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Review Style
I attempt a well-rounded review where I look at the item from a writer's and reader's perspective. I'll tell you what I liked and what I think could be strengthened. I like to think I'm a courteous and helpful reviewer.
I'm good at...
attention to detail. If there's a typo, I'll find it!
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Sci-Fi, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Satire, and more
Least Favorite Genres
Romance, Religion, Sports
Favorite Item Types
Short Stories, Poetry, Essays
Least Favorite Item Types
Novels (I just don't have that much time)
I will not review...
There is very little I won't review. Try me! *Smile*
Public Reviews
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Review of Last ride  
Review by spidey
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi Alexander !

Thanks for stopping by "Invalid Item *Smile*
This is my review for "Last ride [13+].

Overall Thoughts:

*Bullet* Great start! You've done extremely well in grabbing my attention immediately! I love how simple the language is in the first few paragraphs. It helps pull me in right away, and sets a great tone for the rest of the piece. The feel I get from your writing is succint. You write what you want to convey in simple yet descriptive terms. For instance:

The bus was silent, as good a tomb as any other.

Great sentence! It's very simple, yet it says so much! Great writing!


*Bullet* I have to thank you for taking me inside the mind of someone I had never thought I could feel such emotion for, or identify with in this way. You've described everything so well, I had a clear vision of the main character's life and thoughts, and I could easily identify with him. Nicely done!

*Bullet* I also love your descriptions of the other passengers. You do well to describe them in the voice of the main character, instead of an objective point of view. That helps maintain the great tone of the story. Well done!


Title/Rating/Genres:

*Bullet* Good title. It's simple and straightforward, yet also hints at the finality portrayed in the story.

*Bullet* Your ratings genres are well-chosen and appropriate.


Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not. *Smile*
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

John smiled at the driver and wondered if it would be the driver’s last day as well, it was all up to John. The bus was completely empty, it was at the third stop on its route and no commuters had yet to board, maybe that was a sign.
These are comma splices, where you have two independent thoughts joined by only a comma. To be gramatically correct, this should be revised, perhaps to:

John smiled at the driver and wondered if it would be the driver's last day as well. It was all up to John. The bus was completely empty. It was the third stop on its route and no commuters had yet to board. Maybe that was a sign.

(the owner of the companies son).
this is a tad confusing. The son belongs to someone, which is telling me that an apostrophe is needed to show ownership, yet it seems confusing where to put one. Perhaps something like this *Right* The company owner's son


At the next stop three people -boarded the bus.
I don't think the dash is needed here.


content with the others love.
others *Right* other's
(apostrophe to show ownership)


He met her at his aunts wedding.
aunts *Right* aunt's
(apostrophe to show ownership)


He loved her more then he could ever believe or describe.
then *Right* than


John recognized the first man as Dave a friend of Laura’s, he would see John they would nod recognition, but Dave wouldn’t come to sit next to John and talk.
comma splice, consider revising. Perhaps: John recognized the first man as Dave, a friend of Laura's. He would see John, and they would nod recognition. Dave wouldn't come sit next to John and talk, though.


The family went to the middle, where the mother set the pram and then sat down, her baby facing her, the baby began to cry.
comma splice *Right* The family went to the middle, where the mother set the pram and then sat down, her baby facing her. The baby began to cry.

The day was beginning to warm up, it was spring and it would probably be a beautiful day.
comma splice *Right* The day was beginning to warm up. It was spring, and it would probably be a beautiful day.



*Bullet* The story starts off well and ends well, though for me the middle gets a little muddied. The language starts to become more complicated (with the exception of the italicised parts, the flashbacks. They keep the same succint tone). In the end, the story works, though, so I'm not sure I would change the middle. I just remember while reading, thinking that the middle doesn't quite pack the same punch as the rest of the story. Just my thoughts. *Smile*


*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.0 - An excellent story with some really great writing! For me, the grammar could use a bit of cleaning up (with particular attention to comma splices and run-on sentences), and the end could be a little tighter. Overall, though, this is quite an enjoyable read. Thank you for sharing your work!

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
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Review of Awkward  
Review by spidey
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi Nathii M. !

Thanks for stopping by "Invalid Item ! *Smile*
This is my review for "Awkward [13+].

Overall Thoughts:

*Bullet* I think this definitely fits in the category of Monologue. I had a very clear sense of the writer, and your writing is quite creative, while at the same time clear and straightforward.

*Bullet* I quite enjoy your style of writing! It has an offbeat flavor that may not be appreciated by everyone, but for me style is very important. I like yours very much.

*Bullet* I like that you keep the same themes throughout this monologue. Though you shift to various topics, they are all interconnected and relate well to one another. Good job!


Title/Rating/Genres:

*Bullet* Good title and intro! Definitely caught my interest!

*Bullet* Your ratings and genres seem appropriate for this item.



Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not. *Smile*
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

at the same time envying my ease of getting into any of described hero's head.
This sounded a tad off to me. Perhaps:

at the same time envying my ease of getting into any described hero's head.


I give you my sick thoughts and you give me your thesaurus.
I believe comma usage is mostly a personal preference. That being said, I've been taught that two independent clauses should be joined by a comma before the conjunction. Because "I give you my sick thoughts" and "You give me your thesaurus" can stand alone separately, they are independent clauses. When joined by the conjunction "and," a comma should appear before the conjunction:

I give you my sick thoughts, and you give me your thesaurus

(This rule also is listed in my copy of The Writer's Brief Handbook.)


but never really bothered to check up the meaning in the dic
I've never seen the word "dictionary" abbreviated in this way. I'm not saying it's wrong, but some people may not understand what it means.


As usual in any kind of relationship things were idyllic until we started discussing politics.
For me, a comma could clear up this sentence a bit *Right* As usual in any kind of relationship, things were idyllic until we started discussing politics.


*Bullet* For me, this could have had a stronger ending. The end just seemed sort of sudden to me. I understand you wrote this for a contest. Was there a word limit? That would explain the rushed feel to the end. I do suggest that you look over your ending once more, and perhaps consider adding a little bit to it. Perhaps more of a summation, something to wrap up the topic. Just my suggestion. It's up to you, of course. *Smile*



*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.0 - A really good monologue! For me, the grammar could use a tiny bit of tweaking, and it could use a stronger ending. This is generally a good, strong piece of writing, though. Keep it up!

Thank you for sharing your work! *Smile*


Sincerely,
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Review by spidey
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi there Speed.bumps

Welcome to Writing.Com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! *Smile*

This is my review for "Deal with the Devil


Overall Thoughts:

Delightful horror! I liked how spooky this poem is, the creepy feel it gives the reader. Excellent job!

For the most part, your rhyme is excellent! It created a flowing feel to it as I read along. Nicely done!

The poem tells a story and has definite movement within it, rather than a description of a theme or emotion. I really liked that aspect of this poem.

I loved the last line! It's a perfect ending!




Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not.
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)



*Bullet* Your rhyme scheme is slightly irregular. I was confused at first since you have your title positioned as the first line of the poem, and I'm not sure it's meant to be. You may want to add a space between the title and the poem, or you don't necessarily have to include the title in the body of the poem since it is displayed at the top, anyway. Totally your choice. *Smile*

You have every other line rhyming in the poem until the last four lines:

A deal with the devil was made,
years before with her father;
a large golden harvest each year
for the price of each son and each daughter.


While irregular rhyme isn't incorrect in poetry, it did jar me a little while I was reading. You may want to take another look at the last lines of the poem and decide for yourself which would work better, keeping a consistent rhyme scheme or not doing so. Again, the choice is up to you, of course. *Smile*


*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.0 - A creepy short poem! I really enjoyed this! For me, I would like a more consistent rhyme scheme to help the poem flow more easily when reading.

Thank you for sharing your work! Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
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Review of Every Two Seconds  
Review by spidey
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi there Satira

Welcome to Writing.Com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! *Smile*

This is my review for "Every Two Seconds


Overall Thoughts:

I can definitely relate to this, as I'm sure many can! Great universal topic, and I can tell that this poem is coming from personal experience. Good job in communicating your theme.

I also like how one-sided this poem feels. The reader only gets one side of the situation, which draws them in closer to the words and intensifies the personal feel of the poem. Well done!

I enjoyed the form of this poem. It has a great free verse feel to it, like thoughts poured out onto paper.

My favorite lines were:

Every
Two
Seconds.




Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not.
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

But still I check it's status
it's should be *Right* its
its shows ownership, while it's is a contraction of "it is"


*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.5 - An excellent poem with a great theme and style! Great job!

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
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"Noticing Newbies [13+]
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Review of Just a Friend  
Review by spidey
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi Lonewolf !

Welcome to Writing.com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! This is my review for "Just a Friend [E].

Overall Thoughts:

*Bullet* What a beautiful and touching poem! I love the simple, yet meaningful statement of this. You do very well in communicating your theme here. Well done!

*Bullet* Excellent rhyming! Your use of rhyme makes the poem a joy to read, as it has a good rhythm to it. Great job!


Title/Rating/Genres:

*Bullet* I love the title! It made me want to read the poem. Your description describes the poem very well.

*Bullet* Your ratings are appropriate and fit the poem well.



Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not. *Smile*
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

A touch of inspiration when non can be found

I think "non" should be *Right* none
simple typo *Blush*

A feeling of togetherness though no ones around

I think "ones" should be *Right* one's
"one's" is a contraction of "one is"


*Bullet* I also suggest you consider using punctuation at the ends of some of your lines. Because of your excellent use of rhyme, the reader can still easily follow along without punctuation, but I think it could also help enhance the poem. Just my thoughts. *Smile*



*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.0 - An excellent poem and a wonderful message! Great job on this! Thank you for sharing your work!

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
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Review of "I Remember"  
Review by spidey
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi Kat !

This is my review for ""I Remember" [E]. I found this item on "Please Review.


Overall Thoughts:


*Bullet* I enjoyed the form of this poem. I like the centered text and the unrhyming lines.

*Bullet* I also think the repetition works very well in this poem, to reiterate its theme and bring attention to key ideas.

*Bullet* I like the title, though I don't think the quotes are needed around it. In my experience, quotes are used when referring to the title of a poem, but not necessarily in the title itself. Totally up to you, though. *Smile*

*Bullet* Great use of punctuation! Your use of commas and periods clearly showed me where you intended pauses for the reader.

Grammar/Spelling
(These are suggestions with regard to my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)


I found no errors. Good job! *Smile*


Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not. *Smile*


*Bullet* My only suggestion would be to add more to this. To me, it really felt incomplete. I'd love to see specific examples of what was said vs. what was not said. It feels like you're showing just the tip of a really great subject. Perhaps you could consider adding a few stanzas? I love the last two lines, and I'd definitely keep them at the end, but I think more could be added to the middle. Just my thoughts. *Smile*



*Star*My Rating*Star*


4.0 - An excellent theme, and you do very well in presenting this poem. For me, it could use a little more depth, but overall I enjoyed this very much. Thanks for sharing it!

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey

My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Go Noticed.

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Review of The Mirror  
Review by spidey
Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
Hi there Someone Famous

Welcome to Writing.Com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! *Smile*

This is my review for "The Mirror


Overall Thoughts:

Your writing is quite clear and detailed, to the point where I winced several times while reading this. Some of this is quite gruesome and your writing clearly affected me. Good job! *Smile*

I loved the imagery in this! This is listed as a Draft, and it seems to fall somewhere in between a short story and poetry, perhaps prose? Your writing is very creative, yet clearly tells a story, too. I loved this line: The white foam slips down the side of the sink and slowly gets swallowed by the water.

Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not.
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

One long laboring breath at a time.
I believe you need a comma after "long" here. According to my copy of The Writer's Brief Handbook, if you can place "and" between the adjectives, then you need to insert a comma. So, if you can say:

One long and laboring breath at a time

then you need a comma *Right* One long, laboring breath at a time

I move a towel down it’s fogged up face.
"it's" should be *Right* its
(it's is a contraction of "it is", while its shows ownership)


*Bullet* My only suggestion would be to add to this. Since you listed it as a draft, I'm guessing you were planning to do just that. I'd love to see this character interacting with others, or attempting other ordinary actions. This character feels like an unusual being trapped in an ordinary life. I liked that contrast very much, and I'd love to see it developed further.


*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.0 - You've got a gift for description and tone! I do hope you'll continue this.

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey



"Noticing Newbies [13+]
"Reviewing @ Writing.Com [E]
"Content Rating System (CRS) [13+]

My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Go Noticed.


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Review of True Fan  
Review by spidey
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi there KaitlynRose

Welcome to Writing.Com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! *Smile*

This is my review for "True Fan


Overall Thoughts:

Wow! I can certainly feel the emotions in this! I can tell you that I've written a few poems like this in my life, and I can totally understand your (former) "obsession" with a band.

This seriously gave me chills. I could feel every word of it. I loved this line:
Love is a dilution I was never crazy enough to have

I like the format of this poem. Free verse, unrhyming, irregular lines fit the subject matter and the tone perfectly. Nice choices!



Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not.
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

I think I'll drowned in my thoughts
"drowned" past tense. Since you have "I'll" (I will), I think it should be drown


*Bullet* The reference to violence in this line requires the poem to have a 13+ rating instead of E. I can cut my wrist and hide my pain
You'll need to change the rating to accurately reflect the content of the poem. *Smile*



*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.0 - A great poem full of emotion and feeling. I enjoyed this!

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey



"Noticing Newbies [13+]
"Reviewing @ Writing.Com [E]
"Content Rating System (CRS) [13+]

My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Go Noticed.


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Review of Too Fast  
Review by spidey
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi there Phi Sig

Welcome to Writing.Com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! *Smile*

This is my review for "Too Fast


Overall Thoughts:

This is simply beautiful! The combination of form and imagery made this poem excellent to me.

I like the "non-conventional" form you've used here, with the indented lines. The shortened lines made me constantly stop and focus on what it was the speaker was saying. Very nice!

The imagery in this is amazing, particularly what you're able to show with so few words! You set up these wonderful juxtapositions, the camera trying to keep life still (and of course, "still" has a double meaning here. In addition to it meaning to stop, it also refers to a photograph, too.), and the river being cautious and slow with life flying by recklessly.

On the surface, this poem seems quite simple, yet there are so many things working at the same time! I absolutely loved this! *Smile*



Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not.
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)


*Bullet* My only suggestion refers to the form. While I love the indented lines, they almost distracted me a little. I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing. Maybe it's good that it made me read over the poem a few times. That made me see all the connections I missed during the first reading. I wonder how this poem would work with longer lines. For me, it almost needed a tiny bit more atmosphere or tone to it. It was so short and succint that I couldn't identify the speaker's voice that well. I fear that the cleverness of this poem could be lost with longer lines, but at the same time, I wonder if longer lines could enhance the tone. I suppose my suggestion would be to experiment with longer lines, more words and atmosphere. *Smile*


*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.5 - I so enjoyed this! I don't see a whole lot of juxtapositions and double meanings used this cleverly in much of the poetry that I read, so I really appreciated this one! Great job!

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey



"Noticing Newbies [13+]
"Reviewing @ Writing.Com [E]
"Content Rating System (CRS) [13+]

My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Go Noticed.


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Review by spidey
Rated: 13+ | (2.5)
Hi Maria Mize !

This is my review for "THE DAY OF RECKONING [13+]. I found this story on "Please Review.


General Thoughts:

An emotional story with a strong message. I think a lot of people, especially parents, can relate to this story.


Strengths

*Bullet* Great opening paragraph! Longer pieces can seem daunting to me, but your first paragraph pulled me in. Good job!

*Bullet* I love the personal, informal tone to this. Your choice of first-person point-of-view is a good one for this story. It helps pull the reader into the story, directly connecting the reader with the action of the story. Great choice!

*Bullet* Great title! It caught my eye and made me want to find out what this story was all about. I think you've also done well in chosing your genres and ratings. If you wanted, you could also use "Spiritual" or "Religious" as one of your genres, since this has a strong spiritual aspect to it.

Grammar/Spelling
(These are suggestions with regard to my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

Paragraph 8:
In 1997 I was working as a legal secretary for partner in a St. Petersburg law firm,
I think a word may be missing here before "partner." Perhaps:
In 1997 I was working as a legal secretary for a partner in a St. Petersburg law firm


Paragraph 15:
After our separation Sam went on a drinking binge, selling his work truck and tools, he hit rock bottom.
I think the comma after "tools" should be a semi-colon.


Paragraph 15:
He begin to call from jail.
I think "begin" should be *Right* began


Paragraph 15:
He told me he was reading the bible
I believe "bible" should be capitalized. (According to my copy of The Writer's Brief Handbook, holy books are capitalized)


Paragraph 18:
At wits end one night,
I believe "wits" needs an apostrophe *Right* wit's


Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not. *Smile*

*Bullet* This sentence sounded a little awkward to me:

I was exercising when Bobby Rae was in high school, she didn't seem to know how to do jumping jacks.

First, "I was exercising when Bobby Rae was in high school" sounds a bit off to me. It makes it sound like the narrator was exercising the entire time Bobby Rae was in high school. I think you're using the high school reference to tell Bobby Rae's age, but I'm not sure it's necessary. You could say, for instance:

One day when Bobby Rae was older, I was exercising, and she didn't seem to know how to do jumping jacks.

I also think a conjunction (like "and") is needed before the comma in the sentence. Otherwise, it reads like a run-on sentence.


*Bullet* My name is Karen.

It seems odd to me to introduce the narrator's name so late into the story. It's totally up to you, the writer, of course, but it felt a little awkward to me.


*Bullet* Telling this story through hindsight like this seems to take the reader out of the story and the action a bit. This seems like a condensed version of a very complex story. You could even make a novel out of this, focusing with more detail on each aspect of this story.

*Bullet* There are many times where it seems like you are telling the story instead of showing it to the reader. For instance:

At wits end one night, I confronted him and told him he was like a leech, sucking the life out of me. That gave him the excuse he was looking for and the next day he didn’t come home.

Instead of saying, "I confronted him," you could let the reader into the confrontation. Give the dialogue, emotions, physical descriptions of the setting, characters, etc. of this scene. Show this scene to your readers. It could be a very powerful scene, and a turning point in your story.


*Bullet* There is a shift in your point-of-view that really jarred me. It begins with this paragraph:

Bobby Rae was desperate. Her mind was racing. Her rules are too much! I am tired of the imposed curfews, the questions. My friends are sleeping with their boyfriends. Why shouldn’t I? He says he loves me, and I love him. Now, she wants my keys? No way! She gave me the Tracker, and it’s mine. I’ll drive it whenever I want. What am I going to do, where will I go?

Up until this point, you had been using first-person, focusing on Karen and her perspective. This paragraph shifts to Bobby Rae, and it is inconsistent with the rest of the story. You could show these thoughts in a conversation between Bobby Rae and Karen, or you could use a different point-of-view for the entire story. The way it is now, though, is inconsistent and it will confuse your readers.

Also, after this paragraph, you switch to a third-person point-of-view. Instead of using "I" for Karen, you start using "she." Then you switch back to first-person again. It's really important to keep a point-of-view consistent throughout your story.

*Bullet* Your story jumps around in time quite a bit, and it started to get confusing for me. I had a difficult time keeping things straight. At one point, you say Bobby Rae moved out and got an apartment, but then she's living with her mother for a while, then moves out. I'm guessing she only moved out once, but it's unclear to the reader.


*Star*My Rating*Star*

2.5 - You've got the basics for a great story here! You have the plot planned out well, but I think it also needs quite a bit of work. You may want to revisit this and slow down the story. Tell each aspect of the story slowly, giving more detail to the reader. Allow the reader to visualize each event and to get to know each character. You start out very well, and I think you've got a great handle on the narrator's voice. I think this could be an intriguing and well-received story (or novel) with a little more work. *Smile*

Keep on writing!


Sincerely,
spidey

won in an auction

My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Go Noticed.

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Review by spidey
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi ANGEL-WITCH-MONK Happy24th WDC

I am reviewing your story as a judge for "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering!

Please remember that you should NOT edit your entry until judging is over and the winners have been announced as per the contest rules.


Overall Thoughts


Nice interpretation of the photo prompt! I could definitely see where you got your inspiration for this lovely story with a beautiful message.

Your writing is clear and concise, which made this story very enjoyable to read. Nice job!



Suggestions
These are just my thoughts. Feel free to use or disregard these as you see fit.

*Bullet* The point of view in this story seems to be in the future, looking back on something that happened when the narrator was eight years old. For me, this creates a distance between the reader and what is being described. It makes it more difficult for the reader to connect emotionally with the story. You may want to experiment with different points of view and perspectives. What if this was told from the eight year old's point of view? Instead of saying:

My aunt broke the news to me after supper, on a rainy Friday evening. She said Momma had a pulmonary embolism, which she explained was from a blood clot blood breaking off and hitting Momma’s lungs. It killed her instantly. Auntie told me Momma did not suffer; she just fell asleep and waited for the angels to take her to heaven.

you could actually take the reader into this moment and this conversation. Show the dialogue that happened, instead of telling the reader about it. It's totally up to you, of course, but bringing the reader into the scene may help create more of an emotional connection.

You may want to take a look at your writing in this story. Are there any other instances where you tell a recollection of the event, instead of showing this event to your readers? Showing these moments create a more emotional impact on your readers.

*Bullet* I have some issues with these sentences:

I knew that everything was going to be all right when I looked out to the distance and saw my beautiful Momma wading through the tall wheat crops. My Momma is alive! She is taunting me to come join her so we can play “unicorns”.

First of all, I found myself wanting to know the emotions that she went through during this. For me, it would make more sense to mention the girl seeing her mother first, and then her reaction (instead of the other way around). Did the girl instantly think everything was going to be alright, or was she confused at first? I was just curious if she felt any other emotions, because this seemed to move quite fast to me.

Secondly, this has a tense shift. The rest of the story is told in past tense, and then you have, "My Momma is alive! She is taunting me..." which is present tense. If the character is thinking or saying this, you could use italics to signify that. Otherwise, it was a little confusing to me.



My Rating


4.0 - A good story with a beautiful message. For me, this story could use a little work to be truly perfect, but overall I enjoyed it very much.

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey

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Review by spidey
Rated: ASR | (3.5)
Hi Berryhill

I am reviewing your story as a judge for "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering!

Please remember that you should NOT edit your entry until judging is over and the winners have been announced as per the contest rules.


Overall Thoughts


I think you do very well in setting up the tone and attitude of the main character/narrator. I had a clear sense of her and how she thinks throughout the story. Nicely done!

A touching story, and a good interpretation of the prompt!

Your writing is imaginative and creates some great imagery! You do well in describing feelings in this as well as the relationship between the two girls. Good job!


Suggestions
These are just my thoughts. Feel free to use or disregard these as you see fit.

In the item intro: pichture
"pichture" should be *Right* picture


The crop fields are my laboratory to exam all of natures gifts.
I think "examine" would fit a little better than "exam" here.


Then suddenly I’d jump as high as I could wave my arms and kick my feet scaring the beejesus out of those stupid crows till they all flew away.

I believe a comma is needed after the word "could" and perhaps after "feet," too.


when she came to play with me and talk about the things we left unsaid
The word "to" is needed before the word "talk"
This is called parallelism, using a parallel structure on each side of a conjunction (the word "and"). Since you have "to play" on one side, you should use "to talk" on the other, like this:
when she came to play with me and to talk abou the things we left unsaid"


I’m only 9 how much should I go through.
"9" should be spelled out here *Right* I'm only nine
A comma or period should be used after "nine"


Like the time she told me to wait beside the school, tell that dark van pulled away
I think you mean "till" or "until" instead of "tell" here


Good thing too because
A comma is needed before and after "too" *Right* Good thing, too, because


as it brush’s across my hair.
"brush's" *Right* brushes


Father yells again “Jenny its time”
"its" *Right* it's


my twin sisters paralyzed body
"sisters" *Right* sister's



*Bullet* Your verb tense shifts several times in this story. The first two sentences:
Time on the farm seemed so much simpler than in the city. Things move at a slower pace which drives mama crazy.
"seemed" is past tense. "move" and "drives" is past tense. These inconsistencies occur a few times throughout the story. You should choose one tense and make sure it is consistent throughout your story.


*Bullet* There are a few places where a space is missing between your paragraphs. Those spaces make it much easier to read, so I'd suggest checking and inserting them where needed. *Smile*


*Bullet* I had a difficult time picturing this story. For me, there could have been more detail about the setting and physical characteristics of the characters.



My Rating


3.5 - You've got a great idea here, and you do very well in describing the feelings of the main character. I did find myself wanting more physical descriptions, and your grammar held me back a bit while reading. I did enjoy this very much, though, and I thank you for sharing this!

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey

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Review of David's Goliath  
Review by spidey
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Hi Helen McNicol

I am reviewing your story as a judge for "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering!

Please remember that you should NOT edit your entry until judging is over and the winners have been announced as per the contest rules.


Overall Thoughts


I love your descriptions! Your writing is clear and detailed, giving the reader a great image and feel of what's going on. Well done!

Great pacing! The story holds just the right amount of suspense and your timing is excellent. I had to stop myself from peeking ahead to find out what happens in the end.

I like your use of the prompt photo, and the subtle changes in the dreams were nice. Great job!

I love the title!

Suggestions
These are just my thoughts. Feel free to use or disregard these as you see fit.

“You sit there for a minute buddy, I have to talk to Mrs Anderson.”
“Oh, it’s Miss,” she smiled sweetly.

A comma should be inserted after "minute" and a period is needed after Mrs:
"You sit there for a minute, buddy, I have to talk to Mrs. Anderson."


“Are you sure David?”
I believe a comma is needed after "sure"


*Bullet* I have to suggest that you insert spaces between lines of dialogue when the dialogue starts a new paragraph. For example:
“You sit there for a minute buddy, I have to talk to Mrs Anderson.”
“Oh, it’s Miss,” she smiled sweetly.


There should be a space between these lines, like this:
"You sit there for a minute, buddy, I have to talk to Mrs. Anderson."

"Oh, it's Miss," she smiled sweetly.



*Bullet* Your writing tends to be passive in this story. While it's not incorrect to use a passive voice, your writing can be stronger and affect your readers more if you use stronger language. For instance:
Now he knew what Rachel had been trying to tell him, or maybe what his own heart had been trying to tell him.
Using "had been" is passive. Consider the difference when you say:
Now he knew what Rachel was trying to tell him, or maybe what his own heart was trying to tell him.

Another one:
He had adopted this pose when Rachel had passed on,
Consider this alternative:
He adopted this pose when Rachel passed on

You may want to look through your writing to look for these instances (mostly using "had" or "would" with a verb) and decide whether you want to keep them that way. *Smile*


My Rating


4.5 - A touching story that is written with great pacing and detail. For me, your language could be a touch stronger, but I enjoyed this very much!

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey

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214
Review by spidey
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Hi billwilcox

I am reviewing your story as a judge for "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering!

Please remember that you should NOT edit your entry until judging is over and the winners have been announced as per the contest rules.


Overall Thoughts


Your writing is excellent. Your language is vivid and elegant. I could imagine this very easily, and reading it was a joy. *Smile*

Very interesting interpretation of the prompt photo! I can't say that I entirely understand everything that happens in this story, but it certainly made me think. (It reminds me of something Dean Koontz might write, actually.)

I loved the mysterious quality to this story. It kept me guessing and I had to keep myself from skipping ahead a few times. Kudos!


Suggestions
These are just my thoughts. Feel free to use or disregard these as you see fit.

After she peed, she washed her hands and stood for a while looking at her reflection in the silver-black mirror.
The language surrounding this sentence is vivid, almost elegant. Using the word "peed" here really stood out to me. It didn't seem to fit the rest of the language.


*Bullet* The mother's dialogue at the end of the story seemed a bit forced to me. Perhaps the word count limit made you condense her words a bit, but I really didn't feel any emotion from her at the end. Perhaps if you were to edit after the contest, you could add a little bit more to the end scene. Just my suggestion. *Smile*


My Rating


4.5 - An excellent piece of writing and a great story! I enjoyed this very much.

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey

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Review by spidey
Rated: E | (3.5)
Hi mec

I am reviewing your story as a judge for "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering!

Please remember that you should NOT edit your entry until judging is over and the winners have been announced as per the contest rules.


Overall Thoughts


Good use of the prompt photo! I can definitely see how you were inspired by the prompt in this story.

There is such a sadness portrayed in this short piece. It definitely has the potential to emotionally affect its readers. *Smile*

I like the feeling of distance in the mother's dialogue. I think that is emphasized by the fact that she's telling a story of something that happened in the past. It really seems to magnify the theme and tone of the story. Nicely done.



Suggestions
These are just my thoughts. Feel free to use or disregard these as you see fit.


The fall sun still shone bright and cast warmth over the evening. The screen porch door opens with a squeak
Your verb tense shifts in these two sentences. "Shone" is past tense, and "opens" is present tense. To stay consistent, you should choose one tense and keep it the same throughout your story.

*Bullet* Your verb tense shifts several times throughout this piece. Switching between past and present tense jars the reader and takes them out of the story. I'd suggest going back through your story and editing your verbs to keep them consistent throughout.

*Bullet* I couldn't help but feel that this is incomplete. You were allowed so much more words than you used here, and I really feel that more detail and background could have been used to round out this story. Your writing has a great emotional impact, and I feel that with more detail and plot, you could even more effectively reach your audience.



My Rating


3.5 - This has tons of potential, and you clearly have a gift for emotional writing. For me, this story needs more plot and detail to be complete. Thanks for sharing this.

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey

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216
Review by spidey
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi Anna

I am reviewing your story as a judge for "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering!

Please remember that you should NOT edit your entry until judging is over and the winners have been announced as per the contest rules.


Overall Thoughts


Beautiful interpretation of the prompt photo! I like how you presented the point of view of someone who sees the two girls, instead of writing from one of the point of view of one of the girls. It really emphasizes the prompt photo and its composition.

You've got a gift for simple, yet detailed description! I really enjoyed your writing in this. One line I particularly liked: The sun had fully emerged from the horizon now and the early morning mist has been burned away.

What a great ending! Beautifully written and perfect. Nicely done!



Suggestions
These are just my thoughts. Feel free to use or disregard these as you see fit.


The fields seemed to stretch out like tired old hands, reaching and grasping for the line of ancient evergreens that lined our property.
You use the word "line" twice here. While it's not incorrect to do so, it stood out to me. Perhaps you could consider changing one of them. For instance, "grasping for the line of ancient evergreens that edged our property." Just an idea. *Smile*


As I looked out, a small girl appears in the field,
This sentence shifts in tense. You start with past tense ("looked") and move into present tense ("appears"). The rest of the paragraph switches tenses several times. It's best to keep your tense consistent throughout your work, so you may want to look over the story and edit to keep the tense the same.


*Bullet* The story is a bit short. The word count limit allowed for much more, and I really found myself wanting more as I was reading this. I wouldn't change the ending at all, but perhaps you could consider adding a bit more to the middle, more background on the narrator and her journey through life. The revelation at the end felt a little abrupt to me, and it surprised me, something that is related to my next suggestion:

*Bullet* Until the end, I assumed the narrator was male. I don't know what influenced that decision in my mind, and this may only be my personal mistake as a reader, but I wanted to let you know that the gender of the narrator might be ambiguous until the end of the story. (Maybe you could ask other readers what they thought, as this may have just been an oversight on my part while I was reading. Nevertheless, I wanted to let you know about it in case it helps with editing.) *Smile*



My Rating


4.0 - This is written very well, paints a beautiful image, and I loved the end! However, I couldn't help wanting more. It felt a little incomplete to me, though I enjoyed reading it very much.

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey

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Review of The Harvest  
Review by spidey
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi Timber

I am reviewing your story as a judge for "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest. Thanks for entering!

Please remember that you should NOT edit your entry until judging is over and the winners have been announced as per the contest rules.


Overall Thoughts


A nicely presented piece. I can easily see how you pulled this story out of the prompt picture. I very much enjoyed the overall tone of this story, and for the most part, your writing is clear and simple, yet offers a good deal of detail to the reader.

I think you do very well in showing the dynamic of the family, at least in Gloria's perspective. In a short time, you present the family, and as a reader, I had a very clear image of the family dynamic.

I love the opening paragraph! It sets the story up very well, by providing the tone and some background for the reader very quickly. For the most part, your writing continues in this fashion throughout the story - You do well in presenting detail and tone in a simple way. I enjoyed that very much. *Smile*

There were a few parts that stood out to me, which I'll point out below.


Suggestions
These are just my thoughts. Feel free to use or disregard these as you see fit.


the kind of town where if you kissed your boe on the front step, your parents knew about it before you could twist the doorknob open.
I believe "boe" should be "beau."


As you walked passed others on the sidewalk,
I believe "passed" should be "past."


As she glanced back at the photograph, her eyes welled up with tears, 1966 was not a particularly good year for the family.
These are two independent clauses joined by a comma. The comma after "tears" should be a semi-colon or a period to separate them.


That was the year Stephen was killed in the Vietnam War, with three brothers over there, dad wanted the rest sent home for fear of loosing them as well.
Like the above, this is a run-on sentence. The comma after "War" should be a period, and "With" should start a new sentence.


I t was always, the girl, that thing, her and a plethora of other titles he gave me, but never did I hear my dad utter or call me by my name.
This sentence sounded awkward to me. I think the "t" is a typo, and the comma after "always" is not needed. I also think having "utter" and "call" is a little redundant. I don't think both are needed to make this point to the reader. You may want to read this sentence out loud to see if it makes sense to you, and make edits if needed.


I have hated him for this as long as I can remember for it
To me the phrase, "for it" at the end doesn't feel needed here. I think the sentence would work better without it.


The white dress her mother was wearing had been a gift from dad for her birthday.
I think this sentence would sound a little clearer like this:
The white dress her mother was wearing had been a birthday gift from her dad.


Dear sweet Betty,
Who is Betty? This confused me. From reading the rest of the paragraph, I see that this is Gloria's mom, but introducing her name so late in the story took me by surprise. Perhaps you could consider introducing the name earlier? Since Gloria is looking at photo albums, maybe she could see her parents' names printed on one of them. Just an idea. *Smile*

he would blow my head off.
This phrasing seemed a bit out of place to me. It just didn't sound like the father to me. (It also might necessitate raising the rating on this item. Mild violence like this requires an ASR rating.)


The shift from first person (using "I") in the first paragraph to third person ("she") for the rest of the story was a bit confusing. I like the tone of the first paragraph, though. You may want to consider off-setting that paragraph by using italics or something to distinguish it from the rest, so it doesn't confuse the reader.

Later in the story, in the fifth paragraph, you shift back into a 1st person point-of-view, with the sentence, "All he had left to show was me, a girl." For this story to be successful, you really should choose one point of view and stick with it consistently. I personally think 3rd person would work best in this story.

I know that you were constricted by a word count, but the story seemed a bit unfinished. The reader doesn't get to experience Gloria's reaction to the letter. The story works well as it is now, but I couldn't help wondering what her thoughts and reaction would be.

My Rating


4.0 - I had to think a long time before choosing a rating for this. I think you've got a talent for style and tone, but you will need to take a look at the technical issues (grammar and point-of-view) to make this a perfect piece. In my opinion, style is the difficult one to master and this story definitely has style.

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey

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218
Review by spidey
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hi Jack Goldman !

This is my review for "Five Lights to Truth [E].

Overall Thoughts:

*Bullet* Wow! This piece is astounding! This is such emotional, strong writing. I guess it surprises me how well you're able to write about your family, about the strength, tragedy, and triumphs, your family has experienced. I know in my own writings, I have a tough time expressing myself when it comes to personal, emotional things. Amazing job with this. *Smile*

*Bullet* I like that this is a personal account, yet I think everyone can relate to this, and everyone can take something from this. I loved how you tied everything together, from the "hit first and hit hard" from your Dad to yourself, and to your son. The beginning and end of this connect with each other, as well. It definitely gave a cohesive feeling to the entire piece.

*Bullet* Impeccable writing! It's obvious that you either proofread this several times, or you're just a natural at perfect grammer, spelling, punctuation. Nicely done! It made this piece easy to follow.


Title/Rating/Genres:

*Bullet* Great, great title and intro! Caught my interest for sure. *Smile*

*Bullet* Genres and ratings are perfectly chosen.


Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not. *Smile*
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)


*Bullet* You have an extra space between paragraphs 6 and 7. It could be intentional, but I wanted to let you know about it, in case it isn't.



*Star*My Rating*Star*

5.0 - If I could, I'd rate this even higher than five stars. Thank you SO much for sharing this!

Please keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey
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Review of CROSSROADS 101  
Review by spidey
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Hi cathreon!

This is my review for "CROSSROADS 101 [13+]. I found this on "Please Review. It was just about to slip off the page, and it has no reviews? *Shock* I'll fix that!

Overall Thoughts:

*Bullet* Wow! This really struck me as something heartfelt and meaningful. The tone of this is so personal, yet I think a lot of people can relate to it.

*Bullet* I like that this feels like just thoughts poured out onto paper, yet it has a cohesiveness and structure of a well-planned, edited essay.

*Bullet* I love all the questions, and your wordings. I particularly liked The compass of your heart. Such beautiful, simple yet descriptive language! Your message comes across loud and clear. *Smile*


Title/Rating/Genres:

*Bullet* It's a personal preference of mine to see titles not in all capital letters like this. It's totally up to you, of course, but I know many don't like it. LOVE the intro! It's perfect! *Bigsmile*

*Bullet* Ratings and genres are very well-chosen for this.


Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not. *Smile*
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

into the habit of making choices
I believe there's an extra space between "making" and "choices"


That no on else can ever really hope to completely understand.
on *Right* one


By god, they’re mine.
God is generally capitalized, but that's up to you. *Smile*



*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.5 - I really enjoyed this! Thank you so much for writing and sharing it!

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey
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Review of Comeuppance  
Review by spidey
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi there Mals

Welcome to Writing.Com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! *Smile*

This is my review for "Comeuppance


Overall Thoughts:

This has a nice rhythm to it. I also liked the twist in this. I enjoyed how the tone and wording seems to change in this poem. For me, the first half is sing-songish with more traditional love poem imagery. Then it twists into a more personal tone which I liked very much.

I loved this line:

So punish me with déjà vu

Awesome! *Bigsmile*




Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not.
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)


*Bullet* I have to say that I enjoyed the second half of the poem a lot more than the first half. Until the phone call, I had a lot of trouble concentrating on what was being said, as I felt distracted by the forced rhyme. Truth be told, I'm not a huge fan of rhyme, but for me, the second half of the poem is so much more successful. It has rhyme, but my focus was on the words being used and the images being conveyed. To me, the first half of the poem felt like a list of forced rhymes. This is just my opinion as one reader. *Smile*

*Bullet* I would also suggest adding spaces between stanzas. Your rhyme scheme shifts a few times, which is perfectly fine, but it would have been easier for me to follow the shifts if there were spaces in between them.


*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.0 - I liked this very much. For me, the second half of the poem really captures the speaker's tone and voice, but overall, I enjoyed this poem. Thank you for sharing it!

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey
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"Noticing Newbies [13+]
"Reviewing @ Writing.Com [E]
"Content Rating System (CRS) [13+]
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Review of Just deserts  
Review by spidey
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi there Just an Ordinary Boo!

Welcome to Writing.Com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! *Smile*

This is my review for "Just deserts


Overall Thoughts:

Clever tale, and kudos to you for writing a 55 word story! Those aren't easy!

I like that this clearly tells a story, and that it has clear, distinct characters. Great use of dialogue and punctuation! I also loved the end! *Laugh*


Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not.
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

In the item's title Just deserts
desert - arid land
dessert - treat following a meal

I believe "just desserts" is the common phrase, I wasn't sure if you used the other word intentionally.


*Bullet* I don't see anything that warrants the 13+ rating. I believe E would be fine here. (For an explanation of the Content Rating System, see "Content Rating System (CRS) [13+])

*Bullet* For genres, you could consider using "Business" and/or "Comedy" for this. Listing stories with genres could attract more readers as they browse those genres. *Smile*


*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.5 - Great job with this 55 word story! Thank you for sharing this.

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey
"Invalid Item

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"Noticing Newbies [13+]
"Reviewing @ Writing.Com [E]
222
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Review by spidey
Rated: 18+ | (1.5)
Hi there morrningstarr

Welcome to Writing.Com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! *Smile*

This is my review for "Internet Connection


Overall Thoughts:

What I like most about this story is its pace. You explain everything in lots of detail, and the story moves along slowly, building suspense. I think you've got a great handle on what you want to say here, though I do think a little work needs to be done on how you're telling the story.



Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not.
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

*Bullet* You have a great deal of spelling, capitalizing and punctuation errors in this. I'll go over the first paragraph's errors here, but I must suggest that you run a spell-check on this yourself (Writing.com offers one - look for the black bar under the title of your item. Click "Spell" to run the spell-check program). You may also want to read this out loud. That's a good way to catch errors that your eye may glance over.

The birds chirpping making it impossible to lounge in bed.
chirpping *Right* chirping
I'm not sure "chirping" is the right word here. This sentence didn't read quite right to me. Perhaps, "The birds chirped, making it impossible to lounge in bed."
Just my thoughts.


She smiled as ahe thought of him again, her heart leaping.
ahe *Right* she


Every time she though of him her chest tightened and she felt like crying out into the world, but calm reserve kept her form doing so.It had been only Three weeks anyways, not Even enough for her to be feeling this way but she did and she loved it.
though *Right* thought
form *Right* from

The first sentence is a bit too long. As a general rule, you should keep to only one conjunction per sentence. Conjunctions are words like "and" and "but." Here you have two of them. You may want to consider revising, perhaps: Every time she thought of him, her chest tightened. She felt like crying out into the world, but calm reserve kept her from doing so.

There is a space missing between the last word of the first paragraph and the first word of the second paragraph *Right* so. It

Three *Right* three (no need to capitalize

Even *Right* even (no need to capitalize)

With the last sentence, again, you have two conjunctions:

It had been only Three weeks anyways, not Even enough for her to be feeling this way but she did and she loved it.

You have three complete thoughts here:

1. It had only been three weeks anyways, not even enough for her to be feeling this way.
2. She did.
3. She loved it.

To be gramatically correct, this sentence needs to be revised.


She smiled at the thought of one of there discusions and even blushed even though it was from a day when there thoughts were still pristene.
both "there"s here should be *Right* their (possession)
Also, you may want to consider taking out one of the two "even"s here since the repetition may stand out to the reader.


It would be the first of perhapse two or three that day
perhapse *Right* perhaps


feeling refreshed and enerjetic,but sitll just as nervouse.What if he didnt like
enerjetic *Right* energetic
nervouse *Right* nervous
There is a space missing between nervous and What *Right* nervous. What
didnt *Right* didn't


she pushed the tought aside
tought *Right* thought


she knew if she dressed to soon she would be a wreck
she *Right* She (First word of a sentence should be capitalized)
to *Right* too


It was a beutiful dress,perfect, she hoped she would look like the timeless classic the dress made her feel like.
beutiful *Right* beautiful

This is a run-on sentence. You may want to consider revising, perhaps: It was a beautiful dress, perfect. She hoped she would look like the timeless classic the dress made her feel.


She smiled as she thought about how its been so long since she'd wanted to dress up, had a reson,
reson *Right* reason
I'm not sure "its" is the right word here. The rest of the story is in past tense, so I think "it had been" would work better.


It was becoming later so as she finished her breckfast of blackberries,strawberries,and whipped cream followed by a glass of orange juice she called, needing to hear his voice, needing to know he was still safe.
breckfast *Right* breakfast


they made nervous idal chit chat
they *Right* They (needs to be capitalized)
idal *Right* idle


He had a sensitive heart, as it too had been broken to much.
to *Right* too


he had a kind soul,
he *Right* He


he had a very,big, brain, and he made her feel smarter just alowing her to use her's.
he *Right* He
alowing *Right* allowing
her's *Right* hers
No comma is needed after "very" and "big" *Right* He had a very big brain,


They had Long smart conversations
Long *Right* long (no need to capitalize


the future made her smile.
the *Right* The


she was shoked at how easily
she *Right* She
shoked *Right* shocked


it was ok to do so.She smiled
space needed between sentences *Right* to do so. She smiled


She smiled once more and let him go, she didnt want to distract him while he was driving, he just had to be safe.
didnt *Right* didn't

This is a run-on sentence. You have three statements connected with commas here:
1. She smiled once more and let him go.
2. She didn't want to distract him while he was driving.
3. He just had to be safe.

Commas don't connect independent statements like this in a gramatically correct sentence. You may want to revise, perhaps: She smiled once more and let him go. She didn't want to distract him while he was driving - he just had to be safe.


with one finaal thought to the soul traviling long miles to be reunited with hers she looked into the mirror and smiled, grabbed final articals to finish up plans and set out on her day.
with *Right* With
finaal *Right* final
traviling *Right* traveling
articals *Right* articles


*Bullet* I have to make a suggestion regarding the spacing of this. While there's nothing wrong with your spacing, very long paragraphs can be difficult to read on a computer, and it might turn away some of your potential readers. You may want to consider going back through this story and making your paragraphs a little shorter, to make it easier to read.



*Star*My Rating*Star*

1.5 - While I think you've got a great idea of how this story will work, this needs a great deal of technical work. You've done very well in creating a suspenseful and emotional romance. With some attention to technical details, this story will be a great one!

If you do revise, I'd be happy to reread and re-rate this item. *Smile*

Thank you for sharing your work! Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey
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"Noticing Newbies [13+]
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Review of The Unknown  
Review by spidey
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi there Alicia Thomas

Welcome to Writing.Com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! *Smile*

This is my review for "The Unknown


Overall Thoughts:

I love the message in this! I think it's one that many people can relate to and identify with. The speaker comes across as someone who is knowledgable, sharing wisdom with the reader.

I like the formatting of this, with the lines centered, and I also liked the free verse form. I think it fits the subject matter very well. Also, great use of punctuation in this! It really affects the flow of the poem, and helps the reader through it.



Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not.
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

inticing you to draw nearer
I believe inticing should be *Right* enticing
Also, for me, this line would sound a little clearer if "nearer" were *Right* near
It's up to you, of course. *Smile*


*Bullet* My only other suggestion is in reference to the ending. For me, I would have liked to have seen more of a conclusion. At the end, you sort of re-state the beginning, which I like very much, but I wonder if you could add a few lines about the repercussions of the "you" turning away. Perhaps you could mention what the "you" person (or object of the poem) misses by turning away from the unknown. In the unknown is the potential for a lot of things, and I guess I wanted to hear that in the poem a little. Just my thoughts. *Smile*


*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.0 - Very nice poem! For me, it could use just a touch more to be perfect, but I enjoyed reading this very much. Thank you for sharing it.

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey
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Review of Yia Yia's Mercies  
Review by spidey
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hi there Artemisia

Welcome to Writing.Com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! *Smile*

This is my review for "Yia Yia's Mercies


Overall Thoughts:

Wow, this is just great! I love the imagery and description in this poem! I could really see, hear and smell everything described in this. I also identified with the speaker and felt connected to the words. Very well done!

I found the form and lack of punctuation and capitalization to fit the poem very well. For me, it focused my attention on the words and images being described.


Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not.
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

I can't think of a single suggestion. This poem is perfect as it is!


*Star*My Rating*Star*

5.0 - Perfect! Wonderful job with this. Thank you for sharing it.

Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey
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Review of UNknown !  
Review by spidey
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi there Luna Moon

Welcome to Writing.Com! If you have any questions, feel free to ask! *Smile*

This is my review for "UNknown !


Overall Thoughts:

Good rhyme scheme! I can understand very cleary your message in this poem, and the speaker's voice comes across clearly. Good use of WritingML to spice up the look of the poem!


Suggestions
These are just suggestions. Feel free to use them or not.
(In reference to any grammar/spelling suggestions these are suggestions made with my understanding of grammar/spelling rules. If I'm mistaken or missing a regional difference in usage, I apologize in advance.)

But Is it true?
I'm not sure if this is a typo, but I wasn't sure why Is was capitalized.


But I feeel thats false too!
feeel *Right* feel
since "thats" is a contraction of "that is" it should be *Right* that's


you say she's your evrything,
evrything *Right* everything


But you run to me intead.
intead *Right* instead


But nothings can get rid of the hurt.
nothings *Right* nothing


You say you lover her,
I think "lover" should be *Right* love


But the just my truth is
I wasn't sure what this line was saying. I think if it was "But my truth is" it would be clearer to the reader.



*Star*My Rating*Star*

4.0 - Great work! I enjoyed this very much. Keep on writing! *Smile*


Sincerely,
spidey
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