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3,157 Public Reviews Given
3,205 Total Reviews Given
Review Style
Casual for the most part. I will point out errors I see and offer suggested corrections. I like to focus on the content and formatting of the item. I love providing helpful comments and feedback that may improve the item if acted on.
I'm good at...
I like to provide suggestions to the author on things I see that may need a second look. I'm not afraid to do a little research to verify a poem's format, or the contents of a story (if requested).
Favorite Genres
Mystery, Horror, Sci-Fi, Comedy, and Suspense
Least Favorite Genres
Honestly, I will read anything if asked. I just prefer those listed above.
Favorite Item Types
Short stories, novellas, books (though a review of that may take days/weeks due to my schedule), Poetry of any format.
Least Favorite Item Types
I find non-structured poetry difficult to review, unless there is a short disclaimer about this non-structure that would help in understanding the reason it's in that particular format.
I will not review...
I'm not interested in Vore, In and Out's, Growing/Shrinking, or other items that are similar to one of these.
Public Reviews
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501
501
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (3.5)
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Dear Rachel
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 6th WDC Anniversary!

         I have to say, this is probably the first scientific article I've reviewed here on WDC. Nicely done with not too much detail for the average reader to comprehend. At least for the most part. There were some instances where you got a little too involved in describing how Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 works, which I think would lose the layman. That's always a problem when posting something like this on a website composed of what I'll term 'every day readers'. And I don't mean to disparage anyone with that comment.

         This does have it merits, I think it educates people on why their appearance changes as they age. Unless they are like me, and look the same now (42 yrs later) as they did in high school. (And if you believe that one, I have a bridge to sell you) *Smile*

         There are a few minor issues you might want to look at, should you choose to edit this.

1. As we age our life’s memoirs become etched into our faces. You need a comma after age.

2. All the hardships and all the laughter become a wearable map of our previous journeys; The typography gradually filling itself in as time passes. There's a couple of things to look at here. First, you might want to delete the second usage of all the. It is redundant and does not help the flow of the read. Secondly, if you want to keep the semi-colon after journeys, then the 'T' in the should not be capitalized. You could however change the semi-colon to a period and not affect the read of the article.

3. While our society values many traits that come with age such as patience, intelligence and wisdom- we still don’t value the traits that show on our visage. Again, you need a comma after age. Also, you might want to change the hyphen after wisdom to a semi-colon.

4. As we age, collagen breakdown due to excessive sun exposure, repetitive movements and other external factors such as smoking and drinking cause our dermal scaffolding to collapse producing unsightly wrinkles and sagging. This is a very wordy sentence, and as written still needs a couple more commas. However, that would make it really hard to read, so I would suggest breaking this into multiple sentences. If I may be so bold, here's a suggestion. As we age, collagen breaks down due to excessive sun exposure, repetitive movements and other external factors. Smoking and drinking are also major contributors in causing our dermal scaffolding to collapse, producing unsightly wrinkles and sagging.

5. Since adipose cells do not reduce in number, only volume, scientists have been working on ways to address this aging factor starting at the cellular level with a newly discovered peptide known as Acetyl Hexapeptide-38. Another lengthy and wordy sentence that can be broken into multiple sentences. The key to knowing when to use a period, is to read the sentence aloud. If you find yourself stopping to breathe, it's a good sign that you've reached a point where a period is needed. This one isn't that bad, but in reading it aloud, one is left trying to understand what they just read. Again, if I may, here's a small suggestion. Since adipose cells do not reduce in number, only volume, scientists have been working on ways to address this aging factor. The is to start at the cellular level, and a newly discovered peptide known as Acetyl Hexapeptide-38 has shown great promise.

6. I will not comment on other minor punctuation issues, I have no desire to seemingly pick this apart. It doesn't need that, it just needs a little massaging.

7. When you see the results as you'll know that the wisdom you gain in life lead you to one of the best anti-aging remedies on the market today. This sentence lost me at first, but I think what you meant, is to not have the word 'as' after results.

         Overall, an interesting article for those of us who love to read scientific type articles. Nicely done!


Sum1

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502
502
Review by Sum1
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Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
Dear Katrina,
         Neither one of us has a novel in them, at least at the moment. But this is a great undertaking! I can't believe you wrote a different type of poem each day last month. Congratulations on a job well done! I haven't ready all of them... Not Yet. But I will. *Smile* Excellent job!



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503
Review of Maizie  
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
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DearMilhaud,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 6th WDC Anniversary!

         I have to say, you had me hooked practically from the first sentence. No, I'm not into fashion one bit, ask anyone who see's me dress and they'll verify that. But you had be believing that Maizie was a real woman for half the story. It wasn't until the technician brought in the computer and showed David how it worked that I realized Maizie was (is) a mannequin. I love off beat stories, ones that have a different tone than most you read. I found Ted's love for her unique and fresh. No, I could never do that, but the idea that someone is so lonely that they can love a mannequin is different.

         There were a few things I should have picked up on that would let me realize Maizie's true identity early on, but you hid them well. When you talked about it 'being an honor' to work at Macy's, I thought she was just being a 'homer', or someone who couldn't work anywhere else. I also wondered why she didn't stop the young shoplifter when she saw her trying to take the leather jacket. Even those clues weren't enough to make me wonder too much. Well done on that part!

         I think what I liked most, was Ted rescuing her from the dumpster. Too many things are disposed of, just in the name of progress, when they can be reused elsewhere. Loved the story, I wish there was a way you could have kept her true identity secret until the very end, but for the life of me, I can't think of one.



Sum1

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504
Review of Beautiful Goodbye  
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
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Dear Magdalena,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 10th WDC Anniversary!

         I have to say this, and hate to say it, but I really dislike depressing stories. Even those that are well written, which this one is. But we've all written them, so I can't say too much there, huh.

         Your plot is good, I'm not sure how I would feel if the one I love was dying of cancer. One thing I do know, is that I wouldn't have the strength or courage to do what Irene did to her husband. That has to be an act of total desperation and despair, but I still don't think I could do it. That showed a lot of strength in Irene if you ask me. However, there are a couple of things in your story that could be edited a little bit to make it stronger, and hit the reader so they are left gasping once through with the story.

1. You do a lot of telling here, very little showing. What I mean is, it's like someone reciting a passage from a book. I didn't feel involved one bit with Irene, and never built up any sense of sympathy for her plight. I think adding dialog and fleshing this out some would really help. For example, you write: They had spoke of having children, but had never gotten around to it. Add dialog there instead of just saying "they spoke'.... You don't have to make this story novel length, but fleshing it out some will help the read.

2. That was when she’d gotten the rope and tied it to the chandelier in the dining room. Unless her and David were pretty wealthy, there's no way the ceiling in a 'normal' house would hold up to this. The ceiling would give way, unless the chandelier was connected to a beam. I'm not sure a 2x4 would hold up, and I'm not about to test one out to see. *Smile* Also, you write that the drop wasn't long enough to snap her neck, so that implies it was a 'normal' size house, built with traditional methods.

3. As she hung there, slowly loosing consciousness, her mind began to wander. Loosing should be losing.

         Overall a nice story. It just needs a little editing TLC to help it stand out like it can.


Sum1

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505
505
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
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Dear JWilliamson,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 14th WDC Anniversary!

         I've often wondered how you managed to get a QOTD from a computer. I teach networking classes for our radio systems, and one of the things we mention is the well known port numbers. I've loved the idea of a Quote Of The Day (Port 17), and often wondered where/how you manage to get one. I don't know how many quotes there are, or where they come from either, but that's the kind of trivial thing I love looking up. *Smile* Nice quote, and oh so true.



Sum1

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Review of Favorite quotes  
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
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Dear Kat,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 14th WDC Anniversary!

         How does one review a listing of someone else's favorite quotes? In my mind, you really can't. But I read through these, loved some, had heard quite a few, but was disappointed to not see one of my favorite movie quotes in here. Oh wait, this is your list, not mine. My favorite movie quote? Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die. The character Inigo Montoya, from the movie, 'The Princess Bride'. The actor was Mandy Patinkin, and he repeated that quote over and over as he fought Count Rugen, the man how had killed his father years earlier. Great quote, great movie. Nicely done here, I may have to create my own list one day.


A link to the movie scene. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JGp7Meg42U



Sum1

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507
Review of Binary Blindfold  
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Hey Liam,
         I was reading through the latest Art Of Criticism newsletter, and saw Mandy promote this in her Perspective article. I've grown to love the many varied forms of Poetry, the TriJan Refrain is an especially fun one to write. Especially when it's written as well as this one.

         Your rhyme is spot on, the rhythm and format perfect for a TriJan. But for me, it's always the story. I have trouble reading the Masters, or traditional poets because I have trouble understanding what they are trying to say. If I was an educated poet, I might be able to do that, but sadly I'm not. Your poem I can relate to. Your description puts this in 2050, but a lot of this applies to today's world. Well done here, very well done!



Sum1

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508
Review of The Hospital Room  
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
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Dear Stella,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 1st WDC Anniversary!

         Wow, what a story! It hits you hard, very powerful, and leaves you with tears in your eyes. At least in mine. I've never known anyone with HIV or AIDS, I can't imagine going through this. I'm not sure what else to say really. This is well written, but it does have a few minor, very minor things you may want to look at.



1. I’m waiting to be moved to ICU as soon as they get a room ready for me.” You can see the missing letter in your sentence. I've added it in red.

2, It’s crazy. I never meant for this to happen.
I believe in being clean but this bedroom is sparkling white. Not a spec of dust in sight because my cleaning lady, Maria, is a machine.
You've done a great job in double spacing paragraphs in this story, but it seems to be missing here.

3. “Hi Aunt Norma. How are you?”
“I'm fine Peaches, how are you?”


         Same comment about double spacing. These two lines should be double spaced.

4. I don't know what I'm going to do if I talk to them before I go. I think you're missing the word don't in this sentence. I don't know what I'm going to do if I don't talk to them before I go.



Sum1

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509
509
Review of Starship Sentry  
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
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Dear Jack,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 11th WDC Anniversary!

         Since the day I joined WDC, (okay, shortly after joining, when my good friend Amay had me read Crooked Creek), you've been one of my favorite writers/authors. Seeing it was your Anniversary, there was no way I could let the day go by without sending you Anniversary wishes.

         Your sense of humor, depth of feeling, and ability to write in a way that most can't conceive is one of your strongest strengths. This story is a perfect example of that. Based on your description, I knew something was up, and tried hard to read this carefully, with two sets of eyes. I wasn't entirely successful, but still, I did realize what was going on a little less than half way through. However, that didn't stop me from enjoying this immensely. I think you have a wonderful sense of humor, and a great appreciation for things on our green Earth. Thank you for an eye-opening, enjoyable read!



Sum1

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510
510
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
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Dear Hope,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 12th WDC Anniversary!

         Such a sad poem about a hurtful time in your past. One can understand your feelings, and not wanting to forgive, hopefully one day that will change. The rhythm of this is a little choppy and inconsistent, but the rhyme scheme is excellent. What I mean about the rhythm, is that it's hard to get a flow going because the syllable count varies a but line to line. You move from a short length of 7 syllables, to as long as 19 syllables. This is in one verse too! What I've learned over time, is that sometimes, less is more in poetry. I'm not one who believes that every line in a poem has to have the same syllable count, unless the format calls for it (Kyrielle for example). In fact, I think it helps the flow of a poem. But it needs to be fairly close for it to read well. I do have a few specific comments for you on it.



Title:  Excellent for this poem




Description:  Very good, it drew me in after all. *Smile*




Rhyme/Rhythm:  This is the rhythm scheme of your poem.

8/10/11/10 8/9/10/13 10/16/8/13 9/8/11/10 8/11/13/13 13/11/11/13 7/13/19/17

You can see how it would be choppy to read.




General Comments:  

1. This is a personal opinion, but I believe most poems look best centered on the page. Also, having the title in Bold makes it look a bit more pleasing to the eye.

2. Some of your lines are really continuations from the previous line. Here's an example.

All I did was try to help you
And your family do what you had to


You didn't use any punctuation in this, but to me that is all one line. That's not so bad really, but in this case it just stands out. These lines might also benefit from a minor re-wording edit.

All I did was try to help you
And the family do what you had to


After all, you are the mother, and while it sounds like you aren't his biological mother, you're still a part of the family. *Smile*

3. Like a spoiled little child you caused a terrible scene This is an excellent place where less is more. Delete the word terrible. Currently the line has 13 syllables, remove that word, and it's 10. Now the syllable count for that verse 8/9/10/10, much more consistent.

4. Another set of lines where less is more.

You verbally threatened, you used your fist
You created a situation that didn’t have to exist


You verbally threatened, used your fist
Created a scene that shouldn't exist


The two lines change from a syllable count of 10/16 to 9/10

5. I will not go on further, simply because I do not want to seemingly pick this apart, I hope you can see my thoughts in these examples.



Overall impressions:  A beautiful poem that could benefit from a thorough read over and edit of the longer lines to shift the rhythm to a smoother flow. Adding punctuation would help it a bit too.


Sum1

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511
511
Review by Sum1
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Rated: E | (4.5)
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Dear Faeriestone,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 11th WDC Anniversary!

         I love this little poem! As you said in your description, it's for children. But you didn't say it's perfect for them! It has a little sing-song quality to it that picks you up and carries you along. The rhythm and rhyme were excellent, I didn't see one area that tripped me up as I read it. I'm not too sure about the font colors though, but that's a personal thing. My only suggestion would be to include the title of the poem in the body (at the top of course), and center it on the page.




Sum1

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512
Review by Sum1
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Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
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Dear Andrea,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 3rd WDC Anniversary!

         Well, to be honest, I actually saw a review of this in the Anniversary Reviews forum, and just had to read it myself. I loved the idea of the three bears adopting Goldilocks. But having a child welfare officer visit to take her back to humanity was the icing on the cake! The dialog was good, but I'd have loved to see a little more between them. I'm not sure how you would do that, but a little more bantering back and forth would have been great. You went right to the point, and that's fine, especially if you were under a word limit. But still, I could see the two of them going back and forth about the adoption, how well Goldilocks was doing, the pro's and con's of it. Maybe Mrs. Bear even conceding that Goldilocks needed more humans around. Just a little more between the two of them is all. Just a thought.... *Smile*




Sum1

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513
513
Review by Sum1
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Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
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Hello netrov

         Greetings and Salutations!

I've read your story and wanted to provide feedback on it so you can continue to improve your writing. At least that is my wish in any comments I write here. Use what you wish, if you choose to edit this.


Why I thought I'd read your story. Well, I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 13th WDC Anniversary!


First Impressions:  Wow, long, detailed, and hard to follow. I say hard to follow because you seemed to bounce around a bit in your thesis (you called it that early on), your thoughts in first one place, then another. In the first few paragraphs, you equate the Four Gospels to the seasons, and points on a compass. That's all well and good, but then you need to make points as to why you say this. As I read it, I saw you move from one Gospel to another as you wrote about things that happened during and after Jesus' life. To be honest, I couldn't get through the whole thing, I had to stop because I'd lost what you were trying to say. Or maybe I never knew your point, and what you were trying to say. My thoughts on this though, are that you need to tighten things up quite a bit. As I've said, your thoughts bounce from one Gospel to the next, from the New Testament to the Old, from quoting James Keifer to a link in the middle of the text. My specific notes are below.




Grammar:  Well written, for the most part. Some of your sentences were very wordy, or poorly worded.





Areas To Consider Improving:  

1. Find a starting point, and write about that. I think you could discuss the Gospel of Luke first for instance. Say all you have to say about his writing, then move on to Mark, John, etc. Put it in any order you want, but stick to one Gospel until you're done.

2. Once all four have been written about, summarize the differences briefly.

3. I don't think I'd quote anyone here, this is your thesis. Find the reference to James Keifer's comments, and provide that as a footnote, mentioning it at the end of the Gospel portion.

4. You go into far too much detail in the general discussion portion of this, and by bouncing around in the Four Gospels, you lose your readers. Make the comments about the Four Gospels specific, to the point. Stick to one at a time as I said. Then compare all four, but summarize in doing so.




General Comments:  

1. A youth told the women to go on to Galilee where they would meet Jesus in person, but they told no one because they were afraid. You contradict yourself here. The youth told the women, but at the same time, told no one because they were afraid? Did you mean no one else?

2. Matthew was evidently incensed by the oppression enforced by the Hasmonean/Herodian and Sadducee-run establishment that controlled the religious, if not the political, order in Jerusalem. Matthew's nativity account incorporated references to Judea's near neighbours, Parthia (Persia) to the east and Egypt to the south west. So far, your thesis has discussed the New Testament only. After this passage here, you suddenly you shift to the Old Testament, and proceed to write about events that occurred long before Jesus birth. This should be a new chapter, and added once all discussion about the Gospels is complete.

3. To guard against this Astyages , when Cyrus was born, sent for his kinsman Harpagus, the steward of his property. whom he trusted more than anyone, and said to him: Worded awkwardly, very awkwardly. If I may suggest a minor edit here. To guard against this, when Cyrus was born Astyages sent for his kinsman Harpagus, the steward of his property, whom he trusted more than anyone, and said to him:

4. Herodotus, The Histories, in: Penguin Classics, Translated by Aubrey de Selincourt, 1974, P.87 This should be a footnote, not part of the thesis.

5. After this you proceed right back to the New Testament, but then quote James Keifer. You’re bouncing around a bit (a lot), and may lose some readers. I call it ‘shotgun’ writing. You’re not completing one subject before writing about a new one, then coming back to the original subject. After quoting James Keifer, you provide a link to another article, with no explanation as to why it’s there, why it’s pertinent, and what it might provide that you haven’t already discussed.

6. An anti-Roman implication in Matthew's stress on the triumphal and defiant aspect of the Resurrection, which could well be understood as a complete refutation of the Sadducees' disbelief in the possibility of a general resurrection of the dead, which the Pharisees affirmed, and, to boot, the Sadduccees were closely allied to Herod, and Herod to the Romans. You lost me here, until I realized that “in Matthew’s” should be “is Matthew’s”. This is still poorly worded though, too long, too wordy. Break it into 2-3 sentences.


         I apologize, but I had to stop at about this point. First, I had no desire to seemingly cut this apart. Secondly, I'd been at this for an hour already, and could see that it would be another 2 hours at least before I could finish it.





Overall impressions:  An interesting discussion of the Gospels in the New Testament. It needs a lot of editing TLC for it to achieve future high ratings.


Sum1

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514
514
Review by Sum1
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Rated: E | (4.5)
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Dear Untucoi,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 4th WDC Anniversary!

         What a beautiful poem of love, and how your loved one can 'save' you. The images you forged in my mind were very good, of a man lost, wading through deep water, then spying the one he loved in the distance. The love he felt allowed him to churn through the deepest, most treacherous water to make it to her side.

         Being free verse, your poem doesn't require a rhyme or rhythm scheme, but this still flows nicely. For me, it seemed the last line in each verse was shorter, but summed up the previous two lines. Nicely done! I do have one comment for you, but it's only because the image created by this line doesn't really fit, in some ways.

1. and crash upon the reef. One could almost think that he didn't make it to her side, didn't make it to her and love her. After all, he crashed on the reef. But I took it to mean he did make it. However, in the early part, you mention the 'rocky shore of my heart'. And in the last line, he is guided by her light, and blinded, he crashes on the reef. So while the last line is nice, it doesn't fit the rest of the imagery. If he crashes on the reef, how did he make it to her side? I like the poem, don't get me wrong, and I think I know what you're trying to say here. But the imagery doesn't fit.



Sum1

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515
515
Review by Sum1
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Rated: E | (4.5)
Hey GrampaD,
         As I read this, I wondered what manner of creature was hiding, waiting for that perfect moment. I felt it had to be an insect, but wasn't sure. The ending was appropriate for your story, and it forced me to Google the Black Spider Wasp. I may not have read about the right species, but in one place it did say that the wasp would lay a single egg, not eggs. Small detail I know, but I had to read about it. Your descriptions were excellent, but would a wasp hide like that? It seems it would hover around, looking for a spider, not hide in concealment. Overall though, a good story that kept me riveted the whole time.




Sum1

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Review of The Kiss  
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
Dear Katrina,
         I'm reading this for the October Power Reviewers Raid, and once again you've left me breathless and teary eyed. You know I always find your stories and poems amazing, your style of writing hits me like few others do. Maybe I'm a little biased, but I'd like to think I'm not. This is beautiful, heart rending, and loving. The subject matter is close to my heart, for I feel my mortality every day now, and know that this man could be me sometime in the future. I just hope it's a long time from now. *Smile* I did see a couple of things you might want to look at in this.



Title:  Perfect for this story, unless you wanted to add the word 'Last' between the two words.



Description:  I think your description could be a lot stronger. Why is this a final kiss? Are they parting, going to live their own lives? Is one of them dying? You know what I mean here, you give this same advice in many of your reviews. Entice a reader in!




My Favorite Part:  The complete package. The entire story pulls at me.





General Comments:  

1. Early on in the story, your main character is sitting by the bedside of the man she loves. Her son wants her to go home and rest some, but she wants to stay. In speaking to him, she refers to him simply as 'son'. It seems she would use his name, or at least say, 'My Son'. That sounds too stilted though, so I'd go with giving her son a name.

2. With reluctance the young man sighed, “Alright, call if you need anything, or if anything changes.” Being picky here. But I think I'd change the first 'anything' to something. Using the same word twice in close succession is a little distracting.

3. I want to feel the love of my life at my side holding on to me, clinging to me, just like we used to do.” It seems you could delete the last word and still have this read fine. Again, a bit picky here, but it seems to read a little better without that.

4. His fingers barely touched her skin, trailing up and down her arm, tingling sensations intensified wherever his fingers touched.
Ron sighed. “This is what I’ve wanted for so long now.”
I'm not sure if this should be part of the previous paragraph, or a small one all its own. Either way, it needs to be moved. Make it part of the previous line, or add an extra line so it stands on its own.

5. Amy smiled and wrapped her arms around Ron’s neck, she whispered softly in his ear, “Intreat me not to leave thee,…for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge…” Damn I loved that passage. Brings tears to my eyes every time I read it.



Overall impressions:  Your writing always amazes me, every story or poem I read is beautiful. Am I being biased? Maybe. I'd like to think I'm your #1 Fan. *Bigsmile*


Sum1

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Review of She  
Review by Sum1
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Rated: E | (4.0)
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Dear Turtle,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 4th WDC Anniversary!

         This is a beautiful, touching tribute to your wife. Your love for her is very evident in every letter you typed in this poem. Free verse, so no real structure or rhyme scheme required, yet it almost seems you could have used one. I know you've listed it as 'other', but it's in your poetry folder, so the natural assumption on a reader's part would be to think of it as a poem.

         However, in some ways I'd call this prose vs. a free verse poem because of its structure. The reason I say that is because of your use of punctuation in it. Five of your seven verses are one line, and a sentence at that. A poem is usually not made up of complete sentences, and does not read as sentences do. Yet this does, even the two verses that have multiple sentences in them read as if I'm reading a story. I do have some specific comments for you on this poem.



Title:  It fits, but it based on the content, it would almost seem like the poem is about someone you know, but not very well. This is not bad by any means, but it seems you could would have a more 'loving' title to it.




Description:  You're allowed to use 90 characters for your description. Tell us why this is so important, give a reader a small clue as to why this poem is about her, even if it's nothing more than "For the love of my life, my wife". Draw a reader in with your description, make them WANT to read it!




General Comments:  

1. Personal opinion here, but I would center this on the page.

2. I was not looking for anything
when she found me,
soft curves reminiscent
of the last, drawn out days of summer.


I'm going to show you this verse in a complete line, as if not written in a poem style.

I was not looking for anything when she found me, soft curves reminiscent of the last, drawn out days of summer. Just who has these soft curves? The way the line is written, it seems she found you, complete with soft curves. A simple edit would alleviate this confusion, while helping it to appear more as a poem than prose. *Smile*

I was not looking for anything when she found me,
her soft curves reminiscent,
of the last, drawn out days of summer.


3. I was in college then,
a world of promises and make believe,
an unrealistic portrait of possibilities
that dances on the edge of reality.


You state that you 'were' in college then. Thus this line refers to the past. But using 'dances' in the last part places it in the present. To me, dances should be danced.

4. The virtue of reality
in a world filled with plastic people
hiding behind their showplace homes,
their fancy cars,
and their sterile, white bread ways.


I would eliminate the second usage of the word 'their'. As written, it becomes redundant, and distracts from the read. In fact, you could eliminate the first two usages of it, and use it only in the last part.

5. but from the rubble, we still arise
a testament
to the strength of our love.


The previous line ended in a period. You've been consistent throughout the poem with punctuation and capitalization, so 'but' should have a capital B.

6. Two children later,
and she is more beautiful today,
than she was the day we met.


In poetry, sometimes less is more. What I mean here is, you don't need the word 'and'. Take it out and see what you think. Plus, it doesn't read quite so much like a sentence then, and more like a poem.



Overall impressions:  A loving tribute for a woman this man loves more than anything in the world.


Sum1

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Review of Loose Change  
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
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Hello Logan

         Greetings and Salutations!

I've read your story and wanted to provide feedback on it so you can continue to improve your writing. At least that is my wish in any comments I write here. Use what you wish, if you choose to edit this.


Why I thought I'd read your story. Well, I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 12th WDC Anniversary!

         You know, this is an interesting story about your father. He sounds a lot like mine. But it needs some work. Your paragraphs are a bit long, some of your sentences aren't grammatically correct, the whole thing ebbs and flows some, carrying the reader down the line. However, I wouldn't change a thing. Not one word, not one bit of punctuation. Sure it's not entirely correct. But the way you wrote this kept me mesmerized, consumed in the story. Sure it's not great, sure it needs work. But I like it how it is. Maybe it reminds of someone who was my age now, when I was very young. I don't know. But I like it the way it is.


Sum1

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Review of Comrades  
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Hey Ken,
         Wow, Wow, and Wow! I really loved this! The flow is excellent, the end rhymes consistent with a rhythm that never faltered. Well done on this, I couldn't see a thing to say in way of recommendation. Excellent job!


Sum1

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Review of Untitled  
Review by Sum1
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Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
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Hello Emily

         Greetings and Salutations!

I've read your story and wanted to provide feedback on it so you can continue to improve your writing. At least that is my wish in any comments I write here. Use what you wish, if you choose to edit this.


Why I thought I'd read your story. Well, I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 12th WDC Anniversary!


First Impressions:  This is an interesting start to what could be a good, long story. I say start, because you leave the reader hanging at the end. I know your description asks the reader that question, "Would you leave our flawed world....", and tell us we have to decide. However, I think you could make this a lot longer (and better in my opinion), if you showed us what your main character decides. While this is an interesting story, it needs a lot of editing TLC for it to continue to receive higher ratings. You do a lot of telling in this short piece, and very little showing, often using long, run-on sentences. Here's an example.

Usually, there is a definite “morning” feeling, of the cheerful soprano of birdsongs, of the dew on the grass, sparkling in the soft, yet enchanting glow of the early-morning sun, but today, there is only a feeling of staleness, of dread, in the ominous grey sky.

         That's a very long sentence when you think about it, and could easily be broken into several shorter ones.

You notice that the usual “morning” feeling when you wake is missing. Even though you still hear the cheerful soprano of the bird signing in the trees, something doesn't feel right. Looking out your window, you can see the dew still sparkling on the grass in the soft, yet enchanting glow of the early-morning sun. But something is still off, at least in your mind. Instead of feeling vibrant on waking, all you feel is staleness, a sense of dread hovering over you. The ominous grey sky only lends itself to strengthening this feeling.

So when I say telling, you are just telling us what's going on. You do use some nice descriptions in this, but the run-on sentences makes it really hard to see that. I have other specific comments for you on this, detailed below.




Grammar:  Your use of run-on sentences makes this a little hard to get through at times. What I've learned to do, is read it aloud. If I'm reading a sentence and have to pause to breathe, then it's time (actually past time) for a period.





Areas To Consider Improving:  

1. See if you can shorten your sentences a little.

2. I don't see the connection between the small boy finding the syringe in the sand, and the rest of the story. If you're trying to show us how 'awful' the world is, then describe what happens after he finds the syringe. Does he play with it? Does he accidentally stab himself or someone else with it? All these ideas/comments apply to the homeless man sitting under the tree.

3. Tighten this up a bit. What I mean is, keep your thoughts straight, and write as if you're looking to entertain the reader. Right now, it's written in a form that comes across as you talking to a friend.




My Favorite Part:  The end. I like the idea of a strange mist hovering in the forest, and wondering where it came from, why is it there, etc.




Overall impressions:   A good start, but I'd love to see more in this. It may not be what you were shooting for, but now you've gotten the reader started, you can't just leave it hanging! *Smile*


Sum1

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Review by Sum1
Rated: E | (4.0)
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Dear Gene,

         Your words are very powerful, a little choppy at times in the rhythm area, but I'm not sure I'd change much here. It all depends on what you want to do with this. It is beautiful as written, very emotional, very moving. A trained poet (which I am not) would tell you the rhythm is off, that syllable count isn't correct in all lines, etc, etc, etc. I will tell you it's beautiful, I Love It. If you want to edit it, there's a couple of things you can do. If I may be so bold, I will show you a few minor changes you can make should you choose to. I've lined out words that can be deleted without changing the meaning of the poem. I've highlighted original text in blue, and my suggestions on wording in green. Another thing you could do throughout the poem, is shorten the lines. You have some great rhymes or near rhymes within the lines, so make the lines 2, not 1. Small example of the first two line here.

There is a graveyard both far and near,
where a forgotten soldier lies;
No flowers there are sprinkled
nor tears from mourner's eyes.


1. Often in poetry, less is often better (more).


There is a graveyard both far and near where a forgotten soldier lies;
No flowers there are sprinkled, nor tears from mourner's eyes.

For there I stood not long ago in remembrance of these brave;
When suddenly I heard a weeping voice speaking softly from the grave.
When suddenly a weeping voice was heard, whispering from the grave.

"Did we win our freedom that we fought so hard to achieve?
Do we still respect that tiny flag above that empty sleeve?"

"I died in youth without a chance to see my children play;
Yet I prayed to God with all might to help me through that day."
Yet I prayed to God to help me make it through that day."

"My son," God said, o'er the weeping winds and gently swaying field;
"The price you paid your life for theirs, this I cannot yield."
"The price you paid, your life you gave, this I cannot yield."

"But it's not fair!" he cried in vain, "I did not volunteer;
My name was picked by lot and chance, misfortune brought me here."

"Freedom is a costly thing to be cherished, to be wanted, to be won;
It comes at a terrible price, war is never done. (I added this line. Most of the poem is rhyming couplets, yet in two places you have three lines. So I added one (please, make your own line here, not mine) to keep it in couplets).

The price of freedom is paid by some so others may live in peace;
You, my son, have paid that price, this graveyard is your lease."

"But my people have forgotten me Lord, of us their memories wain;
Beneath this cross of brilliant white, I feel I have died in vain."

"So long as one remembers you and what you did for all;
so long as freedom stands and peace abides your memory I will recall."
(Comment here. Be careful starting lines in succession with the same words, like So long as...)

"Upon the field of duty a terrible price is always paid; (the second place where you have three lines instead of a couplet). Suggestion below.

"Upon the field of duty a terrible price is paid;
"Many fall in battle, their honor not betrayed
.

You are not alone on this hallowed ground my son - you are not alone;
On this hallowed ground my son - you are not alone;
Throughout the history of your land, brave acts and deeds were sown.

"To your left and to your right, in front, behind and near;
"To your left and your right, in front, behind and near;
The spirits of your fallen friends, lie sleeping - but all can hear." (I stop here, I think you get the idea of what I mean.)

"But my Lord is it not fair, for those who never bled;
To live in bliss and harmony and a tear they never shed?"

"The loss you paid your eager youth your children never born;
Your hopes and dreams and everything, through you their price was born."

"And my Lord, of those who live whose memories often weep;
Will you give them peace of mind in their final rest and sleep?"

"Just as you, they've earned that right and their minds I will put to rest;
Their tears I will dry and their hearts I will heal as I hold them to my chest."

As I listened to these gentle words which filled my eyes with tears;
My sight beheld a shining flag that's flown throughout the years.

Each star that shined was multiplied at least ten thousand fold;
To embrace the lives of those who died - whose lives that God now holds.

And as the voice continued, a feeling of pride and honor spread;
For here is what the weeping spirit of that forgotten soldier said.

"I am that forgotten soldier and maybe I died in vain;
But if I were alive, and my country called, I'd do it all again."

"For I believe in America, for the rights of all free men;
So If I were alive, for freedom, I'd do it all again."

"Yes! I would stand up, and take my place, among the soldiers of the free;
I would die again for America - for the land of liberty."



A truly beautiful poem that more should read. Maybe then people would really understand the phrase, Freedom, isn't free.


Sum1

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Review by Sum1
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Rated: E | (4.5)
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Dear Gene,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 6th WDC Anniversary!

         You and I have a common background, though mine isn't near as harsh as yours. I was in Submarine Service, so never faced battle at all. I read extensively about WWII as a teen, and can appreciate what you must have gone through. I can't imagine being as young as some of these men were in the Civil War, fighting like they did. I think 18 is a little young to face something like war, I can't being to comprehend being only 12 or 13 and doing it. Especially in that time period.

         This is well written, your facts are sobering and sad. I did see one thing you might want to look at, should you choose to edit this.

1. History records that during the battle of Chattanooga, TN, the barefoot, cold, starving body of a Tennessee boy no more than 13 or 14 was discovered by a Union officer. Since the Union officer discovered the 'body', then the boy had to have been dead, as you stated in the next paragraph. Therefore, starving (present tense, implying he's still alive), should be starved.

         Thank you for the thought filled read. It makes one appreciate what we have today, doesn't it. I wish you well kind sir, and salute you.



Sum1

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Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
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Dear Cassie,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 9th WDC Anniversary!

         I have to say, I'm a sap for happy endings, and this didn't disappoint. I can imagine how she felt when she found her collection gone, I know I've lost a few things in my time, but few as precious as this was to her. But after looking under her bed and finding her present that played 'their song', and the sight that met her eyes when she stood, was icing on the cake, so to speak. Loved it. The only question I'd have is, why didn't she recognize the writing on the postcard if it came from her husband? Did he have someone else write it for him? Doesn't seem too likely, unless he used his other hand for that. Just wondering is all. Thank you for the enjoyable read on this fall morning. *Smile*



Sum1

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Review of The Particle  
Review by Sum1
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews*CakeP*


Dear Carol,
         I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 8th WDC Anniversary!

         I began this month with a review for you, it seems only fitting that my last (possibly last) Anniversary Review this month end with you.

         Wow, I found this to be very powerful. You wrote this so eloquently, I could tell your heart was in every word on the page. I could also see that you chose your words carefully, but I'm sure you didn't have to be too careful. This is that beautiful, that deep (at least for me). As I read this, I tried, dang it I tried. To find one small iota I could comment on that needed your attention. Alas, I either got caught up in the read and forgot to look closely, or this really is that perfect. I prefer to think it's the latter of the two. *Smile* As a result, I give it the rare (for me) *Star**Star**Star**Star**Star* rating. Very well done my friend, very well done.





Sum1

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Rated: E | (3.5)
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Hello justme
         Greetings and Salutations!

I've read your story and wanted to provide feedback on it so you can continue to improve your writing. At least that is my wish in any comments I write here. Use what you wish, if you choose to edit this.


Why I thought I'd read your story. Well, I saw your suitcase on the Anniversary Review page and thought I'd drop in to honor this occasion, your 13th WDC Anniversary!


First Impressions:  A pretty interesting story of a young girl who was trying to learn about her family history. It flows well with a decent dialog. Some of it is predictable (but that didn't bother me), but it seemed like she was looking for a grandfather when her mother could have told her where he was (or where she last knew him to be). Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story. But you either left out a few details that would prevent readers from asking questions like this (maybe intentionally), or didn't think it needed to be told. There were a few questions I had in my mind after reading this.

1. Where was Bonnie's mother, and why wasn't she with Bonnie when she went on this search?

2. If Bonnie's father thought her mother's family had a lot of money, why would her mother have the key to the clock, which could give him access to the clock and its contents. Giving it to Bonnie later on would imperil her. Was her father dead then?

3. How did Bonnie's grandfather know Bonnie would be coming when she did? I know her mother sent them a letter about it, but that was years ago! How did he know she'd be arriving when she did, why would he tell his friends. It just all seemed to coincidental to happen without someone (her mother?) telling him she was on her way.

4. Why didn't Bonnie's mother tell her what her grandfathers name is?

5. At the end, you write, “I had always wondered,” I began, “but my parents told me I would know when it was time. Is this Bonnie's mother she's talking about, or was Bonnie adopted? It seems she was adopted, but you never state that in your story. This would answer a lot of these questions, but right now the reader has no clue on what's going on, or what happened in the past.

         I'm sure there are more questions, but right now those are what popped to mind.




Grammar:  Very good, there was one sentence I noted (see below) that could be re-worded.





Areas To Consider Improving:  Tighten the plot by providing either more details, or delve deeper into what really happened early on.




General Comments:  

1. I sat in silence starting at the tied bundle of letters. I think you can see the extra letter you have in one word here.

2. “You are Bonnie,” she exclaimed in a sob. Read this, and read the rest of the dialog around it. Bonnie and her husband have just arrived at the house where her grandfather is staying. She's greeted by a woman, and all she says is, "You are Bonnie." It seems there would be a lot more excitement and exclamations all around. In fact, would the woman recognize her at all, and know who she is. There's a big assumption going about Bonnie throughout the story that left me bewildered. What you're doing here is telling, not showing. If I may, here is a little bit of showing for you, in this part of the story.

         “May I help you,” a kind-faced older lady asked as she opened the door. She looked quizzically at me for a moment, her eyes searching my face. I could see realization dawn in her mind as her eyes grew as big as saucers. “Oh my God, you're Bonnie!” she exclaimed in a sob. “Elint! Elint! It's Bonnie, she's come here as you said she would all these years!” Turning back to us she said, “Oh please, come in, come on in!”

         Do you see the difference in how it is presented to the reader? You are showing them the expression on Emma's face as she realizes who Bonnie is, not just telling them how she's greeted.

3. I locked everything I had in this clock when your mother got involved with an unscrupulous man who married her because he thought our family had a large fortune. This sentence (paragraph) seems to need a little rewording. Your mother got involved with an unscrupulous man who married her because he thought our family had a large fortune. After you were born, she ran away with you to be free of his domineering lifestyle. I had locked everything I had in this clock, giving your mother the only key. I was worried for her and you, but couldn't bring myself to destroy the clock. It has been passed down through generations in my family, and it very precious to me. One day we received a letter containing a photograph of you. All it said was that you would be safe, she had given you the locket and the key, and left instructions that when you were grown up, you should be told to find me.” There's a little more explanation provided to the reader, a little more depth to the story, and the reader understands things a bit better. Please note, these are only my suppositions, there's no way I could know what you intended, so take all this and do with it what you will. IF you do choose to edit this and want me to re-read/re-review it, I will be happy to oblige. *Smile*


Overall impressions:  A good story that just needs a few more details, a little more showing instead of telling to allow it to receive better reviews in the future.


Sum1

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