't really know him." And his theory that he brought salvation is lost to me as he does not mention really doign anything except something that would bring him death by a firing squad. What time and place is this, I'm not sure. You've got a good idea, you just need to bring it home and let your reader see more without attacking them and never answerign the qustion your narrator assumes they are asking.

Keep writing! You have an idea and the will to write it- and that's always a great start.
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Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Wow, this is good. It's short, but you definitely capture the mood of a nursing home and the emotions of Norman as he struggles to maintain his dignity and strong spirit while dealing with old age.

The only possibly error that I noticed might be "eight-five" in the 14th paragraph. Should that be eighty-five?
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Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
You can definitely feel the vengeful rage of the writer in this. It would really help if you used punctuation marks in this as reading it all together is just a bit confusing at times.

My impression is of a letter-style rant of a wronged person who says the other person is not worth saving and how he/she will rise from the ashes... though the wishes death on the other person so instead of rising from the ashes he/she seems more like someone stuck in a vengeful pit of betrayal and bitterness.
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Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi Pegasus,
 
The usual disclaimer: The comments within this review are never intended to be malicious, callous, rude, or hurtful. I am always willing to re-review if you edit your story and want my opinion of the changes. If you do not like my review then remember this is personal opinion and you are welcome to ignore it as everyone’s opinion differs.
 
Overall: The story is a little shaky with quick sentences and interrupted flow, but the idea is amazing and very enjoyable! Choosing to ignore something, to call it evil, to hurt it, just because you can’t explain it or are too afraid to admit it might have been real.
 
Imagery: I’ve read a few of your stories and like the whimsical voice you use to set the tone. It’s charming and brings back good memories of books I read and loved as a child- though the concepts themselves are aimed at adults. While a little more detail could be added, you easily bring many images to mind as the story goes on.  
The abuse he had suffered proclaimed the need for love and wonder, and made lack of them throb like phantom limbs.This is a great sentence that really ties the mood to the story. 
Best line:” Like I was having the best dream of my life, but knew I would wake, and curse it for not being real.”
 
A few things I noticed:  
It was ghastly; a black and red streaked thing, standing taller on four skinny legs than our table. }Its narrow head swung toward us, hanging low on a thick, sinewy neck. Try not to start sentences with the same word as the previous sentence. You’re describing a monster and while the voice is great, the flow is a little stilted. Try:It was ghastly; a black and red-streaked thing, taller than our table, and standing on four skinny legs. The dead of the creature was thin, and hung low on a thick, sinewy neck. Another thing is that you use the word but quite a bit, and maybe it would be good to avoid that.
 (4.5 out of 5 stars)
 
Setting: The actual setting of the story is just a public park, described the same was and allowing the reader to imagine any park they’ve ever been to. This works for you, but I’d still love to see more descriptions, if only because I love reading your work and am willing to read longer stories.
 . 5 out of 5 stars
 
My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Go NoticedOpen in new Window..
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Review of Aaaah!  Open in new Window.
Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
The story seemed just a bit rushed, but on a second read that seemed more of a style choice and made the end of each paragraph really stop the flow in a rhythmic sort of way. You end with Isn't it funny and that sets the flow, like a poem.
 
Sylvia's father said it was great for his back. There were many things he didn't think were so great, however, and soon enough it was just her and me. A quick, heartbreaking statement that kept the story going but still made a point. Great job!
 
The ending is adorable, with the daughter almost patronizing her mom. Or maybe the little girl stuffs things under her bed to fill the hole. Either way, it’s a cute, funny story. You did a great job!
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Review of MAD COW DISEASE?  Open in new Window.
Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This is a great poem!
It's got a good flow and pacing, and it rhymes without getting too caught up in usign weaker words just to keep the rhyme going. The lengthis perfect as well, and sums everything up nicely. I'd reccomend it to any woman in need of a smile.
I'm a fan.
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Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  Open in new Window.
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
This was a really cute and ironic story, good job! The one thing I noticed that stood out as a bit strange was the capitalized YOU in “No, YOU agreed I’d try. I‘m fine just the way things are.” If might be a better idea to italicize the you instead of capslocking it.
You used Irony without getting sarcastic and led the reader down one path only to hit them with an obvious but unexpected ending. Great work! Keep on writing!
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Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
You have an excellent start up chapter! The only thing that bothered me was the mother and the school. She never thought to talk to your narrator about the little girl's death? None of the counselors had tried to talk to the kids in that class? Schools are usually very careful about sending out notes every day that something big happens, and a death would definitely count. And the narrator's behavior is almost a text book cry for help, yet no one speaks about it?

Other that that, this was a great story! It caught my interest right from the description and your title is golden, I love it! The narrator is also like able as I can relate to wanting those around me to be safe, no how they treat me or what they think of me, and you did it one notch further by his obsession to force that safety on others by telling them to abide by the rules. Marvelous job!

If I might make a suggestion about formatting, try to type [s] (holding down shift when you hit [ and ] between sentences to preserve spacing.
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Review of Dare To Be  Open in new Window.
Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Very pretty! The sound was eloquent and had a very pleasing flow to it. The word you chose made a powerful statement and I really loved how clear this poem way, even with its imagery. My absolute favorite line was:
The trials and lessons that you learn
will make you stronger in return.

Beautiful. Keep on writing!

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Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  Open in new Window.
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Spelling and grammar were a little weird, but you said English was not your first language so it's no big deal. The idea of ther story sounds interesting and you've definitely out a lot of thought into it, great job! The alien invasion and pact with the shadow government fit together in a way, since people in positions of power often seek more power, and enemies seek to take any advantage that they can. Wonderful idea!

Keep on writing!

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Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Wow, this is a great story. I loved the details because they were enough to capture the scenes without bogging the story down with things we didn't need to know. Also, it's just such a cute concept! How many parents would switch places with their kids if they could, and here you've put that into a physical actuality. I'll admit, I was a little hesitant when he hurt his hand, but from getting the wind knocked out of her, to hurting her hand, to nearly drowning... it builds nicely. I like the voice you used to tell the story as well, it was a little sarcastic and comedic, but not enough to take away from the concept of the tale. I thought the parents were very real for the situation at hand. You have the mom who knows about injuries and handles them with that "Seems fine, is fine,' attitude, and the father who treats each situation with more care as he frets for his daughter in everythign she does and makes her happiness his reason for living. I don't want to say more and ruin the ending so let me just say again that this is a great little story. I was wondering about something though, relating to him feeling pain but not actually suffering injury though.
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Review by Fanged Smile Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
Grammatical errors
Paragraph 1: more, The little mill town that… The should be lowercase if you are using a coma before it.

Paragraph 2: The figure of what appears to be a young woman or what was a young woman, moving at a rapid pace along the bank of the Patapsco…. The rest of the story is past tense, but this is present tense. woman stopped, turned and looks over her shoulder. Same error. Please use past tense; it is the favored tense in stories. Neil was to far… Too [/c} He rubs his blood shot eyes to take another look out the cracked windshield of his truck which isscans the bank, Neil sees nothing but rocks through the trees. Paste tense, remember to use past tense.

I think you get it so I’m going to stop at those. You can always e-mail me if you want more help.

Character description:
Maybe you could describe the character earlier on?
It looked like a man to Neil but he was not sure. Who is Neil? I thought we were focusing on a woman?
You did, over all, paint a good picture of the character. I did enjoy that you did not try to create the clichéd beaming blond with no faults besides eyes that twinkle too much and so much volunteer work he barely has time for his football team and cheerleader girlfriend.

I also liked all the way people described how he looked. Like how Kevin said he looked like ten miles of bad road.
Kinda scary to think he runs a forklift.

You do need to describe Debby though. Is she tall, short, fat, thin, what color is her hair, what length? What texture, how does she dress? Is she preppy? Popular? Athletic? Nerdy?

Scene description:
I had a little bit of a tough time picturing the scenes, though the character made me imagine more grungy surroundings. It would be nice to hear more about the world around him. Perhaps he blends in, or maybe he stands out like a sore thumb.

Overall:

I liked it, though it needs some work. What doesn’t, right? I had a though, when he wakes up from the nightmare, he asks Debby where she is going and who with. Like any good parent. But then goes to drinking. Maybe you could pull through with him at least attempting to be a good dad by resisting the urge to drink, even though he thinks it will calm him. He is going to be driving her after all and he would not want to be drunk. Though that was my only big problem and I look forward to reading more. *Smile*
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