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769 Public Reviews Given
771 Total Reviews Given
Public Reviews
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Review of Untitled  
Rated: E | (4.0)


"Untitled by Newbie, Francis R. Jewel only has four lines - but they are magnificent! Some terms I revised and others' I had no idea of their meaning.
But as I sifted through items which I felt I could review with honesty and appreciation - I came across this little gem.

*GemT* There is nothing to pontificate over - the words and lines are just lovely! Each one conjures up exotic imagery.


What I learnt: Thankyou

*GemT* The term suspiria and the overall concept of The Three Mothers, was borrowed from English essayist Thomas De Quincey, who discussed the mothers as Three Sorrows affecting humanity (metaphorically, of course) in his 1845 book Suspiria De Profundis.
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Rated: ASR | (4.5)

*Apple**Quill* Newbie, JustMe has written some good, old fashioned philosophy and quite frankly - he's right! I live in Australia, and it's very much the same here!


*Apple**Quill* I don't think that you're quite as alone as you might think when you say:

In life I've realized Love is fictional. So I've only ever asked for Honesty, Loyalty, and Respect. Yet those three things seem to be a foreign language to the people in this world today.

*Apple**Quill*I'm inclined to agree with most of what you - say - I do have a roof over my head - and my two sons (all I have left of my family) do care about me - yes, they love me, and I love them, but outside that little bubble - everything feels one dimensional - friendships aren't what they used to be.

*Apple**Quill* I hope you enjoy your time here at WDC, though and if you like writing there is always someone around -like me *Smile* -who will be happy to review you. In my case just remember that Australia *CountryAU* - is about 15 hours ahead of you! *Wink*

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Rated: ASR | (4.5)
"The Moonlit Banquet has won a place *TrophyG* in "Quotation Inspiration: Official Contest ~ Congratulations! There were many entrants and perspectives on the prompt. Well Done!

*Apple**Quill* What I liked

Lovely, descriptive writing, like this *Down*

The moon was almost directly overhead, and the stump, normally a tan slab with countless rings had taken on the moon's silvery character, looking almost like a pool with concentric ripples frozen in place. The animals crept closer and looked toward the moon, and their shadows fell upon the stump.



*Type* I do this frequently, myself - and often self-edit a number of times to get rid of these double-ups! *Down*

* ... it was different this time. This time, the stars joined...

* ... They tramped and scuttled through meadows and brambles. They flew between the grasping branches of the autumn-dressed leaves. They slithered ...

*Up* All within 2 lines and does look repetitious.


*Apple* *Quill* Overall Impression: A delightful, fable-style adventure, reminiscent of indigenous stories, and one' which I enjoyed reading.
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Review of The Mooker Man  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
"The Mooker Man written for "No Dialogue Contest by Beholden is a very human-sounding tale about a Scarecrow who traverses the generations of a family farm.


*Apple**Quill* The writer of this story has a firm command of English syntax and is able to carry forward his intentions and ideas once a prompt is presented to him.

*Apple**Quill*I am in awe of the story's perfection - it could have been sighted in a glossy magazine or anthology.

*Apple**Quill* No errors of grammar, punctuation or spelling, detected.
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Rated: E | (4.0)
This story, "The Straw Man, Cometh was written for "No Dialogue Contest - and as my eye ran down the list of entrants, the title for this story stood out, to me - and there's a cute little picture to accompnay it too.


*Apple**Quill* Below - is a chilling description!

Behind the glass sockets embedded in the Marne's straw face an evil lurks. To passersby it is an unknowing stare of blank unseeing eyes, but the raven can sense the cold, blackened soul of the bogeyman.

And...

As the New Year dawned, sirens of the straw man's coming were dispersed. Fires raged. COVID was birthed. Hornet's invaded. Hurricanes seethed. Bias ravaged. Hatred breached. Empathy expired. Humanity surrendered.

*Apple**Quill* I'm not a grammar or punctuation expert - I have a sound working knowledge is all: enough to write a Credit-Rating Average/Essay. So, I can't pin-point the exact clang I felt when I read through it - but it's there, on occasion: perhaps in the mixing of the present and past tenses?

Here's an example *Down* of what I felt was a 'clang' moment

Within his body no blood vessels reside to carry required nutrients or the cellular necessities of life.

*Apple**Quill* No spelling errors detected and the story is exciting to read! *ThumbsUpL* *Delight*
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Review of My Mother's Poems  
for entry "Nighttime
Rated: E | (5.0)
I am in the mood for more reviewing and I chanced upon Prosperous Snow Valentine - from members here, at WDC - and I can't remember how. I'd saved the page yesterday... *Confused* Anyway ~ on with the review!

*GemBL* This excerpt below (the first stanza) was written by her mother, who apparently, didn't start writing poems until she was in her early eighties! It's a wonderful idea and the poem is lovely.

*GemBL* Here is an example as well, of how the internet can provide opportunities to share gifts.



*SuitDiamond*

In the dark of night
When the sky is black
Who know what lies above
Just let your imagination go
It could be where angels live
To keep watch on the earth below

*SuitDiamond*

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Review of Recipe Collection  
for entry "Maple Cinnamon Rolls
Rated: E | (4.5)

This recipe, by Shadow Prowler-Spreading Love Maple Cinnamon Rolls under "Recipe Collection sounds delicious! I was scrolling through the reviews and saw a reference to this recipe by a previous reviewer. So, I came to see.

I used to make bread - its very satisfying when it all turns out! The aroma of freshly baked cooking! *InLove2*

*MugR* *Donut* What I liked

Your recipe was not only inviting, but it looks easy to follow, which is great for novice bakers.

*Type* *Down* A small error

gently kneed knead the dough
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208
Rated: E | (5.0)
*Ghost* HaPpY HaLlOwEeN *Jackolantern2* FrOm AuStRaLiA!*WitchHat*


Master Om has written a cogent, thoughtful - as well as thought-provoking essay-style piece. Very positive and for me, providing timely philosophical advice. Congratulations on a piece well written and enjoyed by me, and I hope, many others'.

*Type* Excerpt

We are all creators and we are all connected. Know that when you make a path manifest you do so not just for yourself, but for all humankind. And, ages and ages hence, your path...the connection that you contributed to the web of life, may well make all the difference.


*Pumpkin2**WitchHat* No Boo Boos *Ghost*


That’s my 13th’ and … In case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening and goodnight


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Rated: E | (4.0)
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"The Moth and the Flame by Dr Gonzo has been with WDC for nearly a month! A prolific writer, I envy their inspiration and I've been impressed by their writing, too. The poem has an irregular rhyming scheme, which may be referred to as Doggerel.

*Apple* *Quill* I work in AOD and it isn't uncommon for the recovering addict to fall madly inlove - the symptoms mimic the 'high' don't they. But I think you should do this *Down*

*Wand*

Love and broken hearts go hand in hand
Enough to drive a person insane
To give up and spend the rest of my life alone?
Or get up, dust myself off and try again

*Wand*
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Rated: ASR | (4.0)

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*Ghost* HaPpY HaLlOwEeN *Jackolantern2* FrOm AuStRaLiA!*WitchHat*


Wrtiten for the "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge "We Could Talk There by Paul - Brothers! Huh! I have two sons and they are chalk and cheese, too. This story sounds kind of true, as well. I don't know that it qualifies as sting-in-the-tale-flash fiction but it is a very nice vignette, all the same.


*Pumpkin2**WitchHat* No Boo Boos *Ghost* -Written in dialogue - with no narration & all within the 300 word limit. Well Done! *Star*
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for entry "Busted!
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)

*Ghost* HaPpY HaLlOwEeN *Jackolantern2* FrOm AuStRaLiA!*WitchHat*



Wrtiten for the "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge by WakeUpAndLive️~🚬🚭2024 - while this item was submitted as an under 300 word story it appears to be the first in a series of others'. This one was really good ~ with a neat twist in the tale to finish. Nicely paced throughout with easy-to-read font size and visually appealing by well-spaced on the page.


*Pumpkin2**WitchHat* No Boo Boos *Ghost*

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Review of The Big Bang  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Today, I am going back in time... back to 30th June 2010 when this story, written by 🌕 HuntersMoon made its embyonic way into the world.

"The Big Bang Is an impressive and credible story of space travel and the writer has a good, working vocabulary of the mechanics of science fiction writing.

*Unicorn2* The philosophy 'Murphy's Law' - which many swear by' - I believe - is the cradle for the whole story *Down*

Harlan Ellison is credited with saying: "The two most common elements in the universe are Hydrogen and stupidity."

... (Murphy is...) more like a philosopher. He once said that nature always sides with the hidden flaw."

"I don't understand."

"Sometimes, you can be 99.9999% right but some minor detail can make you fail. In this case, I overlooked what was right in front of my nose. ..."


*Unicorn2* I encourage you all to go and read the whole story! You'll be thoroughly entertained!


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Review of Seasonal Driver  
Rated: E | (4.0)
"Seasonal Driver has been written for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge by Grotto - who has just passed their 10th Year (in September) at WDC *ConfettiG**BalloonR* - Congratulations!

*PartyHatG* This sounds like a 'Twilight Zone' theme - I'm a bit slow today, but I think this story is a mixed genre: 'Mystery-Horror' kind.

*PartyHatG* The storyarc was good, with a mystery ending, which seems to be de rigueur in Flash Fiction.


*Type* Typo Alert

Relieved Terran gladly made the switch *Right* ed. “


Review written as part of
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Review of A Purple Heart  
Rated: E | (5.0)
"A Purple Heart - something Nick - wrote for his mother! *HeartV* I had a look at his bio and I hope he won't mind my saying that he is 27.

*Sun**Moon* What mother would not enjoy reading this poem written for her. In fact, *Down* These lines remind me - with pride- about an article dedicated to me, by my youngest son, when he was interviewed about his lead role... So this writer has written with appreciation and tenderness - in acknowledgement of his life giver! Brava!


*TreeCypress*

But you choose,
To be a good version of you,
That's why when I choose,
Who I want to be,
I choose you,
For what you do.

*TreeCypress*



Review written as part of
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Review of Miss Henrietta  
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)

A poem - a story really - "Miss Henrietta tells a tale of misadventure - if I read it correctly and is as surprising a twist as is often found in Flash Fiction.

*Ax**BurstR* Yes, this poem has a macabre thread and will leave the reader wondering!

*Ax**BurstR* Mostly 4 lined stanzas with, I think .. *Think* an AB AB rhyming sequence.

*Cheshire*

The knife's cold metal in his pocket
Always made him feel secure.
Miss Henrietta from the door
Called out to say one minute more.


*Cheshire*



Review written as part of
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#1949474 by The StoryMistress
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Rated: 13+ | (4.5)


"Tragedy Strikes at the Huntley Mansion Word Count: 1,500: - written by Redtowrite - is a horror story! At the risk of being accused of offering up a 'spoiler' - I am going to include this excerpt!

*Mask*

Cole reported, "Window closed, an ax is here. I'm coming back to get you."

That was the last time she'd ever hear her husband's voice.

Suddenly, a strong force ripped the door handles from her hands. She pulled and pulled but couldn't open it again.


*Mask*



*Frank* *Home* Well written and very engaging - I raced through the story once - then read it again for better appreciation. There is no happy ending to this story - don't read it before you go to bed - alone!

*Type* Error Alert

crimson, copper, brunt ... burnt?... orange


Review written as part of
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#1949474 by The StoryMistress
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Review of These Old Eyes  
Rated: E | (4.0)


*Hourglass* "These Old Eyes was written by Lockedhart and in just a few lines, there is regret, wistfulness mixed with memories.

*Hourglass*It is sad, that young people don't realise how quickly time passes but would they use their time more resourcefully?

*Hourglass* Finally, as the poem indicates - we plead to be allowed to do it all again - maybe ... if only we knew then what we know, now...

Review written as part of
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#1949474 by The StoryMistress

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Rated: E | (4.0)
*Earth* Item "Life in the 2020's by Newbie, to the future wants to talk about how things have changed since the 1950's upto now. An invitation to a philosophical debate, if ever there was one! *Think*

*Earth* I can remember how much safer things used to be - and quieter! I remember doing something which seemed exciting at the time - a group of girls and I met up one night to climb out of the window and just walk about .. it seemed very exciting! Dark... no traffic...everyone else was asleep .. and I think the moon was full! But we felt safe! (We were discovered and we got into trouble of course - 1968 - I think).

*Earth* There are more predators now... drugs are rampart (so theft/robberies are up) ... also the gap in rich and poor has widened, I think. There's more violence... perpetuated and encouraged through gaming themes. Mental Health issues ... now there are more people with a diagnosis out in the community as the institutions were deregulated and that has inevitably increased homelessness...

*Earth* With all the apparent trappings of modern ease and wealth - and accessibility of cheap gadgets like phones, laptops, cheap imported clothes and cars... things still seem to be harder and people appear to be unhappier than they were.

*Earth* Thankyou for the opportunity to consider that question - I enjoyed giving that some thought.
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Review of Stars  
Rated: E | (5.0)


*Vine1**FairyR* Written for the contest, "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge by Wickedfugitive is a wistful narrative whereby an evanescent girl seeks answers which expeditious and unimaginative adults cannot relate. It is not until she meets a cohort in dreaming that she finds reward.

*Vine1**FairyR* I loved it! It spoke to me of things I'd like to be...

Review written as part of
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#1949474 by The StoryMistress

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Review of Living Postmortem  
Rated: E | (4.0)

"Living Postmortem written by blackmagicwoman who has been writing busily since joining a few days ago!

*Vine2* I read the poem once, then again, out loud and I started to really 'see' it. I've included an excerpt, below. By the way, I will say that the graphic which has been carefully chosen, complements the writing very well *ThumbsUpL*

*Vine2* My only criticism really, is that - my subjective preference - is that it enhances writing like this, when there is some sort of separation between 'stanzas': a colored font.. can make the reviewer take more interest in the actual message. Wrong perhaps, but it is a psychological 'mind trick' which can be used to good advantage - and ... why not?


*TreeCypress*

I am no gentle daughter of decency
And no mercy shall be taken on my soul
But as sunshine fades and shadows fall
Ashes to ashes we all heed the call
Perhaps I lie prematurely
Perhaps too late
And perhaps not at all.


*TreeCypress*
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Review of The Vampire Blues  
Rated: E | (5.0)

*Bats* Written for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge by Wickedfugitive - "The Vampire Blues is full of imaginative references such as the problem of modern society having mirrors everywhere, garlic in their food in nearly every dish - and the ubiquity of phone cameras!

*Bats* The fact that this story won the contest is no surprise!

written as part of
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#1949474 by The StoryMistress
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Review of Weekly Goals  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A new motivational forum with the opportunity to earn Gift Points, was creating by The StoryMistress - here
FORUM
Weekly Goals  (13+)
Motivate yourself to conquer your goals this week! Post on Monday; update us on Friday!
#1949474 by The StoryMistress


*Star* It's a great idea and for those of us still stuck at home, for the most part - it was a pleasure to find something which would motivate me! Go and
- Check it Out! *ThumbsUpL* *Delight*
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Review of Bring Me  
Rated: E | (5.0)
*BurstR* blackmagicwoman is a new WDC writer who has produced a number of items and I am struck by their ability to engage others' in their vividly described memories - with an excerpt/example, below: My only criticism is that it could do with a little more 'window dressing' in the setting out on the page. With some gaps between some lines.. centering perhaps - and if so inclines some little icons, or graphics. Never the less, the work is worthy on a stand alone basis and I have really enjoyed reading this piece.

*TreeCypress*

Bring me the colour purple in its rawest form
And the Ukrainian words that my grandmother once used
The pearl that fell from my lost necklace
Bring me the fifteenth summer
Or my first birthday
My father's best days


*TreeCypress*
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Review of Bette Davis Eyes  
Rated: E | (5.0)
*Quill**Star* "Bette Davis Eyes- by writer, blackmagicwoman is one of WDC's Newest Newbies! I love this song too - and the sentiments expressed in this Free Verse Genre resonated somewhere in the back of the dusty boxes in my own mind... I loved the vignette style in which this was written... I see it as a prompt for a full-flavored story!

*Quill**Star*I confess I had to look up the genre which this prose/verse was written - as I am still learning too, and there is a lot to learn! So, for our mutual benefit, I've included the information here, in the hope that I'm not being presumptuous.


*Quill**Star* Free verse is an open form of poetry, which in its modern form arose through the French vers libre form. It does not use consistent metre patterns, rhyme, or any musical pattern. It thus tends to follow the rhythm of natural speech.
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Review of The Nanny State  
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
Firstly - Let me thankyou, Christopher Roy Denton for nominating my Handle, AJBurchell- Australia at the "The Witch's Garden - I didn't even know about the competition - going until 31st October! *ThumbsUpL* *Delight*


*Quill* *Glasses* Now, about your excellent 4,024 word Sci-Fi story, "The Nanny State created about three and half years ago in January 2017!

Excerpt

It wasn't that Abdul was opposed to Nanny's governance or her many decrees for public health and safety. Far from it. But something at the back of his mind silently screamed that man wasn't created to behave in an entirely safe and sane manner. ...

And Humor!

... Abdul tentatively lifted the ale and sniffed. The smell was unpleasant — somewhat reminiscent of urine — and a frothy scum had gathered at the top of the glass. Was John trying to trick him because he was new to this place? He glanced around and saw similar glasses of scum-topped liquid standing on most of the tables.

I can imagine going to a bar in Australia, for instance *CountryAU* - and asking for:" A glass of scum-topped liquid, Mate" - that would get you lynched as a subversive! *Laugh* Beer is a National Imperative here, Down-Under!

*Quill* *Glasses* Sex, Drugs & Rock n Roll in Sci-Fi Land! *Shock2* Very well written and totally engaging! Thankyou for an entertaining read! I won't mention the chill I felt at the Muslim/Cyborg World Domination theme! It makes me glad that my own lienage stops with my kids - as they are now not likely to contribute to the world's population growth, being confirmed bachelors! *ThumbsUpL*
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