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Review of User-Friendly  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
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In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review and share with the Simply Positive group. This one is for "User-FriendlyOpen in new Window.:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: A very entertaining read. I loved the twist!


*Star* What I liked: The writing was concise, as is necessary when telling an entire story in under 300 words, but you wrote it masterfully nonetheless. I like the high impact words you chose to say precisely what you wanted without wasting precious words: The Omnibots were sentient.


*Question* Suggestions: None!


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: In this sentence, 'labor' should be reworded: Most people considered Omnibots to be nothing more than tools, objects to be used by humans as labor. *Right* Either, ...used by humans as laborers.; or, used by humans for labor.


*Star* I liked this one a lot! Thanks for sharing your talent!


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Review of Ambition  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
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In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review and share with the Simply Positive group. This one is for "AmbitionOpen in new Window.:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: This story has great descriptions and characterization for such a constrained word limit. Great job!


*Star* What I liked: The harsh neon lights coated her skin as she gyrated against the pole. This sentence is rich in descriptive language and was the perfect choice with which to open a 99 word story. It set the stage (pardon the pun *Laugh*) and introduced the pov while providing a juicy hook. Bravo!


*Question* Suggestions: None *Cool*!


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: Your firm grasp on the rules of punctuation was demonstrated.


*Star* I look forward to reading more items from your port!


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*Heart* Nicki
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Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
** Image ID #1419093 Unavailable **


I was a student in the A1 Academy Student Orientation class this term, and the topic of writing query letters came up in a forum discussion. Most of my fellow classmates had never written one, and many didn't even know what one was.

Thank you for providing this incredibly concise and informative article on the subject of query letters. The organization was helpful, beginning with the discussion covering the elements that must be included in the letter, and then what elements should be avoided. The example letters at the end demonstrated beautifully the importance of knowing the do's and don'ts for writing an effective query letter.

Although Student Orientation wrapped up a week ago, I plan to track down my classmates who wanted information on query letters, and email them the link to this article. It has been helpful to me, and I know they will appreciate the information, too.

Thank you, again, for all you do to support this writing community!
Best regards,
NickiD89 Author Icon
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Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
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In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review and share with the Simply Positive group. This one is for "A Teenager in PrisonOpen in new Window.:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: At the outset, I thought a story was developing; then midway through I realized this was a piece about the general memories of boarding school. By the end, I was chuckling. The last line is great!


*Star* What I liked: You use some vivid descriptions to paint the setting for the reader. I love this: Wooden panels, newspaper thin, served as walls between the cubicles, not quite reaching the ceiling. There were two divan beds per cubicle, decorated with a thin foam mattress, pinstriped to give the prison effect. Well done!


*Question* Suggestions: I think an introductory sentence or two would creatively state the intention of the piece, to talk about the first and subsequent years spent at boarding school. That would lead in to your first paragraph, which describes so richly the dormitories.


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: If I had to go back and do it again would I? *Right* Comma after 'again'.


*Star* I enjoyed your story very much! Congrats again on being published through Mystic Moon Press!


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Review of Going Home  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
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In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review and share with the Simply Positive group. This one is for "Going HomeOpen in new Window.:

*Flower4* Initial Reaction: A heart-warming story of the last thoughts of a dying woman. Introspective, it reminds us all that a life is a collection of moments.


*Star* What I liked: The tulip was a nice symbol both as a marker of time left in the woman's life, and as a thing of beauty, standing out from the rest, just as each life is unique. I especially liked how she knew it was her time to go: It had dropped its seed among the sand. It had been significant while it lived, proud and gentle at the same time, but now it was time to make room for the ones that would take its place. Beautiful!



*Question* Suggestions: This line was a bit confusing for me: 'What if it did today?' she heard the words in her head and felt the panic like a palatable lump. Perhaps rewording it would make it clearer, as well as changing the thought to italics: What if the tulip changed today? She heard the words in her head and felt the panic like a palatable lump.



*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: In this sentence, there is a punctuation oops: "Better than yesterday," she saw the expression on Jessie's face and turned to look at the calender, "What day is it?" *Right* "Better than yesterday." She saw the expression on Jessie's face and turned to look at the calender. "What day is it?"

And, in the paragraph beginning, 'Voices.' ...she could see her daughters blue eyes... *Right* 'daughter's



*Star* Overall, a well-done story. Thanks for sharing it with us!


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*Heart* Nicki
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Review of For I love  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hi! In the spirit of helping every writer (including myself *Wink* hone their craft, I offer the following comments for "For I loveOpen in new Window.:


*Flower5* Initial Reaction: A hopeful poem to arise out of the ashes of 9-11. I was moved and inspired by every word of this piece.


*Exclaim* What I liked: There are so many moments of brilliance, but one I especially liked was this: Yet, I know, like a sun, I can rise above this
to dazzle the hearts, to embrace reed-flutes of peace
The images of the dazzling sun shedding warmth and light, and the peaceful reed that bows under pressure but does not snap, sums up the message of hope. Beautiful!


*Idea* Suggestions: None! This is perfect in my eyes!


*Question* Grammar/Spelling Oops: Even when I read this aloud, it flowed nicely with the punctuation you used. I found no typos. Nice job!


*Star* Thank you for using the tragedy of that fateful day to inspire you to write, and live, in peace. A message we all need to hear more often.


*Flower4* Nicki

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Review of Please Choose Me  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Hi! In the spirit of helping every writer (including myself *Wink*) hone their craft, I offer the following comments for "Please Choose MeOpen in new Window.:


*Star* Initial Reaction: A well-crafted story of a young orphan whose plight, wanting desperately to be adopted, tugged at my heart as I joined him sympathetically in his hopes.


*Exclaim* What I liked: I enjoyed your descriptions of Jeremy very much. You did a great job developing him from the outside-to-in: Being small could be an advantage. Jeremy knew that people wanted to adopt the younger children. But I also appreciated the inside-to-out descriptions: Jeremy figured if she could match her shoes to her shirt, she must be able to afford a small boy. And: He tiptoed to the door of the office, stepping on every other tile to avoid stepping on the white tiles... Building a character through descriptives like these really help the reader understand Jeremy's perceptions and superstitions. Great job!


*Idea* Suggestions: This story seems to be written in the third-person limited narrative, with Jeremy as the protagonist. In the scene in Mrs. Swift's office, there is a quick shift into omniscient narrative with these lines:
(Mrs. Swift) didn't expect him to come into her office unannounced and uninvited. Mariana turned in her seat to see the source of the commotion. .... (Mariana) was amused by his energy and obvious discomfort at the position he found himself in at the moment. I suggest altering slightly the wording of these lines so that you show the reader through Mrs. Swift and Mariana's actions and dialogue how they are feeling, since the narrator really shouldn't be able to tell us their thoughts.


*Question* Grammar/Spelling Oops: Fantastic job, I saw no typos or mistakes!


*Star* Overall, a really well written story with huge emotional impact. Thanks for sharing your talent with us!


*Flower3* Nicki
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Review of Oblivious  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review. This one is for Oblivious:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: The haunting question posed in this poem is really a spiritual one, because only belief in an answer can be offered. Beautiful!


*Star* What I liked: This piece, brief as it is, is full of strong descriptives. The one I like the most is this: the lone bird call caught between the blessing and the death -- a few notes, like angel dust, floating down from the trees above. Very powerful!


*Question* Suggestions: I can offer nothing that would make this better than it is.


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: None.


*Star* I have enjoyed your poems very much. You are very talented -- congratulations on your published successes!


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*Heart* Nicki
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Review of The Dream  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review. This one is for The Dream:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: This story is so suspenseful! I felt I knew all along how it would end, and I found myself reading faster and faster to get there and find out if I was right.


*Star* What I liked: The premise of this story intrigues me and I liked the supernatural aspect of it.

*Note* I thought you did a nice job of characterizing Carrie and Jim, using show rather than tell descriptives and strong voice dialogue. ('Now, Mother...' LOL, love that!)


*Question* Suggestions: The pace slows down a little through the middle section, as time slips by from spring to late summer. I wonder if cutting more to the chase, and having the near drowning incident occur sooner in the story's timeline would help the pace keep its intensity.


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: I didn't notice any mistakes!


*Star* Overall, a great read that I really enjoyed. Thanks!


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Review of Shelby  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review. This one is for Shelby:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: A slice-of-life story with a comical ending. It made me smile -- well done!


*Star* What I liked: There is a real ease in readability with this story. It is simply written with no attempt to wow the reader with long words or hidden meanings. It is very pleasant to read.


*Question* Suggestions: None!


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: Deciding on a southeastern picture window in the living room as the best spot, she setup the long, low table... *Right* 'set up'.


*Star* Great job! I've enjoyed reading your work. Thanks!


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*Heart* Nicki
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Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review. This one is for Legacies of Mt. Pinatubo - Chapter One:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: I am already a fan of yours from other items in your port I have read. So when choosing the second item to review, I jumped at the chance to read the first chapter of this novel. I am attempting my first novel this summer, so my motives are selfish *Smile*. I wanted to see how a pro does it!


*Star* What I liked: Your writing style never disappoints. The easy flow of the pace as you introduce the plot of this novel promises that it will be as enjoyable as the short stories I am familiar with. I think the reading audience will be hooked from this chapter, with its many questions about Ma's mysterious revelations brought back from the Phillipeans.

This chapter introduces us to Mary, and the early development of her character gives us some important information, notably that her relationship with her father was strong and positive. The lesson he taught her hints at foreshadowing and provides an intriguing hook: Remember always ...you should never let anyone bully you into doing something that is harmful to yourself." - Hmmmmm....? *Delight*


*Question* Suggestions: None, I think you have done a great job!


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: No mistakes that I saw.

I was watching for shifts in verb tenses. Your story is told in the present tense, and all the backstory passages are in the past and passive voice. I admire the ease with which you do this, as I seem only to write in the simple past! Thanks for showing how its done!


*Star* I enjoyed Chapter One. I hope to get to reading Chapters Two through Nineteen, although I have a lot of writing of my own to do in the near future *Wink*


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Review of IN THE GREEN  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi Saint! I just read In The Green. Before I go on, I want you to know that my reviews are in-depth, and contain comments about what I feel is working in the story and what I think could be improved. These are only my humble opinions, and my hope is that you take away what will help you and leave the rest *Smile*. Here goes:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: A great read! The fast-paced plot unfolds with fervor and the intensity of the story grabs the reader right from the get-go and holds on tight until the end. I really liked this story -- bravo!


*Star* What I liked: Your obvious storytelling ability is a talent; one that seems to come very naturally to you rather than learned. I enjoyed the style of this piece from the characterization to the descriptive imagery. You did an outstanding job maintaining the correct verb tense, and didn't indulge too much in the passive voice (which, btw, is a common mistake).

*Star* You develope strong voices for the characters through your dialogue, which reads exactly as the speaker would be heard. This is another mark of natural talent *Wink*

*Star* I enjoyed the descriptions you use throughout this piece, and this line stuck out in particular: I started up Old Betsy and sped off again, keeping a mental map of the town at the edge of my field of vision. Nice!

         And -- this one shows your sense of humor: I picked the one with the fluorescent orange pellets with green paint inside, sort of an inside joke. Great job!


*Question* Suggestions: There is much you can do to improve the readability of this story. First, here at WDC, it is suggested that you double space between paragraphs. This allows the reader to transition easily from one paragraph to the next.

Second, each time a character speaks, with actual dialogue surrounded by quotation marks, that sentence should be given its own paragraph. For example, this is how the opening of your story should look:

The light was pale green and pulsing from the two-foot larvae at his feet. "Should we move it?" Clem asked, spitting his tobacco inches from it's side.

"I don't know what the hell to do with it," I said, "and that scares me to death."

"Ain't s*** to be scared of," said Clem.

He reached down and with a heave, lifted the thing up to his left shoulder. A quiet crackle and spark jumped to his forehead, and he went down like a load of bricks. His face immediately began to slough off like a butter sculpture in a microwave.

"Oh God!" I heard myself scream as I tried to turn and run. A tendril shot outwards from the pod towards me. If not for me slipping and lurching to the left, I'd have been history.


*Note* Here at WDC, there are word processing commands called 'Writing ML' you can use to indent, bold face, italicize, change font and color, etc. If you are not familiar with them, just go to the top left margin of any page and under 'Site Navigation' click on 'Site Tools' to open a drop down list that includes 'WritingML Help'.


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: I noticed some punctuation errors, particularly in regards to dialogue rules. Remember, quotation marks open and close what is being said. If the sentence includes 'he said'; 'she replied'; etc, there is a comma just before the closing quotation marks. If that sentence, however, is a question or exclamatory, use a (?) or (!) inside the quotation marks instead of the comma. For example, here is an excerpt from your story:

"Paint guns", mike yelled! Always wanted one of those he said as he grabbed one from the shelf. Brain storming, I said. "They shoot plastic balls of paint, correct?
Damn straight, said Mike. We gathered up 10 of them, about 10,000 paint ball, 30 plastic firing guns and shuffled back to the jeep. "Hold it right there!"
Sheriff Harris said, a glint of light reflecting off of his 357 Magnum. Joshua, I said. It's me, Bill... You've got to listen to us.


Here is an edited version:

"Paint guns!" Mike yelled. "Always wanted one of those," he said, as he grabbed one from the shelf.

Brainstorming, I said, "They shoot plastic balls of paint, correct?"

"Damn straight," said Mike. We gathered up 10 of them, about 10,000 paint ball, 30 plastic firing guns and shuffled back to the jeep.

"Hold it right there!" Sheriff Harris said, a glint of light reflecting off of his 357 Magnum.

"Joshua," I said. "It's me, Bill... You've got to listen to us."


*Note* The following website has some great explanations of these and other grammar rules. I use it a lot myself!: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_q...

*Note* Also, review punctuation with possession:
...spitting his tobacco inches from it's side. 'its side'
...we sped back to Mikes loved ones. 'Mike's loved ones'


*Star* Overall, I thought this story was engaging and full of action. I enjoyed the pace and the plot. With some editing on the mechanical side, it will come into its own as a successful short story -- one that could be enlarged into a larger work!

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Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review. This one is for Reflections, inspired by a photograph:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: Although I can't see the photograph, I hear the inspiration it evoked in you, and I sense the beauty it possessed.


*Star* What I liked: The idea of this piece is intriquing. Seeing something that makes you want to sit down and write about it is an exercise we all should partake in more often. The writer's equivalent to 'Stop and smell the roses'!


*Question* Suggestions: I thought this was lovely as it is written.


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: None!


*Star* Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!

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*Heart* Nicki
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Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review. This one is for A Bitter Old Woman:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: A thought-provoking piece that carries a strong message: Hold your judgement of others.


*Star* What I liked: I liked the following description very much: I passed a woman looking weary and worn, clutching her purse in one hand and a sack of groceries in the other --- a sad rendition of Lady Justice. Very nice!


*Question* Suggestions: She was silent, "Maybe she didn't hear me," I thought as I continued on. ~ Internal thoughts are different than outright dialogue, and presenting them in italics rather than between quotation marks increases their readability.

More belligerently she smirked, "Yeah, I bet a whole hell-of-a-lot." Great line, but use of 'hell' probably necessitates a 13+ content rating.


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: Then she turned in anger, "How would you know?" *Right* Period after anger instead of comma.


*Star* A powerful message packaged in a well-crafted essay. Nice use of a biblical quote to wrap up the intended meaning. Thanks for sharing!


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Review of The Monster  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review. This one is for The Monster:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: A sweet and enjoyable story that left a smile on my face!


*Star* What I liked: Your characterization of Mirabelle, from choosing such a beautiful first name for her to describing her unrest at the prospect of facing the monster, was well done. I especially liked the inside-to-out descriptions that show instead of tell, such as, Mirabelle curled into a tight ball and closed her eyes. She put her small fist into her mouth to trap the sobs that longed to escape. So much more effective than simply saying, 'she was scared'. Nicely done!

Another great example: She grabbed one of the strings and ripped it off the slipper and threw it on the floor. Great image!!


*Question* Suggestions: There are some mistakes throughout this story concerning the punctuation in the dialogue sections. The most common problem is ending a sentence inside the quotation marks with a period instead of a comma, when 'he said', 'she said', etc. follows the remark. For example:
"Come on out silly girl, the Easter Bunny left you a present." Daddy said.

Also, a speaker will have 'said', 'replied', 'answered', etc.; but his/her other actions outside the quotation marks need to stand on their own as separate sentences. For example,
Daddy frowned, "Why don't you want your Easter basket Mira?" *Right* Daddy frowned. "Why don't you want your Easter basket, Mira?"


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: Other than the above comments, everything looked perfect.


*Star* I thought this was a great read. Thanks so much!


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*Heart* Nicki
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Review of Summer School  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items to review. This one is for Summer School:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: I enjoyed this recollection of the blissfully crazy days of youth. The title fits the story perfectly, and the last paragraph wraps it all up beautifully. Nice job!


*Star* What I liked: Your descriptions work well to allow the reader to 'sense' what is happening in the story. I especially appreciate this line: The smell of manure was overpowered by the scent of wildflowers growing on the hillside behind our house. Great way to invite the sense of smell into the story.


*Question* Suggestions: In the paragraph beginning, 'That hill was the scene...' the word hill or hillside is used in every sentence but the last one. Replacing some with synonyms such as slope, incline, mound, knoll or rise would add color to the paragraph.


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: I didn't find any! *Cool*


*Star* I enjoyed your story very much! Thanks for sharing!


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Review of Fire to Ashes  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
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Hello again, Joy! In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected (another *Wink*) two of your portfolio items for the Site Wide Care Review. This one is for Fire To Ashes:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: A gripping story that read with suspense and emotion. You did a great job with 'show, don't tell' descriptives allowing me to follow the plot with ease.


*Star* What I liked: This line gave me chills: "There are no guarantees in promises. You believed in the wrong promise." ~ Very powerful!

I liked the last line, too. The story spun on last time with it.


*Question* Suggestions: I have none, I liked it as it was written.


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: I found none!*Smile*


*Star* You are a very talented writer. I've enjoyed your items very much. Thanks for sharing!


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*Heart* Nicki
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Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
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Hello again, Joy! In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected (another *Wink*) two of your portfolio items for the Site Wide Care Review. This one is for A Walk Through The Woods:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: A well-crafted short story with a lot of heart. The descriptions of the setting and characters were nicely done, helping me 'see' the story as it unfolded. This sentence, Maybe after today, the rumble of the wind would encourage fewer partings and more resolutions. is a great 'hook', leading me on; and the plot led me to discover its meaning by the end of the story. Nice job!


*Star* What I liked: I enjoyed your style and the voice you chose for this piece. It was beautifully written with imagery and descriptive language. I especially liked this line: Maybe during breakfast, coffee's sepia veneer could impart clarity, and each sip could weave together unraveled flaws and bond broken hearts. Nice!

I also liked your characterization of the parents: the metaphorical use of the deer sighting as a turning point in the father's attitude toward his daughter; and the naturalist's quotations they both knew by heart, showing how in tune with nature their personalities are.


*Question* Suggestions: In the paragraph beginning, "Time for pumpkin pies...", there are three 'fall's' in quick succession: Every year, when apples, pumpkins, and cranberries started appearing in bountiful piles in the local market, Falls River put its fall flair on display. "In Falls River, we like to... May I suggest this: '...Falls River put its autumn flair on display.'


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: I found none!*Smile*


*Star* Overall, an enjoyable story to read! Thanks for sharing with us!


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*Heart* Nicki
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Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
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Hi Joy! I have seen you around the site, but never taken the opportunity to visit your port. So, here I am, and I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed "Peace Is Not a Christmas Wish OnlyOpen in new Window.:

*Flower4* Initial Reaction: A powerful arguement for the re-evalutation of the human spirit and a plea to bring peace to the world. This article was originally posted in 2003, but its message is needed more now than ever. This excerpt rings especially true today:

We have to forgive ourselves for accepting material values over those that elevate the human spirit. We have to forgive ourselves for backing the evildoers at one time when that meant material gains for us. We have to forgive ourselves for looking the other way when injustice was exercised. Then, we have to forgive others for whatever negative feelings they foster toward us. Plus, we have to learn from past mistakes and not repeat them.

~ In 2003 I never would have believed that five years later the war in Iraq would continue... no closer to resolution than when it began. ~


*Star* What I liked: Your arguments are well-developed and insightful. It is easy to follow your line of thought as you work through your discussion, and you present your point of view in a strong voice without coming across as preachy or fanatical. I found your opinions very convincing and relevant.


*Question* Suggestions: The closing paragraph wraps up the argument and the conclusion could be presented with more insistence. I suggest changing just a word or two, letting the urgency of your argument shine brighter:

At this time in human civilization, we are at a turning point. At this time, we have the chance to have (allow) love and brotherhood (to) form the basis of our existence instead of our habitual money and power games. At this time, we have the opportunity to change the entire human culture into one that accepts peace. At this time, we have to (must) embrace peace because history is daring us to go for it.

~ Note: You are a much more accomplished writer than me! Please know I am only offering a humble suggestion; ultimately you know best how your piece should be written! *Smile*


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: None! Fantastic job combing through this to ensure there are no errors. An argument is always weaker when the reader is distracted by 'oop's'.


*Star* I agree with your opinions presented here; but I feel your arguments would persuade even the toughest cynic! Great job, thanks for sharing!


Write On!
~ Nicki
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Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
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In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items for the Site Wide Care Review. This one is for The Pizza Exchange:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: A humorous piece with a lot of heart! I chuckled through the read, thanks for putting a smile on my face!!


*Star* What I liked: The rant just after he gives the lousy dollar back is great:

"The gas is three bucks a gallon,
let us not forget the oil;
the wear and tear on my tires, and
my shoes your dirt has soiled.


*Right* Pretty soon you're going to have to up it to 'four bucks a gallon'! *Worry*


*Question* Suggestions: None, i loved this as is!


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: None! Great job.


*Star* Overall, a light-hearted poem that I enjoyed very much!

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*Heart* Nicki
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Review of The Cottage Door  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
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In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items for the Site Wide Care Review. This one is for The Cottage Door:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: What a fantastic idea for a portfolio folder!! Your descriptions are wonderful, I felt like I was really there! The organization of the different portals is wonderfully displayed, and the images bring color and extra life the the entire thing. Bravo!


*Star* What I liked: I especially like the hidden diamond idea -- a treasure hunt that invites readers to poke around and read the items. Brilliant! I will be back if I don't find one today *Bigsmile*!


*Question* Suggestions: None! *Smile*


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: It looks good to me, great job!


*Star* You are so creative! Love this!

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*Heart* Nicki
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Review of Badger  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
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In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items for the Site Wide Care Review. This one is for Badger:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: I was engrossed with your story, you hooked me right away and kept me engaged right to the last, hilarious sentence.


*Star* What I liked: Once again, you impress me with your ability to capture such a strong voice in your story. It is a real pleasure to read your items!

BTW, one of my favorite books is entirely written in a strong voice of southern blacks of the 1950s ~ I think you would really appreciate the read. It is called, Mother of Pearl by Melinda Haynes.

*Star* Fabulous last line!!!


*Question* Suggestions: None, I loved this!


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: None, great job!


*Star* Thanks again for the enjoyable reads!

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*Heart* Nicki
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423
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Review of Tom's ghost story  Open in new Window.
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
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In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items for the Site Wide Care Review. This one is for Tom's Ghost Story:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: A well-crafted and entertaining story from the first line to the last. I enjoyed this very much!


*Star* What I liked: You did an outstanding job writing Tom and Bill's dialogue in the voice of good old country boys, they really sound like the cowboys they are sopposed to be. Bravo!


*Question* Suggestions: I thought this was perfect as is!


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: Just one line: In spite o' the name badlands, its real pretty place in the summer, but the winters are somethin' else. *Right* ...it's a real pretty place...


*Star* I enjoyed reading your story, your talent shines in this piece!

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*Heart* Nicki
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424
424
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
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In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items for the Site Wide Care Review. This one is for Where Snowflakes Came From:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: I am so glad I found this beautiful poem! I loved everything from its gentle cadence to its wonderful story. Great job!!


*Star* What I liked: The story told in this poem is magical! My favorite lines are these:

They fluttered to earth, to ground, trees and lakes,
The butterflies were now big, fluffy snowflakes.
The children giggled with glee and delight.
They made 'snow butterflies', a glorious sight!


~~ How clever, to use the image of children making 'snow angels' but call them 'snow butterflies'! Love it!!


*Question* Suggestions: None! From presentation in blue text to message, it was perfection!


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: None *Cool*!


*Star* I really enjoyed reading your poems! Thanks for sharing!


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*Heart* Nicki
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425
425
Review by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
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In appreciation of your generous participation in "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window., I have selected two of your portfolio items for the Site Wide Care Review. This one is for What To Do With A Basketball That Is Terribly Flat:


*Flower4* Initial Reaction: I loved this light-hearted poem for the recycler at heart!!


*Star* What I liked: From the title, I could think of no uses for the flat basketball. But I was thoroughly amused by the five uses you came up with! Bravo!! *Laugh*


*Question* Suggestions: None, I thought this was great as is.


*Check3* Grammar/spelling Oops: None *Cool*!


*Star* I enjoyed the style and whimsical feel of this poem. Thanks for sharing!


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*Heart* Nicki
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