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26
26
Rated: E | (3.0)
A Port Raider's Raffle Review

Comments

I haven't read it yet, but I had to tell you that your brief explanation had me laughing before I even opened the story!

*Laugh*{e::cut}"There's been a report of a suspicious box *Cut*
I'm already groaning here.

*Cut*Oh my god, they're here for my house.*Cut*
*Laugh*This would probably be my exact reaction!

Okay, in the interest of it not looking like I marked up your whole manuscript, let me give you a rule on dialogue, and then you can go change it! *Laugh*

When ending dialogue, it doesn't matter if you end it with a ? or an !, the dialogue tag only starts with a capital if it is a proper noun.
Example:"Sure!" she gladly complied."

Also, when ending dialogue, if you would normally use a period, the period becomes a comma.
Example:"It's been on for a few months now," my daughter chimed.

You probably know this, but there are a lot of instances where the tags aren't marked correctly. I'm telling you just to make sure you know. CMA type thing, ya know.*Wink*

Other than that, I thought this was a cute, funny story. I'm glad that nothing like that has happened to me; we get "strange" boxes all the time. They tick, they growl - we got a lot of computer stuff that's already "operational" *Laugh*

Good work and I loved it! 3.0 for technical, 4.5 for entertainment!


Corrections

*Cut*for a few months now." My daughter chimed*Cut*
...now," my daughter...

*Cut*"Sure!" She gladly complied.*Cut*
If "She gladly complied" is a dialogue tag and not a following sentence, the "She" should be "she".

*Cut*Isn't that PC for bomb squad?" My daughter asked. *Cut*
?" my daughter*Cut*

*Cut*going?" The red haired, flack*Cut*
going?" the red haired, flack

*Cut*coming from my husband's ears. *Cut*

*Cut*So there we stood(comma} looking at our house and waiting.*Cut*

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27
27
Review of Surrender  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A Port Raider's Review

Comments

Another 5.0, and I don't give them out lightly. Again, I have absolutely no suggestions, and hope that this "introductory tale" continues in some form.

Your writing style is excellent. You write in such a way that your words draw the reader along from sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph, in breathless anticipation. So very well done!

I'm sorry that I don't have more words for you, but there just isn't much to say. You know the art of writing and I applaud your success in plying it.

If you add more to your portfolio, do let me know! Your work is a pleasure to read.

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28
28
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A Port Raider's Review

Comments

*Cut*Slowly, reluctantly, the shadow peeled itself off her skin, as the third girl came forward into the hollow sheen of the lamplight.*Cut*
Absolutely fabulous imagery!

My god! What a fabulous beginning! I haven't looked yet, but, is there more?
You, my dear, are a very talented author. It is very seldom that I have no suggestions for an item with this length, but there was nothing that I would change or rearrange to make better. Other than the very few corrections, this is as perfect as it could possibly be.

The only thing that would upset me is finding out that you won't be writing more. These are some excellent characters!

Bravo, well done, applause, and everything else that means fantastic!

Suggestions

Absolutely none!

Corrections

*Cut*Though faced with uncertainty, and chocked by *Cut*
"choked" instead of "chocked"

*Cut*I bet I can break ‘em,*Cut*

*Cut*ebony hair that grew past her shoulders and reached all the way down to the small of her back. *Cut*
"passed" instead of "past"

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29
29
Rated: ASR | (4.0)
A Port Raider's Raffle Review

Comments

*Shock*Hey! Where's the rest of it? How am I supposed to find out what happens next? *Angry*I feel jilted!

*Smile*I loved this story - though I really do wish there were more already. You may look at this review and see all the corrections and the few suggestions and think otherwise, but this was an absolutely riveting story.

Your opening is all that an opening should be. Interesting enough to make us want to read on, informative enough that we know - from the start - that something has gone terribly wrong.

Your descriptions and metaphors are excellent, and I enjoyed the little bit I learned about your characters.

For entertainment alone, I rate this 5 *Star*s! With technical errors and some roughness, I'm dropping it to 4. If you make corrections, please let me know! I will gladly raise the rating!

Well done!

Suggestions

*Cut*It had all started about six hours ago at the Kalliope (the annual elfin festival to welcome in the glorious months of summer).*Cut*
Merely a suggestion to use commas or hyphens instead of parentheses

*Cut*The Kalliope is a long standing tradition that was attended and appreciated *Cut*
Perhaps - "...was a long standing tradition, attended and appreciated..."

*Cut*Try as they might, they could not ignore the sounds that now appeared to be getting louder and louder.*Cut*
The "now appeared to be" is fairly weak in a paragraph of strong words. Perhaps just "...the sounds that grew louder and louder."

Corrections

*Cut*The Kalliope is a long standing tradition that was*Cut*
"was" instead of "is"

*Cut*The King on the other hand was fidgety and anxious. *Cut*
I am not absolutely positive, but I believe there should be a comma before and after "on the other hand".

*Cut*Families gathered for what the first major event of the day . . .*Cut*
Either a word missing or an extra word. "...for what [was to be] the..." or "...for the first..."

*Cut*The music and laughter was fractured by a horrific whine.*Cut*
"were" instead of "was"

*Cut*As he surveyed the area(comma) trying to plot his next move(comma) he was sickened by the sight of a large*Cut*

*Cut*she had already heard about the grievous loses that the kingdom had experienced.*Cut*
"losses" instead of "loses"


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30
30
Review of Ch1: Flag Battle  
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
A Port Raider's Raffle Review

Comments

Regarding "Prologue What a great way to start out! Already, I can't wait to read chapter 1 - I'm reading chapter 1. *Laugh*

Alas, woman, I was unable to find many errors. I have failed in my task. *Laugh* This chapter is great! It is written well, it flows smoothly, and it is full of vivid descriptions. I had no problem seeing the entire scene.

I also had fun reading it as Jacob and Dominic "flee" from Mario and Philip. All of the action and dialogue were well done. I found myself smiling from just passed the beginning to the very end.

The hook is also great. After this whole care-free scene, to end it in "Dragons!" I applaud! - and then eagerly move on to chapter 2!

Bravo!

Suggestions

*Cut*Once, Dominic stepped onto an air pocket and sunk up to his knees.*Cut*
Do you mean "into" an air pocket?

Corrections

*Cut*most boys favored staying by the fires(comma) sipping tea and enjoying soup with the adults and girls. *Cut*

*Cut*They crouched behind nearby a bush and listened to Philip and Mario talk
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They crouched behind a nearby bush and listened...
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31
31
Review of The Struggle  
Rated: E | (5.0)
A Port Raider's Review

Comments

Love it! Love the words, love the style, love the poem!

I enjoyed how you have each verse standing alone. The way you've written it gives the impression, in and of itself, of the constantly scurrying fervor of the ants. I found the rhythm to be spot on and the rhyming is perfect. There isn't much more to say to this. Count it a job well done!



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32
32
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
A Port Raider's Review

Comments

I regret that I am unable to give your prologue the attention in deserves; I am short on reviewing time at the moment. However, I did read your prologue and will - hopefully - be able to read further within the next few days. Although I can't do an in depth review, I will at least be able to give you my humble opinion.

Aforementioned Humble Opinion:*Bigsmile*

This is a very interesting prologue. The way you wrote it, you sneaked the whole "on another planet" bit in; it gave me a physical jolt! Very nice, very nice!

Sentences like this: *Cut*She could almost hear the soft tinkle as her heart shattered on the hard floor beneath her. *Cut* - they make all the difference in how we perceive Olivia's feelings. I greatly enjoyed reading your writing style. It's very smooth and flowing.

I really have no suggestions to offer you, as there is nothing I would change about the way you wrote it. It was well-done, and I could immediately feel for Olivia.

Correction-wise, there are a few commas missing or out of place, but other than that, I didn't see much.

Again, I apologize for the lack of time and sincerely hope that I have more time in the future to do a better reviewing job.

Well done!


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33
33
Review of Fluffy  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A Port Raider's Raffle Review

Comments

Lol! What a great little story! I have told several people this, but I am always amazed by people who can tell a story in so few words. It is a definite art, and an area of writing that I am sorely lacking in.

You did such a great jog with the dialogue! I could almost see the disbelief on the parents' faces, as well as the officer's confusion. I don't have much more to say - only good stuff - so bravo! A wonderful read!

Suggestions

None!

Corrections

None!

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34
34
Review of this will sting  
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
I'm not as well-versed or certain about poetry as I am with stories. I have to rate and comment on this one entirely from whether I like it or not.

Personally, I like it. Like all your writing that I've read so far it takes a certain type of individual to enjoy it, but I don't think anyone could read it without seeing how well-written it is. You should get high marks on that alone.

As far as the content goes, I confess, it made me grin. I have to ask myself: Is it plausible? Answer: Most definitely.

Question for you: Is the use of the word "bacon" an alias? I wonder - it's sly and funny at the same time if it is!

All in all, you have a way of taking the raw essence of life and penning (yes, pun intended) it to paper. Let's just hope it STAYS on the paper!
35
35
Review of My various rants  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A Port Raider's Raffle Review

Comments

*Note4*Yes, I nit-picked on corrections. I just couldn't find very many! *Wink*

I thought this little rant of yours was funny the way you wrote it, but also not so funny with the reality of the situation.

Me, I would probably be considered a "true" conspiracy theorist. No, not everybody is out to get me, but those that are are really out there! *Laugh*

The truth of the matter is this - that I know for sure, anyway. They actually HAVE started "low-jacking" pets. They - I love that word, it's so all-encompassing! - have started "low-jacking" children in England. I received an "informational letter" from my son's school - the FBI offering to do the same to my child so that "in the event of a kidnapping, the child will be found easily." It makes me shudder. Imagine if the government actually starts doing what you outline here? I'm not worried about losing an arm. It does, however, bring to mind the Holocaust, with the number bands tattooed on Jewish arms. Our children would grow up with those things in their bodies and never be free again.

Sorry, my own little rant!

Let me sum up my review with this: well-written (of course), clearly worded (as always), and has some great points - as long as people take it seriously. *Smile*

Suggestions

None!

Corrections

*Cut*(No not "the I coughed all night, and my throat is sore", type of virus. Try to focus, here.)*Cut*
Move " to ...No, not the "I coughed all night and my - comma after "No" and no comma after "night"

*Cut*Years from now, our futuristic brothers and sisters, will have no arms*Cut*

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36
36
Review of Dog Gone Nights  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A Port Raider's Raffle Review

Comments

*Cut*terrorizing trash trampling tour, *Cut*
The little lines like this are great!

What a great story - and humorously written, as well. I honestly think it wouldn't have been as funny if you hadn't chosen the wording you did.
(i.e)"garbage-grabbing gangster", "I expected to see a Stephen King novel play out right about that time." - and then calling him "Cujo" afterwards.

I loved it, absolutely loved it. Five *Star*s!

I'd put you on WDC Wonderfuls for it if you weren't already there!

Suggestions

None!

Corrections

*Cut*and a there was a blue, paisley bandanna around its hefty little no-neck.*Cut*
I love this description, by the way!



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37
37
Review of Tin Heart  
Rated: E | (4.5)
A Port Raider's Review

Comments

Woah. I read the first sentence. All good. Second and third sentence. All good. Forth sentence, I started to wonder. Fifth sentence - what??? *Laugh* Talk about throwing the reader for an immediate loop. I love it!

Okay, reading on. Gotta find out what shelf and who I'm reading about! lol

Awww, how sad. Please tell me that they wake again when the sun goes down! I thought this was a great rendition of "Tin Soldier" - I think that's the name. Your descriptions are very well done and you write the story in such a way that my interest was kept from the very beginning to the very end. Wonderfully done!

Bravo!

Suggestions

*Cut*It was further down than this one had been, looking back up at the shelf I had occupied for so long I knew that there was no going back. *Cut*
Instead of using a comma, perhaps a period and making this two sentences?

*Cut*Sighing, I took a deep breath and began the climb.
Moment of confusion - is this person climbing up the stairs or descending? If they are going down, you might want to rephrase the word "climb".

Corrections

*Cut*Straightening(comma) I brushed the dust off *Cut*

*Cut* Exasperated(comma) I stood and once again brushed myself off.*Cut*

*Cut*Sighing(comma) I took a deep breath and began the climb.*Cut*

*Cut*Smiling(comma) I reached up and grasped the stem of one of the flowers. *Cut*
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38
38
Review of Oliver  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Editing Group Review

Overall Comments

Wow! This is your first short story? It's excellent! The way you started it out was very interest-grabbing - it definitely pulls the reader in. The ending, also, is well-done, leaving the reader a slimmest line of hope to hold on to. Perhaps someone reads it in time? Perhaps his sister stops them? Perhaps...

Oh, very nicely done! It is the bare bones of a story, but what bones you see are the only ones necessary. The scenery is not important in this story - so you spend very little time on describing it. What people look like is not important - so you do not show them, for the most part. The facts, in this case, are what is important - and this is where you spend your time. Artfully so.

I found very few things to suggest. The corrections I made are outlined below.

4.5 *Star*s and a bravo from me!

Well done and write on!


Suggestions

*Cut*“We must fight to save ourselves!” *Cut*
Suggested addition:
...to save ourselves!" was their cry.

*Cut*When we met them, they were towing the townspeople who had freely given themselves to our enemy in a large wooden crate.*Cut*
Possible rewrite:
...towing the townspeople - who had freely given themselves to the enemy - in a large...

*Cut*The Box*Cut*
I understand the capitalization, but perhaps it should be "the Box"?


Corrections

*Note4*Separation of paragraphs.
*Note4*Minor corrections for wording.
*Note4*Minor corrections for punctuation.
*Note4*Breaking up paragraphs for proper separation and better clarity.
*Note4*Minor rewording to correct tense usage.
39
39
Review of Wedding Confusion  
Rated: E | (5.0)
A Port Raider's Raffle Review

Comments

*Cut*My sister-in-law told my sister-in-law that my sister-in-law was appearing for her Chartered Accountancy exam ... "*Cut*
I had to laugh - when put that way, the different names for "sister-in-law" make perfect sense!

What a wonderful story! I really enjoyed Mrs. Robinson's plight, trying to figure out what to call everyone. The closest I've been to a situation like that is the first time I met my German relatives - wow, was I lost!

I have to say that I was grinning from ear to ear throughout the entire story. I also like the fact that, not only do we get to enjoy the story, we get to learn new words. Nothing else that I have to say would differ very much from "what a great story", so I'll end it now with "What a great story!" Absolutely fantastic and down-right flawless.

5 *Star*s!


Suggestions

None!

Corrections

If there are any, I didn't see them!

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40
40
Rated: E | (4.0)
A Port Raider's Raffle Review

Comments

It is always hard to make suggestions and corrections on stories such as these. Where there is such pain, I always feel like I am tearing into the sad memories when I do.

Overall comments: Your writing is well-done, and the facts are set out very clearly. It was easy to feel sympathy, as well as wish that it were possible to hug someone from afar. May you never suffer such loss again.

Suggestions

*Cut*I have to admit, that I now firmly believe in the reality of this one.*Cut*
The wording is a little awkward.
Possible rewrite:
I have to admit that I firmly believe in the reality of this one, now.

*Cut* cabinet maker for over twenty years. Well respected in the*Cut*
The sentence starting with "Well respected" is technically a fractured sentence.
Proposed rewrite:
cabinet maker for over twenty years, well respected in the

*Cut* I knew that he was going through a period in his life that involved alcohol. That he had been attending meetings for it. *Cut*
Possibly join these two sentences with a comma and "and"?

*Cut*Married here and raised my five children in Port Orchard. *Cut*
Perhaps start the sentence with "I married"

*Cut*To find out of this death at the funeral for another? *Cut*
Maybe "To find out about this death"?

Corrections

*Cut*I have to admit, that I now firmly believe in the reality of this one.*Cut*
Comma not needed

*Cut*What convinced me(comma) you may well wonder? *Cut*

*Cut*I remember my husband, and several of my grown children *Cut*
No comma

*Cut*I remember thinking of how brave they were, to stand up in front of everyone *Cut*
No comma

*Cut* "Wings Beneath My Wings."*Cut*
Is this supposed to be "Wind Beneath My Wings"?

*Cut*Then(comma) as we were making our way to the door(comma) we ran into a relative who lived in Gig Harbor.*Cut*

*Cut* He was always such a caring(comma) giving person.*Cut*

*Cut*Then(comma) on January twelve(comma) the phone rang in the evening. *Cut*
January twelfth

*Cut*It made no difference(comma) in the end(comma) how fast, anyways.*Cut*
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41
41
Rated: E | (4.0)
A Port Raider's Raffle Review

Comments

lol... my god, how horrible would that be? This reminds me of a few emails I get from my dad. They are actual transcriptions from court cases. In one, a lawyer asks the man on the stand, "And how did your wife feel about being dead?"

I really liked this story! The only thing that detracted from it is the short, fractured sentences. I've been doing a lot of editing lately and those types of things have a tendency to stand out. When you write, try to remember to make sure that each sentence can stand alone.

ExampleWhere she was educated.

The only way this is a complete sentence is if it were a question. "Where was she educated?"
In small amounts, this type of sentence can be helpful for a story. In large amounts, however, it has the opposite effect and makes the story seem unfinished.

I hope this review is helpful for you!

Suggestions

Possibly expand a few of the fractured sentences or combine them into one.

Corrections

*Cut*Not so much out of seeing someone's familiar name in there, as opposed to feeding my curiosity with anything in print(period)*Cut*
This usage of "as opposed to" is incorrect. You are saying that you are against feeding your curiosity. There is another word that can be used there, but I can't remember what it is at the moment.
Proposed rewrite:
...there, but to feed my curiosity...


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42
Review of I See The Light  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Wow! I'm all a giggle at how well the sig fits with your poem. *Bigsmile*

I really like this poem. The way you tell the dream and the expressions you use are fantastic.

*Cut*My voice thundered out of the silence;
Wait for me! Wait for me!*Cut*

Chills. Seriously.

Although the rhythm is just a bit off in places, it's not off enough to detract from the overall enjoyment of the poem.

My favorite part has got to be the first verse. The imagery is just - powerful and vivid.

Well done!
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Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Editing Group Review

Overall Comments

I absolutely love this poem. The repetition of "In this strange dream of mine" should be overpowering, but it isn't. The whole of it is written very well.
I enjoyed how you began and ended each verse differently, and how, on the whole, it told the story of the flower.

There isn't much else I can say, as I am not well-versed in the various forms of poetry. I will say that my preferences tend toward the rhyme and meter poems. However, "A red flower in the sand is one of those outside of my normal form that I enjoyed very much.

5*Star*s! The one punctuation error and suggestion are not enough to detract from the overall beauty and flow of the poem. Well done!

Suggestions

None

Corrections

This is actually a suggestion and correction:

*Cut*But, that’s the way it is,
In this strange dream of mine.
A red flower in the sand.*Cut*

Using this verse as an example, keep in mind that I intend it for the following verses as well.
The correction:
But, that's the way it is (no comma)

The suggestion:
In this strange dream of mine (hyphen " - " instead of period)
44
44
Review of Psychonaut  
Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
A Port Raider's Review

Comments

A request: It's hard to distinguish between paragraphs and whatnot without spacing. On the next chapter, would you mind putting a space between each paragraph? It'd be much appreciated!

I've actually had, or been part of, conversations like the one between Rich, Lee, and Reilly. Again, a perfect touch of realism!

My favorite parts:

*Cut* “Because mittens are for faggots.”*Cut*
*Cut*Puff, puff - all better.*Cut*
*Cut*“Goddammit, you’ve got me ranting.”*Cut*
*Cut*Most people wouldn’t wipe their asses if the government didn’t have some oversight committee to ensure that the toilet paper is triple bleached, extra soft, super sanitized, and fluffy.”*Cut*

- I know it's wrong, but there it is! It's funny.

Final Comments: Everything I said on the last review, I mean here, too. I absolutely loved it! I think I may have found it a little more humorous than it was meant to be, but we've talked about that. Your dialogues continue to astound me, as well as the fact that you never fail to describe anything.


Re: the name change. My personal opinion, since you asked for it, is that "Everyday Madness" suits the story. "Memoirs of a Psychonaut" is alright, I suppose, but just "Psychonaut" - to be frank about it - feels completely empty. Me, I'd stick with Everyday Madness. For Reilly, this IS everyday madness.

4.0 *Star*s due to technical errors. 5 *Star*s for enjoyment, as always.

Suggestions

*Cut*You’re an ignorant cunt, I think, pleased, and say, “Thanks.”*Cut*
Normally, thoughts are italicized to separate them from the rest of the story. With no offset, this sentence is confusing.
Proposed rewrite for clarity:
"Thanks," I say. Though pleased, I'm thinking, You're an ignorant cunt.
I'm not sure I like this much better, but I hope you get the idea.

*Cut* I blink and they are all staring at me.
“It’s ambiguous,” I tell them.*Cut*
These two sentences can be combined to make one paragraph.

*Cut*Lee’s body is thin and bent, his leg jerks and his face is pale and drained. *Cut*
Suggestion - start a new paragraph with this sentence and add the paragraph starting with:
*Cut*Lee’s wearing dark baggy pants and a T-shirt with Metallica ironed on the front in dripping red letters.*Cut*
to the new paragraph. That way, we have his whole description right there and it's not broken up.

*Cut*But she has to drive to Atlanta to get the green and even that’s not a regular thing. *Cut*
Though you don't do it often, try not to start a sentence with "but".
Proposed rewrite:
She has to drive to Atlanta to get the green, though, and even that's not a regular thing.




Corrections

*Cut* “Was it really Jesus?” tThis from a brunette*Cut*

*Cut*“Of course it wasn’t Jesus,” t." The dumpy woman, Wanda, is speaking again.*Cut*

*Cut*I wonder what her vagina looks life[like] beneath the thin layer of fabric.*Cut*

*Cut*Cresting the landing, I see that my neighbor[,] Lee[,] is sitting with Rich on the old smelly couch we had pulled onto the balcony months before. *Cut*

*Cut*His irises are bright blue, but his half[-]lidded, heroin[-]dead eyes seem to see nothing.*Cut*

*Cut* I’m starting to hurt.” *Cut*

*Cut*The BMW was stolen by a friend for the insurance money which was used to be[buy] a large quantity of heroine - *Cut*

*Cut* “No[,] you didn’t.”*Cut*
You have a few instances like this. Keep in mind that, unless standing alone - "No." - "no" and "yes" are followed by a comma.

*Cut*You’re trying to f*** a girl with cerebral palsy[,] you yakked out mother f***er.”

*Cut*But the point is[,] Jesus used cannabis to heal people.”*Cut*


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45
Review of To Be Young Again  
Rated: E | (4.5)
A Port Raider's Review

Comments

A fabulous story! If I haven't told you before, I'll tell you now, you are a fantastic writer. I find your style of writing to be easy to read, as well as interesting, fun, and various other good things. Your characters have a life of their own, and I've had no problems in any of your stories with seeing them or the scene.

The ending of this was a bit of surprise, but I had to chuckle. This might actually explain why I feel so much older than a lot of people my age. Maybe I have a few more lives under my belt?

Final note: Your stories have, so far, left me with a warm and somewhat giggly feeling. I like it!*Laugh*

All in all, great job! Keep writing!

Suggestions

Absolutely none!

Corrections

Although I saw some punctuation errors, I wasn't sure about them, so they weren't marked.


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46
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
A Port Raider's Review

Comments

*Cut*Coffee is black and best served hot. The devil lives in Tazmania. Sometimes, when people ask me simple questions, I pretend not to know the answers. The sky is red and my teeth are bleeding, but tomorrow will be worse. I am the anti-man. My name is Reilly and I want to die.*Cut*
This is a wonderful example of how simple, declarative sentences can emit such feeling. The way you end this paragraph gives the idea that Reilly wanting to die is just another fact of life, which gives us even more insight into his character. Excellent!

You've certainly got talent, Matthew. Your writing style is fantastic, boarding on perfect for this kind of story. I am still amazed that the first person, present-tense is written so flawlessly. At no time am I confused by what is going on, who is doing it, what they look like while their doing it, or where. I applaud all of it.

The chapters, so far, flow easily from one to the other, and you have a way of making the dialogues - which, because of content, shouldn't be funny - humorous. Of course, that could just be my own warped sense of humor.

There is not much more to say. Fabulous writer, excellent style, great story, interesting characters! Again I say, "Well done"!

*Note4*4.5 rating is due to technical errors.

Suggestions

*Cut*Last night, aiming at suicide, I swallowed an excessive amount of prescription drugs; a combination of Methadone tablets, Percocet, and Xanax, but instead of sleeping myself to death, I spent the night sweating and eating thick crust pizza while wearing nothing except my Winnie the Pooh slippers and an orange beret.*Cut*
A very long sentence - quite literally a run-on.*Smile* Rewrite suggestion is for clarity.
Proposed rewrite:
Last night, aiming a suicide, I swallowed an excessive amount of prescription drugs; a combination of Methadone tablets, Percocet and Xanax. Instead of sleeping myself to death, though, I spent the night sweating and eating thick crust pizza, wearing nothing nothing but my Winnie the Pooh slippers and an orange beret.



Corrections

*Cut*I tried to masturbate, but my cock had no feeling and played dead.*Cut*

*Cut*I cook thick, bloody hamburgers and we take shots of whiskey while they cook, enjoying the smell of the meat frying in the pan.*Cut*

*Cut*It’s numb most of the time, but every once andin awhile there’s a tingle and the sensation of hundreds of pounds of pressure pushing down on that one little spot.*Cut*


*Cut* I make base in the big beast’s room[.] He’s *Cut*

*Cut*Once they’ve all had a taste I raise the price to seventy-five, but they keep coming back, faster than before.*Cut*

*Cut*A girl sucks my dick, but I’m too geeked up for anything to work down there so she finally gets bored and passes out next to me on the couch. *Cut*

Win the chance for another port raid!
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Rated: E | (3.0)
Editing Group Review

Receipt of this review means that I am done editing the prologue. Please keep in mind that any feedback or comments that I receive regarding this review and edit may be posted on "Invalid Item.

Overall Comments

This is a great beginning. I really enjoyed the idea of the chapter, and some of your descriptions were vivid and colorful. You seem to have an excellent idea of what you want to happen in the chapter and how you want it to happen. It did need some cleaning up - a list of what I edited can be found under "Corrections" - but it also needs a little tweaking.

I could tell that you were seeing the story as you wrote it - what a wonderful thing to happen, isn't it? However, as you progress as a writer, you need to learn how to focus that into a more clear-cut picture. Remember, you may be able to see it in 3D, full-color detail, but the readers will only see the picture that you paint for them.

When you are finished with your own edits, please let me know and I will gladly rerate and reread. If you have any questions or comments about this review and the editing, feel free to email me with them.

A great job, and with a little more work, it could be fantastic!

Writing Rules:

And, But, So, Yet
Try not to start a sentence with them. If you need to use the word, rearrange the sentence so that the word is not at the beginning. If you use a large amount of "but"s, try changing one or two to "though", or "however".

Paragraphs
Though it can sometimes be hard to know exactly when is the right time to break a paragraph, it must be remembered that a paragraph is at least three sentences long - dialogue is the exception to this rule.

Past and Present Tense
Past Tense examples Had, was, could, saw
Present Tense examples Has, is, can, sees

There are several instances where you change tense. I would suggest sticking with Past, which is what most of your story is. I would also suggest that you go through the chapter and look for those instances where you change tense to present and fix them.
Example from the chapter
*Cut*Dumond is a long way from Philmar and the Rdoni Forest, and a dangerous desert stands between the two. Only a crazy man would go through those woods. They are possessed, dark and consumed with violent creatures, and the dessert is just as cursed.

So the royal family was headed for Dumond by ship and it was going to be a long journey.*Cut*
In the first paragraph, you are in present tense. In the second, you are in past. A possible way of rewriting follows:
Dumond was a long way from Philmar and the Rdoni forest, and a dangerous desert stood between the two. Only a crazy man would go through those woods. They were possessed, dark and consumed with violent creatures. The desert was just as cursed.


Suggestions

*Cut*But many people, not just children, believed that this magnificent place truly existed. And many spent their whole lives searching for it.*Cut*
Whenever possible, try not to start a sentence with "and", "but", "so", or "yet"
Possible rewrite:
...children. Many people, not just children, believed that this magnificent place truly existed, however. Some spent their whole lives searching for it, in fact.

*Cut*But magnificent mountains and a stretching dark evil forest surrounded the great kingdom making Philmar remarkably hard to reach.*Cut*
Merge with the paragraph above this one.
Possible rewrite:
Some spent their whole lives searching for it, but magnificent mountains and a stretching dark, evil forest surrounded the great kingdom; they made Philmar remarkably hard to reach.

*Cut*Many believed he was a great sorcerer full of unimaginable powers. But if he had these powers they weren't enough when an unbelievable number of dragons appeared.*Cut*
Rearrange wording.
Possible rewrite:
...powers. If he had these powers, though, they weren't enough for the unbelievable number of dragons that appeared.

*Cut*but his lengthy ebony hair, white demonic eyes, and long black fingernails marked him for what he was, a shade, because demon blood boiled in his veins.*Cut*
Wonderful description, but it borders on a run-on sentence.
Possible rewrite:
...marked him for what he was - a shade. Demon blood boiled in his veins.

*Cut*Then, on the wind was heard a vile whisper, “R’tu… zza.” *Cut*
You use a lot of "then". Try rearranging your words or changing them up every once in a while.
Possible rewrite:
The creature waited. Suddenly, a vile whisper was heard on the wind.

*Cut*Then the sky filled with fire and out from the flames emerged a multitude of dragons. Not just any dragons, but the Spinyblood Skull, the worst you could ever come across. They had muscular, long bodies with maroon and black scales, and at the end of their long spiky tails they had blade-like extensions used for brutal slashing. Their long limbs ended in sharp claws and they had bony, black, rigid wings. The head itself caused deathly scares; it was web shaped, with piercing yellow-hue eyes, and a single horn projected from the chin.*Cut*
I love this description! What mean looking creatures they are! To make the paragraph flow more smoothly, I suggest cutting down on the number of "they"s and "their"s. Since we know that the dragons are being described, it isn't necessary to always use those particular descriptives.
Possible rewrite:
The sky filled with fire and a multitude of dragons emerged from the flames. They were Spinyblood Skull, the worst you could ever come across. Long, muscular bodies with maroon and black scales ended in spiked tails with blade-like extensions for brutal slashing. Long limbs ended in sharp claws, and their wings were bony, black, and rigid. The head of the Spinyblood Skull itself caused deathly scares; it was web shaped, with piercing yellow-hue eyes, and a single horn projected from the chin.



Corrections

Paragraph indentations and spacing.
Improper word usage changed to correct form. (i.e. "unremarkably" to          "remarkably")
Punctuation errors.
Minor word changes for clarity.

*Leaf5*Should you wish for me to change specific things such as the "and, but, yet" wording, I will need your express permission. I will not do actual rewrites without that permission.
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Review of The Skirt  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A Port Raider's Review

Comments

I absolutely loved this story! It was a fun and fantastic read. By the end of it, I had a huge smile on my face.

The whole thing reminded me of how I felt at fourteen, when my parents finally thought I was old enough to wear a skirt to the knees. Up until then, they were always down to my ankles. I had to laugh at the way you described their envy. To paraphrase: How could she? Oh, the slut! Oh, the brazen wench! Oh, I want to be her... lol Loved it!

*Cut*If Nancy could do it, why couldn’t I? Why couldn’t I? Why not? Why shouldn’t I?*Cut*
This is absolutely my favorite part, because this is how most society changes happen. One person does it, everyone else makes fun and then someone thinks... why not me? THEY did, so I can! *Bigsmile* Wonderful story!

Suggestions

None!

Corrections

*Cut*Suddenly the day[,] which had started out like any other, had become bleak and miserable. *Cut*

*Cut*However, Nancy’s parade was rained out[,]? for she was whisked away by the headmaster and sent home to change her clothes. *Cut*

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Rated: 18+ | N/A (Review only item.)
Overall Thoughts:

At first, I couldn't understand why it was classified a horror story. Seemed more like a story about abuse. However, by the end of it, that little wonder was cleared up magnificently.

I really liked how you wrote this. There isn't a single time that you go out of character. This is definitely a child's frame of mind, and it is written exactly like that. I especially like "I hope they aren't the ones that Grandma gave us. Grandma is nice to me. She loves me. She never hits me or locks me in the basement." The way you wrote that, with the short sentence blocks, is very well done.

Other than one possible grammatic correction and..well, several comma placements *Smile*, my personal opinion is that it's very good. If you hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known that it was hard for you to write. It reads very smoothly. Good job!

Pesky Comma Correction:
*Exclaim*Sometimes they hit me[,] too.

*Exclaim* I think maybe I hear growling[,] too.

*Exclaim*I've heard him make growly sounds sometimes[,] but he doesn't come in our back yard any more.

*Exclaim*My side hurts[,] too.
*Exclaim*

Writing Suggestions:}/b}
*Exclaim*I wish they didn't make me stay here. But they said I was bad. Nothing wrong with what you have, but since you're entering a contest, I would suggest "here, but they said..."
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Rated: 18+ | N/A (Review only item.)
Whew! That one had me biting my nails. I lost one. (dry tone) Thanks so much.

I waited and waited - what eyes haunted? what eyes haunted? But the ending was absolutely unexpected and hit me in a bowl-you-over kind of way. No wonder it one first place! (Congratulations, by the way!)

Excellent descriptions and clarity of words. Another gripping tale well done.

I fear, Mr. Dinger's pet, that I will be of no actual help to your stories. However, I will contive:

Mitzi was peeking too and her eyes' sparkled at me, -comma after "too" and no ' needed after eyes.

Today Mike wore shorts but he was barefoot and had removed his shirt. -I believe a comma is needed after "shorts"

Mike made a circle in the dust, then looked up his eyes agleam. -comma after "up"

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