My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE STORY
A soldier gets lost in the desert and needs water.
WHAT I LIKED
I thought the second paragraph built suspense well and often I didn't know what was real and what was an hallucination.
POV NARRATION/TENSE
This is told in the 1st person by an unnamed narrator. Past tense is used appropriately to tell the story.
DIALOGUE
There is no dialogue used.
OPENING PARAGRAPH
The opening paragraph put me right in the moment with the narrator - a bit out of sorts due to a lack of water and only getting worse.
CHARACTERS
Our unnamed narrator seemed very determined to find water despite the obstacles. That sense of drive is something that a lot of readers can relate to.
FLOW & PACING
The lack of water does a good job accelerating the pacing, tension, and suspense.
MECHANICS
I did not notice and spelling/punctuation mistakes.
PARTING THOUGHTS
The title is simply "Water," which is the topic of the story, and it allows for the reader to let the emotional beats drive the story. The ending offers a satisfactory resolution to the story.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
This is a poem about what it feels to be a Christmas tree.
WHAT I LIKED
I liked how the story progressed and I thought the feelings the Christmas tree were realistic and honest.
STRUCTURE
This is a poem in the form of a Christmas tree. Well done!
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "Someone praises my beauty, I’d blush if I could, instead I stand here silently," Our Christmas tree shares a lot of emotion here - there's a pride in how it's been decorated, and yet all it can do is stand silently and be pretty. It's a nice description that one can not only visualize, but allows the reader to feel the emotion as well.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The visual of the poem engages the reader, and keeps them reading, wanting to find out what will happen to the Christmas tree. The title fits the poem well. This is a great poem perfect for the Christmas season.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
An acrostic poem about the power of love.
WHAT I LIKED
I liked the simmering hint of passion behind the words.
STRUCTURE
This is an acrostic poem using the word "Victory." The first letter of the line spells Victory.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "To not have you near is so unreal." This description really touches to the heart of romantic emotion, tapping into longing, desire, need, using colloquial speech.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening engages the reader in an opposite way, and turns like a boomerang to keep the reader interested. The title fits the poem well. Nice word play.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE QUIZ
This is a quiz about different forms of poetry.
WHAT I LIKED
It was an easy format and very educational. I thought I did better than I did! Ha on me!
ENGAGING
The quiz was very engaging. I liked the topic and thought the questions weren't too hard.
VARIETY
There were a lot of good choices or the answers which I liked.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.
PARTING THOUGHTS
Good use of a graphic to set the tone of the quiz and I liked that you liked a bitem about poetry forms to help the test taker. Overall, the quiz is informative, and educational in a fun way. It's a good quiz to test one's knowledge.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
An observation of crows.
WHAT I LIKED
I thought this was an interesting observation of the dynamics of scavenger birds.
STRUCTURE
This is free form poem. The last line has a light hearted rythme.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a good flow when read out loud.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "flap those wings look for shiny things" It's a nice, easy description that helps to set a scene in the reader's mind and stirs a sense of curiosity.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening engages the reader, with a lighthearted invitation to eat, and keeps them reading. The title helps to add context to the poem. Easy expression makes the author wonder about what those birds are up to.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
A heartfelt dedication to the poet's service dog.
WHAT I LIKED
I could feel the honesty, sincerity, and reverence in the poet's voice.
STRUCTURE
The poem alternates starting with a 3 line stanza, then 4, then 3, then 4. Rythme scheme ABB CCDD EEF GGHH.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "Although you're gone, you still live on. You're in my heart and mind each day." This is a very warm, poignant emotional description of how important the poet's dog was to her heart. Such honest expression connects with the reader in a heartwarming way.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening engages the reader, and keeps them reading. The title fits the poem. Poignant.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
A stirring poem centered around a solider placing flags on graves.
WHAT I LIKED
The pictures are very stirring and compliment the poem well. I appreciated a little of background and history and how the author was inspired to take pen to paper.
STRUCTURE
This a free form poem. There is an AABB rythme scheme.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is heartfelt to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "He pauses a moment in front of a grave, I cried when I saw the salute he gave." The verse captures a framed moment in time, that contemplation which concludes with a gratitude and thankfulness that stirs in one's heart. It's easy visualize and evokes emotion well.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
There's a reverent, respectful tone to the poem which shines through; an appreciation that has been cultivated and is sincere. Clean expression that tugs on the heartstrings. The title is representative of the poem.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
An inspirational poem about the saving power of the Lord.
WHAT I LIKED
I liked the upbeat, positive nature of the poem. It's very uplifting.
STRUCTURE
This a free form poem. There is an AABB rythme scheme.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "Victory assured, to us His great promise. God is true and He is very honest." Victory assured implies a battle. I would think an internal one, for some a belief in the Lord doesn't come easy and so we are reminded of the rewards - He is true and honest.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The sets a tone of reverence which draws the reader into the poem. Nice, easy expression leads to poem that displays it's honesty. The message is heartfelt, sincere and respectful. The title fits the poem.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
When is beauty too beautiful?
WHAT I LIKED
I liked the conundrum that is posed - people generally don't think of beauty being too beautiful it has be hidden. This is a poem that reads well and lingers after it's read.
STRUCTURE
Each stanza is made up of a couplet that rythmes. There are 7 couplets.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "She is a forbidden fruit and a scorching land, her appearance, burning coals in the hand." This is an intriguing visual in that it evokes emotion well - forbidden fruit - don't we all want to try it even though it's forbidden, ah, but here are the consequences if you do. Think long and hard if it's what you want to do.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening piques the reader with a nice tase of intrigue and keeps them reading. Nice expression and word play. Easy reading with a deeper meaning. The title fits the poem.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
A waterlily anticipates blooming.
WHAT I LIKED
I liked the progression of the poem and how it built anticipation for our waterlily.
STRUCTURE
This is free form poem.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "In the thaw mud stirs and my heart bobs. to sunlight, " This is a great description that put the reader in the moment. The use of 'heart bobs' stirs emotion, has the reader anticipates what might come next. Well done.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening engages the reader, and keeps them reading, wanting to find out more. I really liked the reverent expression for nature in this poem, following cycles of life, staring in winter to a summer bloom. The title fits the poem well. Nice, succinct expression.
If anything I might check the links and the invalid item as I don't think they're all good more.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
A poem about the empress of the wind and the waves.
WHAT I LIKED
I liked the flow and progression of the story. How the reader meets Katrina and a certain point and finds out her fate.
STRUCTURE
This is free form poem.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a really nice flow when read out loud.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "I, Katrina, queenly robed, with bosomed bounty, lightning tressed, have rode the waves, and come well dressed" This is a great, vivid description that captures the essence of a woman fully in her power and understanding her power. Nice word play and very succinct.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening intrigues the reader, and keeps them reading - who is Katrina? Why has she come? The title fits the poem well. Great rythme and rhythm. Well done.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
Visual onslaught of seasons and colors surrounding silver maples and red leaves.
WHAT I LIKED
I enjoyed the suggestive expression. For me, it was like an impressionist painting, just enough there to wet the appetite and let you, the reader, run with it.
STRUCTURE
This is free form poem which compliments the expression.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "Velcro hooks, at heart soft green, grow, unfurl their thin veined wings," An intriguing description of branches unfurling, gaining strength and depth.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening piques the reader's interest, drawing them in. Good word play and nice expression.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE WORD SEARCH
A fun little word search that offers 5 letter without the A and E.
WHAT I LIKED
I liked how you found one word and then a couple of words later, you just added another letter and had another word. Double words were staring you in the face and it was easy to miss on the first go around.
ENGAGING
This was very engaging because when you hit that double word it was like hitting the jack pot!
VARIETY
There were a lot of words that fit the criteria for the puzzle.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.
PARTING THOUGHTS
I might suggest using a graphic or a giphy in the introduction to set the tone for the puzzle. I did like that the introduction as written because it told me what to expect. I would put the puzzle difficulty at medium. This was a very fun and rewarding puzzle.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE CROSSWORD
A crossword with a summertime theme.
WHAT I LIKED
I liked that the puzzle wasn't too hard to do. I didn't get one question and the other I could have looked it up but was too lazy!
ENGAGING
The clues were easy to medium easy and I liked that. I felt like I could answer them and not be overwhelemed.
VARIETY
There were a lot of questions/clues that were applicable to the theme.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.
PARTING THOUGHTS
I might suggest using a graphic or a giphy in the introduction to set the mood for the crossword, if doable. That said, it was a fun puzzle, a good easy challenge and perfect for this time of year. I highly recommend it for some summer fun!
A Bee Hive Review
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Steph Bee's Honey Pit (E) JUL 2025 - hang out with theBees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUL 2025 is OUT! #1474097 by StephBee
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE CROSSWORD
This is a crossword puzzle with a Val Kilmer theme.
WHAT I LIKED
I loved the puzzle. If you're a Val Kilmer fan, it's a rewarding game.
ENGAGING
The crossword is very engaging and touches on some of Val's roles.
VARIETY
There was a good variety with his movies. If anything, my suggestion would be that there could have been a couple of questions about him, for example, name of his ex-wife, name of his daughter, what famous acting school did he attend?
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.
PARTING THOUGHTS
I might suggest using a graphic or a giphy in the introduction to set the tone for the crossword. I did like there was a helpful link to a Val Kilmer page where the answers could be found. Overall, a solid tribute puzzle for great actor.
A Bee Hive Review
FORUM
Steph Bee's Honey Pit (E) JUL 2025 - hang out with theBees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUL 2025 is OUT! #1474097 by StephBee
This was an inspirational military essay that discussed the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery and the foundations of Memorial Day.
FOLLOWED PROMPT?
Yes, the essay was inspired by the photo and newly created for the contest
2000 words or fewer.
Place word count with the item.
WHAT I LIKED
I never knew that about Arlington National Cemetery so I thought the essay was very informative.
POV NARRATION/TENSE
This is told in the third person. Good job with narration. Present and past tense mix in the essay, I might just pick one and use it consistently.
THEME
For me, I picked out the theme of history's lessons. It's surprising the ties Arlington National Cemetery has to the founding of our nation and how it helped to heal Civil War wounds. It should be a lesson for all in today's civic's classes where finding middle ground is a challenge.
EMOTIONAL BEATS How well does the emotional beat resonate with the reader? Great; Good; Okay.
The author infuses a light touch of emotion at the end comparing and contrasting what "we" think of Memorial Day now, as compared to the noble start of the holiday.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening piques the reader's interest and keeps them reading. Good luck in the Bard's Hall contest.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE STORY
A solider in the National Guard gets reassigned from kitchen duty to cemetery duty.
WHAT I LIKED
I liked the ending. There was a lesson to be learned in the story and the ending nailed it.
POV NARRATION/TENSE
This is told in the first person by an unnamed narrator. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.
DIALOGUE
There's not much dialogue in the story. It's only used for emphasis.
DESCRIPTIONS
There's enough to set the scenes. If anything, a suggestion for the ending, maybe tap into the 5 senses and share how it felt to be out there in the cemetery. How did it smell? Did the narrator hear sounds? How could that hype up the emotion?
SETTING
TIME: modern day
PLACE: urban setting
This was something that was clarified for the reader.
CHARACTERS
Unnamed narrator
There's enough here to understand his motivations. An honest mistake leads to accountability.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling punctuation mistakes.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
Good job following the prompt and using the photo to inspire the story. The opening engages the reader using a nice, conversational voice. Word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest. contest.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
A poem about the toll of fair weathered friends.
WHAT I LIKED
I thought the ending was spot on and brought the poem full circle. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
STRUCTURE
This poem as 3 stanzas with 4 lines and and an AABB CCDD EEFF rythme scheme.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "But comes the rain, storms or showers, Not one stands with us, in our loneliest hour" I like the metaphor here, as we known rain and showers are a bit of depressing time (just about everyone can relate to a rain storm) and we feel much the same way when our "friends" aren't there for us when we need one.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening engages the reader and keeps them reading. The title is an apt description of the poem. The poet uses a good economy of words to communicate complicated feelings. Well done!
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
A poem about observing one's significant other and assessing their mood.
WHAT I LIKED
I thought this was a very insightful poem.
STRUCTURE
This is free form poem with the first two lines of each stanza rythming.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: "I know you by the glare, Today's a day, beware" There's a lot in this description. There's a glare and a facial expression can say a thousand words. In this short, succinct sentence, the poet packs a lot - there's an unhappy look, a moody expression, be weary of approach. Nice blend with the visual sense and emotional outlook.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening engages the reader with it's sing song rythme, and keeps them reading. The title announces what to expect and I picked this poem because I wanted to see where it would lead me as a reader. A reflective poem with the hint of a whimsical voice that dares the reader to go deeper.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POLL
This is a poll about the academy awards and suggestions to streamline it.
WHAT I LIKED
Great suggestions on ways to trim the fat, so to speak. I think I said "reduce the categories," because some of them are boring.
ENGAGING
The poll is very engaging. The introduction really sets the tone/mood and puts you in a headspace to be reflective regarding your answer.
VARIETY
There were a lot of options to choose from, including an 'other' which is always helpful to have handy incase a poll taker has a different idea from one that is mentioned.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.
PARTING THOUGHTS
A very well thought out poll with great options. Well done!
A Bee Hive Review
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Steph Bee's Honey Pit (E) JUL 2025 - hang out with theBees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUL 2025 is OUT! #1474097 by StephBee
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POLL
The poll is asking what type of contests do WDC Community members like the best.
WHAT I LIKED
I thought it was a great question that offered good feedback for the poll owner and community.
ENGAGING
What makes this poll engaging is that it is relevant to WDC and the community.
VARIETY
There were a lot of options in the answer which I liked and an option for "other" if the poll taker had a different answer.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.
PARTING THOUGHTS
I might suggest using a graphic or a giphy in the introduction to set the tone/mood for the poll question, if doable. A well thought out question for the community. Good luck in the Best of the Rest Contest.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE STORY
Joey meets Rainey, the guardian of an enchanted forest.
WHAT I LIKED
I enjoyed the creativity and imagination in the story.
POV NARRATION/TENSE
This is told in the first person by Joey. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue accents the narration. Dialogue tags are used appropriately.
DESCRIPTIONS
There's enough to set the scenes.
I liked the description of the eggs in the beginning of the story. "The eggs were colored, not dyed or painted like Easter eggs No, these were obviously natural pinks, greens, and azures. Over these deep pastels, the shells were covered in swirling filigree of silver and gold."
It's a very vivid visual description that intrigues the reader and piques the curiosity. How did these eggs get this way?
SETTING
TIME: modern day?
PLACE: rural, forest setting
This is something that is clarified for the reader.
CHARACTERS
Joey
There's enough here to understand his motivations. Joey goes in search of why the eggs are colored so different. What he finds is mind blowing.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening intrigues the reader and keeps them reading. The title is appropriate for the story. A very creative piece that taps into the imagination well. The ending seemed a bit abrupt, but leaves room for more stories with the characters.
A Bee Hive Review
FORUM
Steph Bee's Honey Pit (E) JUL 2025 - hang out with theBees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUL 2025 is OUT! #1474097 by StephBee
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE STORY
Monica is in foster care. Her foster parents are Dan and Reema. They hope that eventually she'll warm up to them.
WHAT I LIKED
The best part was when Monica named the stuffed pug "Fluffy."
POV NARRATION/TENSE
This is told in the third person omniscient from Monica's perspective. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.
DIALOGUE
There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. Dialogue tags are used correctly.
DESCRIPTIONS
There's enough to set the scenes.
SETTING
TIME: modern day
PLACE: urban setting with a carnival.
This is something that is clarified for the reader.
CHARACTERS
Monica
There's enough here to understand her motivations. Monica is a young girl, trying to find a certain amount of comfort in the world.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. Good use of WDC ML to increase the font and make it easier on the eyes to read here on WDC.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening engages the reader as Monica is eating some peeps. A heartwarming story. Word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the contest.
My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE STORY
Jerry Polittle is assigned to sell Dr. Peeper Peeps.
WHAT I LIKED
I liked the dry wit style that the story was written in.
POV NARRATION/TENSE
This is told in the third person omniscient. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.
DIALOGUE
There was no dialogue. The story is told in narration only.
DESCRIPTIONS
There's enough to set the scenes. I especially liked: "As he popped one into his mouth, the sugary shell cracked open, releasing a flood of carbonated soda that fizzled against his tongue. The taste was shockingly overwhelming, a cacophony of sweetness that lingered like a sour aftertaste of regret."
SETTING
TIME: modern day
PLACE: urban business setting
This is something that is clarified for the reader.
CHARACTERS
Jerry
There's enough here to understand his motivations. Jerry is excited to get the campaign, and he's successful, but has regrets.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation, specially, "font tags" as they are incomplete. I found two in the story that weren't typed in right.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
Suggestion as mentioned above. The opening introduces our narrator, Jerry Polittle and goes right into his challenge. The ending was understandable. Word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the contest.
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