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201
201
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Hi Maryann - House Martell ,

Seasons Greetings, mon capitaine. I chose to review your item today as part of the December Member-to-Member Review Raid.

*BulletB* Title: I absolutely love the title. It sparks memories of my childhood spent reading Enid Blyton's The Famous Five or The Secret Seven. It promises the reader a mystery, and since this is a children's story, it will be a mystery from a child's perspective.

*BulletB* General impressions: A simple plot device - Mandy and Gina sell lemonade and fight crime *Laugh* Those eight words may sum up the plot, but they in no way do it justice.

It's a simple plot, but you have written a fun story around it. The story also holds enough intrigue to even keep an adult reader hooked until the end. Although I'm possibly not the best judge of that, because I'm still a big kid at heart; I love watching re-runs of the great cartoon shows from the 1980s and still read a lot of childrens books. Actually, I hope I never outgrow that.

The two girls come across as very wily and clued-in for second graders, but the way how the story is written allows for some necessary suspension of disbelief over that one aspect of these two eight year olds.

They also seem to have built up an excellent relationship with the adults, as evidenced by their easy banter with Mr Marino. An absolute must for them to detect the guilty.

*BulletB* Favourite parts:

There is the way the storyline follows the same natural path as a adult mystery. Identify suspects, question them, gather information, and eliminate the innocent. The fact this is done by two kids who should be tucked up in bed by nine, does not make the process any less valid. The fact you have maintained as much true-to-the-adult-world in your story is what further helps with suspension of disbelief.

I also love the idea of them selling rocks to people from their lemonade stand. It's somewhat reminiscent of the "pet rock" from the 1970s. Not that I'm actually old enough to remember this, nor do I come from the US; I've just watched a lot of US TV shows.

*BulletB* Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation: Technically this was nearly perfect, though I did notice one niggle with speech marks.

“Let’s make sure that we ask lots of questions today.” “…And we can start with Carol and her mother,”
“Let’s make sure that we ask lots of questions today . . . and we can start with Carol and her mother,”
Since it is the same person speaking, you don't need the close speech marks and open speech marks where she pauses. You can leave the ellipsis points without the spaces if you like; I only put spaces in between each point since that is what Chicago Manual of Style suggests.

*BulletB* Closing remarks: This is an entertaining children's short story that has left me wanting to read more mysteries of the Lemonade Girls Detective Agency.

Thank you for sharing this item! Please keep on writing!


Andy~hating university

Wishing you and yours a very merry festive season!

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
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202
Review of No Takers  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: ASR | (4.0)
Hi Cheri Annemos ,

Seasons Greeting. I chose to review your item today as part of the December Member-to-Member Review Raid.

*BulletB* General impressions: You have written an interesting story here. Madonna comes across as someone who just can't say no to her friend Trish, yet both characters are likeable. You have also captured Madonna's OCD well.

*BulletB* Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation: For the most part there were no issues. The only real issue is one long sentence that ideally should be broken up; I have put a suggestion on how to do this in the next section.

*BulletB* Line by line suggestions: These are included in the dropnote below. Your original work is in black, specific suggestions are in indigo, and additional notes/explanations for the change are in orange.

Line by line suggestions

*BulletB* Closing remarks: I don't know about naming the character Madonna. I know we all look for interesting and unusual names for our characters, but Madonna either conjures up images of the singer or the Virgin Mary. It stops the reader from forming their own impression as to what she looks like.

Thank you for sharing this item! Please keep on writing!


Andy~hating university

Wishing you and yours a very merry festive season!

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
203
203
Review of Whispering Walls  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 13+ | N/A (Review only item.)
Hi Nixie Martell cheerleader ,

Seasons Greeting. I chose to review your item today as part of the December Member-to-Member Review Raid.

*BulletB* Title: My spine was shivering at what your simple title promised. The expressions "if these walls had ears" and "if these walls could talk" spring to mind, but they have none of the fearful connotations of your title.

*BulletB* General impressions: Friday 13th has so many stories and superstitions attached to it that I was intrigued as to where you planned to go with this.

You have crafted a though-provoking and chilling take on the theme. It makes me wonder if there any real Trent Flints wondering around.

*BulletB* Favourite parts: The absolute chill I got from the scene in room thirteen. That scene was really well written, and I was so completely caught up in the narrative.

*BulletB* Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation: There was only one minor niggle. You have no open speech marks for the line that begins: You fell into a drunken stupor and dropped your pipe

Otherwise, this story was faultless.

*BulletB* Closing remarks: This was an enjoyable horror flash piece, and I look forward to seeing what else is in your port.

Thank you for sharing this item! Please keep on writing!


Andy~hating university

Wishing you and yours a very merry festive season!

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
204
204
Review of "UNGH!"  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Hi Angus ,

Seasons Greeting my friend. I chose to review your item today as part of the December Member-to-Member Review Raid.

*BulletB* General impressions: A family dinner causes old grudges to resurface between cousins.

Ben comes across as a petulant child, and seems unable to forgive his cousin over a car crash from back in their high school days. Mike seems to want to live and let live and comes across as a reasonable person. These traits make the ending all the more surprising and horrific.

*BulletB* Favourite quotes: This is one fine meal, Jill. Thank you for having us.

Mike says this so calmly and rationally. He just sits back and enjoys his dinner while the horror happens around him.

*BulletB* Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation: There was only one small niggle, otherwise this was perfect.

Mike put his fork down and began rubbing the back of his neck with both hands.
Ben put his fork down and began rubbing the back of his neck with both hands.
I think this should be Ben based on what is said a couple of lines further on "Ben’s hands, which were still on his neck,"

*BulletB* Closing remarks: This was an enjoyable read, and is impressive that you have written such a horrific ending that managed to only warrant a 13+ rating.

Thank you for sharing this item! Please keep on writing!


Andy~hating university

Wishing you and yours a very merry festive season!

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
205
205
Rated: 18+ | (3.0)
Hi CRiM ,

*BalloonR* Welcome to WDC from "Newbie Welcome Wagon! *BalloonR*


I saw "PS Home Horror Stories 1: Cutteridge. on the Noticing Newbies page.

*BulletB* General impressions: You have crafted a good story here. The narrative is well constructed and it flows smoothly. The action moves along at just the right pace for a flash piece.

*BulletB* Favourite parts: You have provided a detailed backstory and have tied it in nicely with the scene that your story starts with.

*BulletB* Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation: I found no technical issues with your grammar and spelling. However, you do have an issue with punctuating speech tags.

Speech tags

You also have several instances where one speaker’s words run for more than one paragraph. When this happens, you need to use quotation marks at the beginning of the speech, at the beginning of each subsequent paragraph, and at the end of the whole speech.

*BulletB* Line by line suggestions: These are included in the dropnote below. Your original work is in black, specific suggestions are in indigo, and additional notes/explanations for the change are in orange.

Line by line suggestions

*BulletB* Closing remarks: This was an enjoyable story. You seem to like to write horror pieces, so I'd recommend you check out "SCREAMS!!! which is our daily horror flash contest.

Thank you for sharing this item! Please keep on writing!


Andy~hating university

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206
Review of An Equal End  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi BrendonBraun ,

*BalloonR* Welcome to WDC from "Newbie Welcome Wagon! *BalloonR*


I saw "An Equal End on the Noticing Newbies page.

*BulletB* General impressions: Your piece may be short, but it speaks volumes. It is very well crafted and I agree with everything you have said. What is disturbing for me here in the UK is that the number of hate crimes are actually on the rise.

*BulletB* Favourite quote: "We are all equal in the eyes of the Grimm Reaper." This hits the nail on the head. No matter who you are, what you are, what country you come from, what soccer team you support, or whatever other reason someone has for wanting to make someone else's life a misery, we are all mortal and we are all going to die. We should be enjoying what lifespan we have and learn to get along with our neighbour.

*BulletB* Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation: There were no obvious technical issues.

*BulletB* Line by line suggestions: I have nothing to suggest to improve on this piece.

Thank you for sharing this great item! Please keep on writing!


Andy~hating university

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
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Review of Homework is Bliss  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi Sunny Mahesh ,

*BalloonR* Welcome to WDC from "Newbie Welcome Wagon! *BalloonR*


I saw "Homework is Bliss on the Noticing Newbies page.

*BulletB* Title: With a title like that it had to be satirical. I hated the dreaded "H" word when I was in school.

*BulletB* General impressions: For such a short piece you have captured probably every schoolchild's sentiments since the beginning of time.

*BulletB* Favourite parts: There wasn't really one part that stood out more than any other. This was a lovely bit of satire that gave me a few chuckles.

*BulletB* Favourite quotes: "Teachers have homes? Psh, we all know they live at school." It was frightening for me the first time I saw one of my teachers with her family in my local supermarket.

*BulletB* Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation: There was only one tiny niggle:

Quote: experience roller-coasters of anxiety
it should be: experiencing roller-coasters of anxiety

Thank you for sharing this item! Please keep on writing!


Andy~hating university

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
208
208
Review of The Unmakers  
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Hi Iris Archwood ,

*BalloonR* Welcome to WDC from "Newbie Welcome Wagon! *BalloonR*


I saw "The Unmakers on the Noticing Newbies page.

*BulletB* General impressions: Aran is running, but we don't really know what he's running from. You provide hints at things, without coming out and saying anything.

Aran seems to have a mysterious benefactor, but can this person who communicates via pigeon truly be trusted? I guess only time will tell.

*BulletB* Favourite parts: I loved the opening paragraph. The descriptions are vivid and they paint a great picture of the countryside.

*BulletB* Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation: There were no technical issues that I could see.

*BulletB* Line by line suggestions: I have no suggestions to improve your chapter.

*BulletB* Closing remarks: The chapter ends in such a way as to set up the next chapter, and this is exactly the way a chapter should end. Far too often I read a chapter that has wrapped up the plot for the chapter, but it has not setup the next chapter.

Thank you for sharing this item! Please keep on writing!


Andy~hating university

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
209
209
Review of The County Fair  
Rated: E | (3.0)
Hi River ,

I chose to review your item today as part of my review challenge at the "Invalid Item.

Please remember that you are the best judge of what is right for your story. Whatever another person says (especially me) whether positive or negative, is just their opinion. You are the only one who can decide what is right for your story.

*BulletB* Title: The title, whilst apt, doesn't reveal much about what we might be in store for with this piece. I actually like that.

*BulletB* General impressions: The county fair is a much-loved event anywhere in the world. The descriptions of the fair and the events surrounding it were well written. The relationship between mother and daughter was well explored for such a short piece, and I loved the banter between the two of them.

*BulletB* Favourite parts: The sights, sounds, and smells of the fair. The story could be set anywhere, but by including these senses you allow us to see the fair going on around your characters.

*BulletB* Grammar/Spelling/Punctuation: Your spelling, punctuation and grammar are good for the most part, however there is one recurring issue with each aspect.

Spelling: You have a mix of American English spellings (center, favorite) and UK English spellings (colourful, Mum). You should pick one convention and stick with it.

Grammar: You get your POV mixed up in a few places.

Punctuation: Your punctuation of speech tags.

Speech tags

*BulletB* Line by line suggestions: I have only included grammar and speech tag punctuation suggestions in the dropnote below - you will need to decide for yourself which spelling convention you want to use. Your original work is in black, specific suggestions are in indigo, and additional notes or explanations for the change are in orange.

Line by line suggestions

*BulletB* Closing remarks: I enjoyed reading this story. You have done really well on the actual writing front, and you clearly know how to craft a story. Get the speech tags and POV shifts sorted and you'll go far.

Thank you for sharing this item! Please keep on writing!


Andy~hating university
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Review of Blood  
In affiliation with The Newbies Academy Group  
Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
Hi, udita , today I am reviewing "Blood as per your review request.


*Vine1**Flowery**Vine2* Welcome to WDC from me and the "Invalid Item *Vine1**Flowery**Vine2*


Please remember that you are the best judge of what is right for your story. Whatever another person says (especially me) whether positive or negative, is just their opinion. You are the only one who can decide what is right for your story.


*BulletB* General Impressions You have an interesting idea here. I like the plot, and the way how you slowly reveal bits and pieces of the storyline.

It was unusual to see a piece done as a Q&A in this fashion. To be honest, I'm not keen on it. It leads to a stop/start/stop/start feeling and prevents a natural flow to what has the promise of being a really good piece of writing. I do think this would be a far stronger piece written in prose (like a normal story).


*BulletB* Favorite Parts The big reveal at the end concerning his mother. I never saw that coming.


*BulletB* Corrections and Closing Remarks Most of the issues I've seen are things that you would pick up yourself if you carefully re-read the piece. The ones I could see are as follows (your original text is in black, and my corrections are underneath it in colour).


*BulletB*She lay there, my best friend , covered in blood.
*BulletB* She lay there, my best friend, covered in blood. You have a space after "friend" and before the comma, that does not need to be there. You have extra spaces here and there - this is just one example.


*BulletB* I was crying and shouting..but nobody heard me.
*BulletB* I was crying and shouting . . . but nobody heard me. The three dots are called an ellipsis, or ellipsis points. You have used it correctly in your sentence, but you must always use three dots (not 2, not 4, always 3) and there should be a space between each point. You have similar problems with ellipses throughout - this is just one example.

*BulletB*She screamed too,and all of a sudden everybody came running. My friends whom I've known for the last four years in college. The Princi..everyone.
*BulletB*She screamed too, and all of a sudden everybody came running. My friends whom I've known for the last four years in college, the principle . . . everyone. You need to have a space between the first comma and the word "and". I would also suggest combing the last two sentences into one, as they do not form a complete thought on their own.

*BulletB*My died when I was six..did I mention that?
*BulletB* My dad died when I was six. Did I mention that? You have a missing word here. Based on the rest of the story, I presume that missing word is "dad" or some variation of (father, daddy etc.). There is also no need for the ellipsis, you can simply split this into two sentences.

*BulletB*Why on earth would I kill my best friend?.
*BulletB* Why on earth would I kill my best friend? You do not need a period after the question mark. If you end any sentence with a question mark, then the question mark is used instead of the period.

*BulletB*"Yes she is an accomplished psychologist."
*BulletB*"Yes, she is an accomplished psychologist." You need a comma after "yes"

*BulletB*"Why? thirty."
*BulletB*"Why, thirty." In this case you would need a comma after "Why" and not a question mark. In this sentence you are using "Why" as an ejaculation of surprise and not as an actual question.

You also need to be careful as you have a major contradiction in your story:
Q. She died after you went to jail. She killed herself. However, what you reveal in the end contradicts this.

As I said, most of these you would pick up yourself if you re-read prior to posting.

This was an enjoyable piece to read, and it holds a lot of promise.

Thanks for sharing this item! Please keep on writing!

You are being reviewed by a member of "The Newbies Academy Group"

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Andy~hating university

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*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
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Review of Maggie's Choice  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Such a moving piece. You have crafted an amazing story around one tiny, yet defining, part of Maggie's life.

I have lost several relatives to cancer and I'm sure each of them went through Maggie's journey. Maggie knows what she will be facing by fighting to live, but to borrow from Dylan Thomas she will not go gentle into that good night.

I hope to see more from you.

*Vine1**Flowery**Vine2* Welcome to WDC from me and the "Invalid Item *Vine1**Flowery**Vine2*



*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
212
212
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)
Reading this is both funny and terrifying lol

It's worrying how much I've changed over the past fifteen years, and starting to like the same music as my dad is the least of my problems.

It's scary to think that by the time I get into my 60s I might end up being like my granddad **now there is a source of nightmares**


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
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