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137 Public Reviews Given
174 Total Reviews Given
Review Style
My goal is to give a detailed, organized review that highlights the positive characteristics of the work, while also touching on any areas that might benefit from some editing. All of my reviews are, of course, just suggestions and meant to be helpful to the author. I am always available via WDC email if more input is needed on any aspect of the review.
I'm good at...
I excel at analyzing spelling, grammar, punctuation, timeline continuity, and the flow of the story. I prefer to review fiction but can apply my knowledge to non-fiction as well. My knowledge of the fundamentals of poetry is very limited (at the moment at least!). My reviews of poems tend to be more along the lines of how it comes across to me, how it made me feel, and what I visualized when reading it.
Favorite Genres
Fiction, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Romance, Mystery, Comedy, Inspirational, Family, Military, Holidays
Least Favorite Genres
Non-Fiction, Horror
Favorite Item Types
Short stories, books, contest entries, blogs
I will not review...
Erotica
Public Reviews
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Review of Making Friends  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello Schnujo NEEDS to do homework Author Icon and wykedcrafty (I couldn't find this user), this is a review of "Making Friends" Open in new Window..

What an interesting and clever challenge to take on for both of you!

Overall: The poem had a pleasing flow, which you both contributed to well. You both stuck to the aabba rhyming pattern, using creative ways to achieve your goal. I enjoyed how you played off each other's previous scene, so that there was a conclusion that felt satisfying for both of you.

Technical Issues: No issues that I could see. One comment here is that if a pattern of syllables per line had been adhered to, I think it would have been even better. You both show great talent for imagery and rhyming, I think that would have put it over the top.

Lasting Impression: Currently, any poetry I write, I write it alone. It doesn't come as easy for me as writing stories. The concept of pairing up with another poet is an interesting one to consider. Perhaps having that combined effort might lead to a different type of inspiration.

Thank you to both of you for sharing this with us!

*Snow4* Maddie

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Review of By the Roadside  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello Northern Lights Author Icon, this is a review of "By the Roadside" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary!

What a gem of a poem to find while looking through your portfolio! I popped by to tell you happy anniversary and I always try to find a piece that hasn't been reviewed yet, which is not an easy (or possible) task at times. However, I did have the luck to come upon this one and I am so glad that I did.

Your only category chosen was 'emotional' and I believe that says it all. The subject is heart wrenching, to lose a child and have to keep going on with life. She has finally been able to go back to that horrible place and face the reality of what lies there. It seems she has visited the cemetery but did not feel the same. So, seeking solace? Connection? Just... something, she goes back to where he spent his last moments, knowing that she couldn't be there with him when it happened.

I loved how she found both the original items left and the newer ones. She sees that he has not been forgotten by his friends. He made an impact on her, but also on those others that still miss him and come here to visit as well. She grieves as one but is not alone in her grief. He is remembered and loved and will continue on in this world - even after she leaves it as well.

Your use of imagery with the sunlight, the temperature, the white cross as opposed to the cold granite memorial, all of these descriptions combine to put us in the moment with her. My favorite line was: 'His friends gathered here where his last breath still hung in the air.' That line rings with me. That his essence still lingers where he exhaled his last breath. He is still in this world, no matter the fact that we cannot see him.

And the best is saved for last, right? Your last line was perfect to end the poem, on that upbeat, the takeaway that despite this horrific tragedy that she can never change, she will go on and live the best life she can because he was a wonderful part of her. Living the best life and remembering him is the best way to honor his memory.

Thank you so much for sharing this poem!

Congratulations on sixteen years here in this wonderful community!

*Snow2* Maddie

Celebrating you with an Anniversary Review.

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hello Dragonbane Author Icon, this is a review of "Truthsayer Chapter One" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary!

Overall: The title you chose is both eye-catching and also indicative of what type of plot might lay within your novel. The focal point of the story is intriguing. A young woman who either possesses the power to tell falsehood from truth or perhaps owns an item that gives her this power. The story unfolds at a party, which is a great opportunity to showcase your main character(s). Through their interactions with others, we begin to ascertain what paths lie before our protagonists and identify possible antagonists.

Technical Issues: There are some grammatical and punctuation errors throughout, which can be caught on editing: missing commas with dialogue, run-on sentences, and only one misspelling that I saw. None of these take away from the overall storyline and are expected with draft versions.

Favorite Parts: The moment that lasts in my mind was at the end of the chapter when Relana speaks to the sorcerer. It is sharp contrast with how she behaves while dancing with Michael and captures the reader's attention. As is appropriate, her demeanor is down-played until this point. It gives us an idea of what's to come, which helps pull us further into the story.

Congratulations on seventeen years here in this wonderful community!

*Snow2* Maddie

Celebrating you with an Anniversary Review.

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello Peter Parker Author Icon, this is a review of "still in mind out of sight" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary!

Overall: Creativity and emotion are woven through your poem through the descriptions and actions. It unfolds as gently as the main character is awoken, peaks with the torment they experience, and then gently exits with the realization that life does move on, as will their heart. It is poignant and lingers like the last strains of a ballad.

Technical Issues: I am not familiar with the criteria for poetry, so I can only give generalized input here. These are based on the flow and grammatical guidelines but are just suggestions.
Line 2 - Maybe add a comma here - 'slowly, opened'
Line 13 - Maybe add a comma here - 'away, you'
Line 21 - Maybe add a comma here - 'again, turn'

Favorite Parts: The title (and words contained within as well) is my favorite part of this piece. The play on words for the commonly known phrase 'out of sight, out of mind' was very fitting for your poem and a clever application of the modified phrase.

Congratulations on twenty-one years here in this great community!

*Snow2* Maddie

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Review of The Storm Within  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi Igor Skoglund Author Icon, this is a review of "The Storm Within" Open in new Window..

Overall: I enjoyed your piece of short contemporary fiction. It has distinct elements that set the scene and a conflict for the main character that is resolved by the end. There is a lesson for the reader to learn along the way, as well.

Technical Issues: Towards the end, there is a sentence that starts with 'Claire quickly assessed..." The verb 'take' isn't correctly used here. The sentence doesn't flow as well as the rest of your story. It is a run-on sentence and uses the word 'damage' twice close together.

Favorite Part(s): What I liked most was the description of how Claire felt uneasy right before the accident happened. We credit animals with having preternatural senses that can alert them to danger before it occurs, but humans can have the same feelings at times. Not always explainable but shouldn't be taken lightly.

Welcome to Writing.com! Thank you for sharing your post with us.

*Snow2* Maddie

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Review of Dating Apps  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
Hello 💙 Carly: poems & novel Author Icon, this is a review of "Dating Apps" Open in new Window..

Overall: I loved your short story! You have a great talent for making the reader feel as if they are inside the story. Your use of italics was perfect for the main character's inner thoughts. The flow of the descriptions and dialogue was smooth and mixed with clever, funny details that made me smile and laugh out loud at times.

Technical Issues: I didn't find any issues.

Favorite Part(s): I could relate to Mavis through her personality: nodding she understood when she really doesn't, trying to keep the laughter from bubbling up, and then forcing herself not to apologize. The phrase 'plastic on a stick' is going to be tucked into the back of my mind, too. Great description!

This was a terrific contest entry and I hope you win! Thanks for sharing it with us.

*Snow2* Maddie

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hello Espero Author Icon, this is a review of "Nightly Campsite Visitors" Open in new Window..

Overall: I enjoyed your short story and can see why it won the Writer's Cramp for January 9th - congratulations! It has great visual descriptions that put the reader right there at the lake with the boys. The transition between scenes creates a smooth flow. The creatures are unique and startle the reader in this setting, but they also seem at home there, as well. It leads us to wonder about them, how they came to be and why they are there.

Technical Issues: I only saw one misspelling. The wolf 'barring' its teeth, should be 'baring'.

Favorite Part(s): You use a lot of action descriptions, which helps keep the story moving at a good pace and involves the reader in what is happening. I could relate to the part about how the boys used to chase the fireflies, but now just enjoy watching them. The teenagers sleeping through everything I can believe, too! I liked that the creatures were somewhat comical in their actions and didn't harm the boys.

Great story! Thank you for sharing it with us!

*Snow2* Madelyn

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Review of Be The Poem  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello Thewriterwitch Author Icon, this is a review of "Be The Poem" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary!

What an inspirational and lovely poem to come across today! It was an excellent entry for the Writer's Cramp. It is insightful to point out that our only true home is our own body. If more people thought this way, maybe they would treat it better and be more forgiving of the imperfections they might see.

I have always valued my own health and understood that I should be grateful for what I have had and have now because everything changes over time. However, your words brought even more clarity to that line of thought for me and in a gentle, light-hearted way.

It is truly difficult to choose any one line or line(s) as a favorite part of your piece because they all resonate so well together and with the overall message. I will endeavor to pick a couple! The dreams, kindness, and trust on the mantlepiece that lack dust because they are so often used was such a creative use of beautiful imagery. The last two lines culminate the flow of the poem. I honestly felt like it was a song, and I could hear the echo of notes fading away after finishing it.

You have a wonderful way of weaving words together with images that presents a scene for your reader. I will have to pop back by and read more of your work. Thank you for sharing this poem with us!

Congratulations on nine terrific years in this wonderful community! You are approaching a whole decade of sharing your craft with everyone, what a great accomplishment!

*Snow2* Madelyn

Celebrating you with an Anniversary Review.

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello Adore lol♥ Author Icon, this is a review of "South Dakota girl!" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary!

Wow! This was a great word search! I have always been intrigued by South Dakota and hope to visit there one day, perhaps even move there, since we never know what life can bring us. I knew some of these details, but a lot of them had not occurred to me. It gives me a renewed sense of curiosity and desire to explore more about the state. I definitely need to see about manatees in SD! The puzzle was challenging and had enough details to keep me going without feeling overwhelmed. Your enthusiasm and love for where you live comes through in this fun activity. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Congratulations on nineteen wonderful years in this great community! You are knocking on the door of two whole decades of writing, reviewing, making friends and most of all - having fun!

*Snow4* Madelyn

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Review of A Moment In Life  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello ruwth Author Icon, this is a review of "A Moment In Life" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary!

I enjoyed your description of washing dishes as time at the spa. *Smile* The details of the sounds, sight and touch brought a clear visual to mind of being in the moment experiencing the water and bubbles. The lesson of taking something that we can feel is a chore and turning it to our advantage is one that can benefit everyone. I find myself repeating often that it is all about perception.

My version of laundry and dishes comes down to creating order from chaos. There is the methodical sense of accomplishment for taking on those tasks that right our household and make it feel like home. It sets everyone more at ease and creates a happier living space. It also gives me time to daydream about writing topics!

Thank you for sharing this inspirational essay on a moment in life.

Congratulations on fourteen terrific years in this wonderful community!

*Snow2* Madelyn

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Review of Christmas Time  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello Sunny Author Icon, this is a review of "Christmas Time" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary!

Overall: Your Christmas and New Year's wishes spread to all reflect your name! *Smile* In this coldest time of year, we all need some sunshine *Sun*, and you were sweet to provide it with your post! You covered all of the highlights about this season: we get to choose how to experience it, people are more friendly, we should celebrate one another and the Lord, and the season leads us right into the new year. I'll join you with wishing everyone a prosperous and joyful year, one where we remember to slow down and enjoy the good times and remember during the trying times that those too shall pass.

Technical Issues: I only saw one place where there might be a word missing. You mention 'spend some time with Him on his special too'. I think you might have meant to put 'special day too'. I could be wrong, and it took nothing away from the wonderful message.

Lasting Impressions: I will be carrying your warm wishes with me throughout the year and if there should be a day where the clouds seem too heavy to bear, I will think back to the sunshine that is waiting just beyond. Thank you again for your post!

Congratulations on nineteen wonderful years in this terrific community!

*Snow2* Madelyn

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Review of TV Tower  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hello Sumojo Author Icon, this is a review of "TV Tower" Open in new Window..

Overall: An expressive poem that fits the criteria for the contest and also the feeling you experienced when watching the video. I felt that this could either be how you felt putting yourself into the individual's shoes that had to change the lightbulb, or it could reflect your actual feelings if you had been the one to do it. I happen to be an acrophobic, so just watching the video made my stomach feel bad!

Technical Issues: There are a couple of things I thought to mention: 'agrophobe' should be agorophobe. (Just for clarification, this is a fear of crowded or open spaces, not heights.) Acrophobia is a fear of heights. I felt that the one you used worked just as well for this situation because I am not sure you can get more 'open spaces' than being 1500 feet above flat ground with just fields around! Also, I am not sure, but I think that your dialogue may need to have the 'that' capitalized.

Lasting Impression(s): You did a great job with the poem for this video. There was a smooth flow and a build up to the end expression. The beginning stated this 'simple' job that had been given to the technician, but when taking everything into account, it's in no way simple! It was surreal to just watch it be done, let alone experience it. What a remarkable person who can do that for a living!

Terrific contest entry!

*Snow1* Madelyn

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Review of An Unknown Legend  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (4.5)
Hello Raygunner Author Icon, this is a review of "An Unknown Legend" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary!

Overall: The categories you chose to list this piece under perfectly describe exactly what it is - personal, emotional and inspirational. I admire the flow of your work that feels as natural as if the reader is sitting down to listen to you speak of your father. Your way with words is captivating and doesn't just impart information to the reader, it also expresses the depth of emotion you feel getting to tell us about your father, your personal legend.

Technical Issues: I only found a few minor issues: a wrong word used that corrective software probably missed or lack of punctuation (a period missing, etc.). None of these took away from the feel of the piece.

I had the chance to read through quite a few of your posts. All of them were artfully written and exhibit a compelling force of thoughtful consideration and careful articulation. I only wish there were more recent works to read and hope you may post more again. I offer the best of thoughts for any circumstances that might have caused you to stop posting.

Congratulations on seventeen years of membership within the WdC community!

*Snow4* Madelyn

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello Dave Author Icon, this is a review of "The Festive Season" Open in new Window..

Congratulations for winning the Honoring Our Veterans contest for December!

I was both moved and impressed by your poem.

The title drew me in and then was where I ended up. The emotions that your poem stirred had me going back to stare at that title with an aching heart.

You shed light on a heartbreaking problem that is prevalent in our country, but hard for some to acknowledge. You accomplished your point not by attacking and blaming those who aren't trying to help, but by including all of us - even yourself - in a universal group of individuals who need to do better in regard to those who have given of themselves to make our freedom possible. In my opinion, this point of view has the best chance of reaching the biggest audience and effecting the most change.

I am impressed with your mastery of the style you chose.
After reading through the guidelines for a Burns Stanza, I found no errors in your poem. I felt it was a perfect example of the style. I am beginning to explore poetry styles, and this is one that I will try and tackle in the future.

Thank you for sharing this poem with us and more specifically, reminding everyone of some of the most important, but perhaps least thought of individuals especially at this time of year.

*Snow2* Madelyn

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Hello No Sox with Sandals Author Icon, this is a review of "Delete Button - Reboot" Open in new Window..

Your blog post was full of insight and inspiration. We should all exercise our imagination muscles more. Maybe many of us see our writings as doing that, but it's not the same. Even when writing pieces for children to read, it is still from the mind of an adult.

Right before I got married, I cleaned out my things at home and formed a box of mementos to take with me. I found some of my old Barbies and dolls and actually lost a couple of hours putting them in their original outfits and then brushing the Barbies' hair, so it looked like it should. I was telling myself it was all for the sake of passing them down properly to the next generation... but really it was just plain fun sitting there with them again.

It certainly isn't easy and sometimes it can be impossible (depending upon what is happening in our lives), but it definitely would do us good to find that part of ourselves again, whenever we can.

Thank you for your thoughts.

*Snow1* Madelyn

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello StephBee Author Icon, this is a review of "Christmas Song Word Search" Open in new Window..

I love word searches, especially around the holidays! It reminds me of when I was young in school and we would have that day before break where we just did fun stuff, and these were always a part of that day. Great job with the songs that you picked! All family favorites for us!

Thank you for creating this puzzle for us.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and have a very Happy New Year!

*Snow5* Madelyn

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Review of Night Bird  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (4.5)
Hello Matthew Bronner Author Icon, this is a review of "Night Bird" Open in new Window..

Overall: I don't normally read works in this genre. I tend to lean towards action, mystery, romance, so that leads me to look for the markers of those genres in other pieces. While I found myself doing that with this piece, I was impressed that those feelings I normally have began to melt away as I was drawn into Bill's life. The overall tempo of the story was like a sad, blue cocoon that enveloped me and Billy's plight (and those of the assisting characters) drew me forward with a need to see how things might turn around for him. I was pleased with the ending. After showing the despair he was feeling, it was Billy's choice to reach out and grab that opportunity. It was one of those moment's a reader hopes to be able to cheer for and then has that satisfying clinch moment when finding it.

Technical Issues: I did not find any technical issues.
I do have an observation on the pace of the story at the end. The flow of the story from the beginning matches the feel of the piece. It is a sort of slow, meandering, sad walk through this character's life - a reflection of how he is experiencing his own hardships. The ending feels abrupt, especially compared to the majority of the story. This works for the piece, as it felt as though we were meant to see how quickly this one (seemingly simple and random) change for the main character was what made all the difference for him - the swift exorcism. It felt odd at the time to have this quick ending, but upon reflection I think you did a wonderful job illustrating that conclusion.

Favorite Part(s): The overall feel of the story is what will last with me. As the reader, I was transported to this place in time through Billy's eyes. Maybe other people see the same area as a happy, sunny place, but it's not that way for him. Through detailed, colorful descriptions, you were able to not only take me to this world, but also let me feel what the character felt.

Welcome to Writing.com! Thank you for sharing this short story with us.

*Snow2* Madelyn

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello Julie Natale Author Icon, this is a review of "The TV is Not Your Friend" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary!

Overall: Simple, straight to the point and so true either when it was written or today. The flow of the piece is smooth, and it builds to a positive, powerful message that inspires us to get away from the false existence that the tv encourages. I do believe in most things in moderation. Maybe a little bit of tv, but definitely not to the extent that it causes negative effects in our lives. It does feel sometimes as though the majority of programming is bent upon making us feel bad in one way or another.

Technical Issues: I didn't find any technical issues.

Favorite Part(s): One way to kill motivation is to be sad and your two lines that mention this are so right. I feel so much better when I work to create my own stories, poems, art, etc. I do have certain movies or episodes of tv that I love, and I choose to spend any time watching them, but more and more we just turn off the tv.

Congratulations on fourteen years here in this terrific community! Thank you for sharing this post.

*Snow4* Madelyn

Celebrating you with an Anniversary Review.

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Review of Down by the Water  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello Dan I Am Author Icon, this is a review of "Down by the Water" Open in new Window..

Congratulations on winning the Writer's Cramp for 12/26/22!

Overall: I enjoyed your Breccbairdne! You nailed all of the requirements and you fit the theme to a subject that felt in tune with the country that produced the poem style. It definitely tugged at my heartstrings and was not a turn that I could see coming. I could hear it being read in my mind with an Irish accent.

Technical Issues: None! The syllabic requirements and rhyming were perfectly executed and the overall flow was smooth and pleasing to the ear.

Favorite Part(s): The part I enjoyed the most was the last stanza. It tied it all together for me and left me with the visual of this individual sitting beside the sea experiencing that ache of grief on the inside but shoring up their reserve with the knowledge that way lay in front of them is the future and the best part of what was lost.

I had fun trying this challenge and met the requirements, but when I read through your entry, I was so taken with how you took it and wove it together with Ireland and the roots there that I was cheering for you to win! And I am so glad you did! This was a beautiful piece, thank you for sharing it with us.

*Snow4* Madelyn

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Hello Jane Gray Author Icon, this is a review of "When Terror Reigns " Open in new Window..

Overall: I stumbled upon this gem of a beginning chapter by clicking the ‘Read & Review’ link and I am so glad I did! You have set up what feels to be a grand undertaking of a story, which is something I love to find. The style in which you introduce your characters, the world, and the plot feel very natural and entice the reader into wanting to know more. Each little breadcrumb you drop is eagerly snatched up and has us looking for more. I am definitely wondering where the second chapter will take us.

Technical Issues: There are some issues, but editing will take care of those, and they weren’t enough to take away from the storyline. Most of the problems I found were with punctuation. Editing software (like Microsoft Word) or online programs (like grammarly.com) can help. They don’t always catch everything, especially if it is spelled correctly. For instance, when Jack is thinking that Toni could be going through her things, the word you used is ‘stifling’ but I think you were meaning to use ‘rifling’.

Favorite Part(s): My favorite part might be considered a little obscure. I loved that Nikolai had the right color (steel gray) to go with Jack’s dress – but they never discussed it (or at least it wasn’t mentioned). So, how did he know. Just coincidence or something else that might be woven into the story later? Or maybe just a little part that I’ll always remember *Wink*

Looking forward to seeing more of this story! Remember that you can always post on the community newsfeed to let people know when there is something new to read/review. If you like, you can email me and I’ll pop by to take a look, too.

Happy writing!

*StockingG* Madelyn

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Review of The Pearly Gates  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Hi Sailor M Author Icon, this is a review of "The Pearly Gates" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary! It's been over a decade since you joined this great community!

Overall: I enjoyed reading your post of flash fiction. The scene you chose for the line prompt was engaging and an interesting glimpse into the lives of the characters. You did a wonderful job creating the story in so few words.

Technical Issues: I only found one. In Richard's recount, there should have been a comma after the first sentence of dialogue instead of a period.

Favorite Part(s): Larry seemed like he was at least aware of his problem on earth from the fact he stopped after what happened. George, never learning his lesson, should definitely enjoy that vodka fast.

Congratulations on thirteen years here at WdC! Thank you for sharing your story with us. Happy writing!

*CandyCaneG* Madelyn

Celebrating you with an Anniversary Review.

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
Hi BScholl Author Icon, this is a review of "Late Scratch (1st Place)" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary! In this case, thirteen is a very lucky number! *Smile*

Overall: This was a great piece of flash fiction for the given line. I had not read the prompt for the piece, so it came as a surprise to me. The end had that crushing 'oh no!' moment for me and then a follow up of 'she should have placed the bet herself!'. I loved that it was actually based upon a true story, as well. The grammar, spelling, punctuation and flow were all well done.

Technical Issues: I didn't find any technical issues.

Favorite Part(s): My favorite part actually didn't exist in the story. It was the ending that left us wondering what would happen after Billy tells Tasha. There are some pieces, like this one, that I enjoy an open ending where each reader can decide what happens. I choose to think she has a fit but ends up forgiving him. He feels bad, but ultimately stands with his decision not to take the risk for her.

Thank you for sharing this post with us.

Congratulations on over a decade here at WdC! Here's to many more years to come!

*CandyCaneG* Madelyn

Celebrating you with an Anniversary Review.

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello winklett Author Icon, this is a review of "The Top of the Beanstalk" Open in new Window..

Happy WdC Anniversary! Wow – two decades! *Smile*

Overall: I really loved this version of Jack and the Beanstalk. It was clever, fun, and very heartwarming! From the beginning of the story when despair looms over them, to the end when everything has been set right again, the flow and rhyming scheme carries the reader through this magical world that turns out to be more relatable to us than we maybe thought at first. (The sugarplums dancing through Jack’s head was a nice touch, too.) The ending lines were perfect!

Technical Issues: I didn’t see any technical issues. I did appreciate how you would begin certain lines to anchor the focus on what was happening, along with using the italics (sparingly – too much can be a distraction).

Favorite Part(s): My favorite part was where he saw all the food, and it was before he saw their wings. It was an immediate reminder of his situation below and his mother who was still there. He didn’t have to ask for help, they readily offered it. They didn’t solve all their problems, just gave them the means to get back on their feet. It wasn’t money offered, but sustenance. I was left with a feeling of hope and that Jack and his mom would then be inspired to help others like the angels helped them.

Congratulations on twenty years here in this wonderful community! Here’s to many more!

*Ornament2G* Madelyn

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Celebrating you with an Anniversary Review.
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Review of Aflame  Open in new Window.
Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: 13+ | (3.5)
Hello Bottle O’ Nyquil Author Icon, this is a review of "Aflame" Open in new Window..

Overall: This feels like a good beginning to a long story. The descriptive words used do well to help set the scene and hint at the background of the world. I got the feeling of a mix between sci-fi and fantasy due to the mention of 'old beings', 'mutants', the 001/mission language, and the bandana with the communications device. This is a lot to try and fit together in such few words but has the potential to be developed in future additions to this piece.

Technical Issues: There are some grammatical and punctuation issues. Be careful to start a sentence with a capitalized word. Most of the dialogue had great punctuation. Watch for run on sentences. Using the semi-colon ';' is ok, but it can make for very long sentences that could be broken up into shorter more effective ones. I liked the spacing, it made it easier to read and the breaks between scenes was useful for story flow.

Favorite Part(s): Two phrases stood out for me: 'freckles of golden embers' and the sentence 'They hear the noise, sniff the air, and flee.'
The description of the snow and embers was a unique bit of detail that captured my attention. A landscape is like the face of the earth we can see and using the word 'freckles' was neat to see combined with there.
The sentence was short, to the point and told the reader everything they needed to know. It also conveyed the emotion of the characters and told of the scene itself.

You have a great start here with this storyline. I hope you are inspired to continue adding to it. Thank you for sharing your work with us.

Welcome to Writing.com! Happy writing!

*Ornament1G* Madelyn

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Review by Madelyn Stone Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi Marvelous Friend Author Icon, this is a review of "Mystery of the Yellow Case" Open in new Window..

Happy 3-year anniversary at WdC! *Smile*

Overall: This was a clever short story that I enjoyed reading. I liked your choice of object that met with the theme of the contest and the corresponding picture you used for the post. The suitcase seemed fitting to me. The uncle has passed away and gone on to his 'next adventure' so to speak, while young Tommy is just beginning his own. For so few words, you wove together an intriguing story with a happy ending. I always love those!

Technical Issues: I didn't find any technical issues. There is only one thing I could remark upon and it in no way takes away from the overall feel of the story. In the two paragraphs where you describe Tommy finding his room and then what's inside, there is a bit of a repetitive feel to some of the words. You have colorful descriptions that set the scene for the reader, so having some of the words (like 'old') repeated gives little hiccups to the good flow you have going.

Favorite Part(s): My favorite part was how Tommy figured out the secret to opening his suitcase. It felt like maybe his sister gave up too fast or perhaps she didn't get as much out of the time she spent with the uncle. Tommy's memory and creativity led him to the wonderful ending of the story. (I do have to wonder what would have happened if no one had opened that suitcase! *Smile*)

Congratulations on your anniversary at WdC! Thank you for sharing this story with us.

*Ornament1G* Madelyn

Celebrating you with an Anniversary Review.

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