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226
226
Review of Dragon Daughter  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE BLOG

Dragon Daughter engages the reader using poetry and topical conversations.

*Smile*WHAT I LIKED

I liked the poems. They were succicent and engaging. I especially liked the line in Golden Sin: "Sour wine fills that chalice."

*Star* ENGAGING

The blog invites the reader to engage. I posted several times on topics.

*Star*VARIETY

There was a variety of posts. I liked the post about recycling. Very comprehensive.

*Star*EXPRESSIVE

The blog was easy to read. There was a nice conversational tone to the posts.

*Star*MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes, but then when it comes to reviewing blogs, I'm a bit more liberal.

*Star*PARTING THOUGHTS

Nice graphic in the intro to set the mood/tone of the blog. I enjoyed visiting your blog for the Bard's Hall 2021 Blogging Contest. *Smile*

Glowing Steph
227
227
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE BLOG

Connecting with Jeannie engages the reader discussing life, family and topical political conversations.

*Smile*WHAT I LIKED

I liked how the author was candid and heartfelt with every post.

*Star* ENGAGING

The blog invites the reader to engage. I posted several times on topics.

*Star*VARIETY

There was a variety of posts. Some were about life, family and others discussed the "hot topics" of today.

*Star*EXPRESSIVE

The blog was easy to read. There was a nice, conversational style.

*Star*MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes, but then when it comes to reviewing blogs, I'm a bit more liberal.

*Star*PARTING THOUGHTS

I might suggest using a graphic in the introduction to set a tone/mood for your blog. I might also suggest incorporating more graphics, (I did like the one with the bird) and links for a visual appeal. I enjoyed visiting your blog for the Bard's Hall 2021 Blogging Contest. *Smile*

Reviewed by StephB
228
228
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE BLOG

Day to Day Happenings in my Life engages the reader by touching on life as it's passing by and topical conversations.

*Smile*WHAT I LIKED

I liked the length of the entries. They were just the right size. Not too long, not short, and always left me with nugget.

*Star* ENGAGING

The blog invites the reader to engage. I posted several times on topics.

*Star*VARIETY

There was a variety of posts. They discussed life, family, and topics of the day.

*Star*EXPRESSIVE

The blog was easy to read. I liked the conversational tone.

*Star*MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes, but then when it comes to reviewing blogs, I'm a bit more liberal.

*Star*PARTING THOUGHTS

I might suggest using a graphic in the introduction to set a tone/mood for your blog. I might also suggest incorporating more graphics, and links for a visual appeal. I enjoyed visiting your blog for the 2021 Bard's Hall Blogging Contest. *Smile*

Reviewed by StephB
229
229
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE BLOG

Spiral Bound Jounal is a blog that features fictional writing.

*Smile*WHAT I LIKED

I liked the creativity in the entries.

*Star* ENGAGING

The blog invites the reader to dive and discover the characters.

*Star*VARIETY

There was a variety of posts, including topical themes and how today's world looks at them.

*Star*EXPRESSIVE

The blog was easy to read.

*Star*MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes, but then when it comes to reviewing blogs, I'm a bit more liberal. I especially liked how each entry was uniquely presented using WDC ML.

*Star*PARTING THOUGHTS

I might suggest using a graphic in the introduction to set a tone/mood for your blog. I enjoyed visiting your blog. *Smile*

Reviewed by StephB for the 2021 Bard's Hall Blogging Contest.
230
230
Review of Matters of Heart  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Lady Elizabeth hires a physical therapist to help her with her spinal problem.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I thought the story offered a nice twist with the heroine being a physical therapist. It's not something I usually see with the genre. I thought the hero was spot on!

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person limited by Ann. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. I might suggest a minor edit for dialogue tags. Only use "he said or she said" to identify the speaker. Use an "action" tag when speaking. For example, as written: "Thank you with the arrangements," he said warmly, taking her hand. A wave of joy washed over her.

My suggestion: "Thank you with the arrangements." Clayton wrapped his warm hand around Ann's. Her heart raced.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes, but this is something that could be expanded on. I might suggest tapping into the 5 senses, smell and touch to put the reader into the scene. The use of flowers and meaning would do well here.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: the past
PLACE: England

This is something that could be a tad more clarified for the reader. Is it the Regency period or perhaps the Victorican era?

*Star* CHARACTERS

Ann

There's enough here to understand her motivations. She's very warmhearted and giving, perfect traits for her line of work. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestion as mentioned above. My other suggestion concerns voice. "Liz" is a much more modern way to say "Elizabeth," and it was slightly jaring for me as a reader, as it would take me out of the time period. I might suggest using "Elizabeth," or "Beth," but after Lady Elizabeth gave permission. Word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the Bard's Hall contest.

Glowing Steph

231
231
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
*PaintBrush* THE PHOTO

The photo displays a sunset over water.

*Reading* THE POEM

The poem is a nice compliment to the picture, tapping into hidden stories/people and inspiring the reader to remember them.

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED

I liked how the picture evokes memories of the past.

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a haiku which does not follow a 5-7-5 syllable pattern.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I would suggest tightening up the poem to reflect a 5-7-5 traditional syllable pattern of a haiku. I love how the picture and poem compliment each other and inspire the reader to go deeper into the meaning. The poem/picture evoke a sense of peace. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest!

Reviewed by StephB
Coffee Cup 2007 Review signature

232
232
Review of Antheraea  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
*PaintBrush* THE PHOTO

The photo is a moth against a ruler.

*Reading* THE POEM

The poem is a nice compliment to the disturbing picture, as it explains how the moth got there and evokes the immediate feelings of the viewer.

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED

This picture invoked an instant reaction from me. "eewww." It's a very powerful picture that says "look at me."

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a haiku which follows the 5-7-5 syllable pattern.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The picture grabs your attention and the poem adds depth. Well done. The poem/picture evokes emotional disgust and well, I think we'd all be freaked out seeing that moth. I also like how the title, which is strange, (it's the name of the moth) plays right into the dynamic of the picture and poem. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest!

Reviewed by StephB
Coffee Cup 2007 Review signature

233
233
Review of Fyn Wave  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
*PaintBrush* THE PHOTO

The photo shows a whole showing off it's flipper.

*Reading* THE POEM

The poem is a nice compliment to the playful picture, evoking a sense of reverence and respect as the whale says "hello."

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED

The concept and the lighthearted word play. I enjoyed the sense of awe the author invoked with the words.

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a haiku which follows the 5-7-5 syllable pattern.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I have no suggestions for improvement. I love how the picture and poem compliment each other. The poem/picture evoke good vibes with a lighthearted beat. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest!

Reviewed by StephB
Coffee Cup 2007 Review signature

234
234
Review of Jumping Dolphins  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
*PaintBrush* THE PHOTO

The photo is a playful one, showing dolphins jumping out of the water.

*Reading* THE POEM

The poem is a nice compliment to the picture. It's nice to see the dolphins enjoying themselves and bringing happiness to others.

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED

The photo is very vibrant and expressive.

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a haiku which follows the 5-7-5 syllable pattern.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I like the picture, but I would would like to see the poem do more than describe what the dolphins are doing, maybe tap into the emotional response of the picture such as fun, vibrant, playful. The poem/picture evoke good feelings. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest!

Reviewed by StephB
Coffee Cup 2007 Review signature

235
235
Review of Leaving  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
*PaintBrush* THE PHOTO

The photo highlights a sunflower surrounded by autumn foliage.

*Reading* THE POEM

The poem is a perfect compliment to the autumn picture, as old becomes new giving into what nature wants.

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED

The concept. Nice word play about old and new.

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a haiku which follows the 5-7-5 syllable pattern.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I have no suggestions for improvement. I love how the picture and poem compliment each other and inspire the reader to go deeper into the meaning. The poem/picture make the reader think about nature's cycle, and even deeper, our own. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest!

Reviewed by StephB
Coffee Cup 2007 Review signature

236
236
Review of PINK AND BLUE  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
*PaintBrush* THE PHOTO

This is a nature photo taken "upward" to reveal the skies. Trees are witnessing the sunset.

*Reading* THE POEM

The poem is a nice compliment to the picture. As nature bares witness to God's work.

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED

I enjoy nature photos and I liked how this one tied into God's wonderful work on Earth.

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a haiku which does not follow the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. The pattern here is 5-10-6.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

My only suggestion is to work on the 5-7-5 syllable scheme. The poem/picture evoke a feeling of wonder. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest!

Reviewed by StephB
Coffee Cup 2007 Review signature

237
237
Review of Once More Now  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Dylan and his invisible friend make pub night interesting.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked what happened to Annie. Poor thing. It made me chuckle.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the 3rd person omnicient. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

This was a dialogue challenge so the dialogue drives the story. The dialogue is conversational and engages the reader.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

It's hard to fit descriptions into dialogue, so I would say good use of trageted sentences to dribble in the description of the Pub

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day
PLACE: urban setting, Irish Pub

This is something that is clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Annie, Dylan, Unnamed friend

There's enough here to understand all their motivations. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/puncutation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening engages the reader. This was a challenging contest and the author did a great job with it. The dialogue felt natural to the Irish and there was a solid story that weaved in Irish lore. I like how the unnamed friend was implied to be a Leprechaun. It made me think as a reader. I had to read it a second time to make sure I didn't miss anything. Good luck in the Bard's Hall contest.

Coffee Cup 2007 Review signature
238
238
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE BLOG

THREE SCORE AND TEN
The blog was active SEP-DEC 2020. The blog focused on biographical entries.

*Smile*ORIGINALITY

Each day was something new and I liked reading about Luna and Biscuit.

*Star* ORGANIZATION

The blog was very organized and it was easy to find the entries.

*Star*GRAMMAR/SPELLING

I didn't spot any real isuses. I liked how the entries took on a conversational tone.

*Star*CONTENT/CLARITY/FOCUS

The blog had nice focus on biographical content. All the blog entries I reviewed were spot on - not too little, not too much.

*Star*VARIETY

Discussions were varied and well thought out. The theme of the blog, "biographical" tied all posts together.

*Star* ACTIVITY

Posts were hit and miss. Some had good engagement, some had none. I would have liked to have seen only because it was an interesting. *Smile*

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The introduction frames the theme of the blog well so you know what to expect.

This Blog is nominated for a 2020 Quill Award. Good luck in the Contest!

Reviewed by StephB for the 2020 Quills

Glowing Steph

239
239
for entry "Coffee and Philosophy" 
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE BLOG

WRITINGS IN THE SAND
The blog was active about 6 months out of the year in 2020. The blog focused on personal/entertainment type musings from the author. Any posts having to do with Coffee *CoffeeBl* was a big hit with me.

*Smile*ORIGINALITY

I liked the every day musings. It allowed readers to connect to the blog.

*Star* ORGANIZATION

The blog was very organized and it was easy to find the entries.

*Star*GRAMMAR/SPELLING

I didn't spot any real isuses. I liked how the entries took on a conversational tone.

*Star*CONTENT/CLARITY/FOCUS

The blog had nice focus on personal, whimsical thoughts. The content on all the blog entries I reviewed was spot on - not too little, not too much.

*Star*VARIETY

Discussions were varied and well thought out. The theme of the blog, "emotional/personal" tied all posts together.

*Star* ACTIVITY

There was good engagment on the posts. *Smile*

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The introduction establishes a theme, but I might suggest using a graphic to lure more readers in.

This Blog is nominated for a 2020 Quill Award. Good luck in the Contest!

Reviewed by StephB for the 2020 Quills

Glowing Steph

240
240
Review of Complex Numbers  
for entry "Got Muffin" 
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE BLOG

COMPLEX NUMBERS
The blog was active every month in 2020. The blog focused on a WDC prompt, "30 Day Blogging Challenge."

*Smile*ORIGINALITY

The replies to the prompts were very oringal and well thought out. I like the use of videos to frame some of the posts.

*Star* ORGANIZATION

The blog was very organized and it was easy to find the entries.

*Star*GRAMMAR/SPELLING

I didn't spot any real isuses. I liked how the mechanics made the blog easy to read, and I like how the tone took on a conversational tone.

*Star*CONTENT/CLARITY/FOCUS

The blog had nice focus on the "30 Day Blogging Challenge." The content on all the blog entries I reviewed was spot on - not too little, not too much.

*Star*VARIETY

In regards to the prompt content, Discussions were varied and well thought out. The theme of the blog, "personal" tied all posts together.

*Star* ACTIVITY

There was good engagment on the posts. *Smile*

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The introduction gives a shout to complex numbers and highlights the Merit Badges the blog has earned.

This Blog is nominated for a 2020 Quill Award. Good luck in the Contest!

Reviewed by StephB for the 2020 Quills

Glowing Steph

241
241
for entry "Psalm 3:1-3, 8" 
Rated: E | (5.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE BLOG

THESE ARE MY JOT-TINGS PART 2
The blog was active all of 2020. The blog used WDC prompts, for example, ""Rhythm and Rhyme Challenge."

*Smile*ORIGINALITY

The replies to the prompts were very orginal and well thought out. I also liked how the author used different poetry forms from hiakus to sonnets.

*Star* ORGANIZATION

The blog was very organized and it was easy to find the entries.

*Star*GRAMMAR/SPELLING

I didn't spot any real isuses. Good use of WDC ML.

*Star*CONTENT/CLARITY/FOCUS

The blog had a fantastic focus on poetry. The content on all the blog entries I reviewed was spot on - not too little, not too much. I also liked their was a spiritual theme throughout. On several of the hiakus, I appreciated the nature theme.

*Star*VARIETY

In regards to the variety content, what I liked was the various forms of poetry the author used.

*Star*PARTING ACTIVITY

There wasn't as much activity/engagement which was a bit of bummer because the poetry was well written and engaging. *Smile*

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The introduction was engaging. Good use of graphics, WDC ML and inspirational quotes.

This Blog is nominated for a 2020 Quill Award. Good luck in the Contest!

Reviewed by StephB for the 2020 Quills

Glowing Steph

242
242
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: 18+ | (1.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.


Thank you for entering the Bard's Hall Cupid Slam Contest for FEB 2021. Since this is a unique contest, here is what I'm looking for:

*PointRight* Must slam that beastly little arrow-flinger, CUPID!
*PointRight* Must be Poetry Only, any form or free verse -- doesn't matter so long as it's just plain AWFUL!
*PointRight* Line Count up to 60 or fewer. Place line count at the bottom of the poem.
*PointRight*This poetry entry MUST be written for this contest, February 2021! If it's a leftover slam from another time and place it will be disqualified.
*PointRight* Remember that "bad poetry" doesn't mean just misspellings. We are looking for the really creative kind of "bad" that makes us cringe and groan over its terribleness!

*PointRight* A ONE-STAR RATING is the ultimate goal, here. We will award the "best" one-starred poems as the winners.

And now... onto the review....

*Reading* THE POEM

Something happened to Cupid's bow so now it causes decay and darkness.

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED/AKA CUPID SLAM aka GOOD, BAD, or UGLY:

SLAM: UGLY. Cupid's good intentions have caused toxicity, decay, darkness and damning the lovers to hell and purgatory. That's rough.



*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a free form poem that doesn't have a rythme scheme.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

While intentionally bad, Cupid's slam seems to come off a bit misdirected at the couple and not on him.

Reviewed by StephB for the Bard's Hall FEB 2021 Contest. Line count was listed in accordance with the contest rules.
243
243
Review of Cupid Plucks  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: 13+ | (2.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.


Thank you for entering the Bard's Hall Cupid Slam Contest for FEB 2021. Since this is a unique contest, here is what I'm looking for:

*PointRight* Must slam that beastly little arrow-flinger, CUPID!
*PointRight* Must be Poetry Only, any form or free verse -- doesn't matter so long as it's just plain AWFUL!
*PointRight* Line Count up to 60 or fewer. Place line count at the bottom of the poem.
*PointRight*This poetry entry MUST be written for this contest, February 2021! If it's a leftover slam from another time and place it will be disqualified.
*PointRight* Remember that "bad poetry" doesn't mean just misspellings. We are looking for the really creative kind of "bad" that makes us cringe and groan over its terribleness!

*PointRight* A ONE-STAR RATING is the ultimate goal, here. We will award the "best" one-starred poems as the winners.

And now... onto the review....

*Reading* THE POEM

Cupid's arrow clearly wasn't tipped in St. Valentine's elixir because Beau can't get nowhere with Rose.

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED/AKA CUPID SLAM aka GOOD, BAD, or UGLY:

SLAM: BAD. Cupid plucks in vain.

I liked the story of Beau and Rose. This just wasn't their Valentine's Day.

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a free form poem with 8 two line stanzas. The lines in each stanza rhythm.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

While intentionally bad things happen to Beau, Cupid's slam (he plucks in vain) seems to come off a bit easy.

Reviewed by StephB for the Bard's Hall FEB 2021 Contest. Line count was not listed in accordance with the contest rules.
244
244
Review of A letter to Cupid  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (1.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.


Thank you for entering the Bard's Hall Cupid Slam Contest for FEB 2021. Since this is a unique contest, here is what I'm looking for:

*PointRight* Must slam that beastly little arrow-flinger, CUPID!
*PointRight* Must be Poetry Only, any form or free verse -- doesn't matter so long as it's just plain AWFUL!
*PointRight* Line Count up to 60 or fewer. Place line count at the bottom of the poem.
*PointRight*This poetry entry MUST be written for this contest, February 2021! If it's a leftover slam from another time and place it will be disqualified.
*PointRight* Remember that "bad poetry" doesn't mean just misspellings. We are looking for the really creative kind of "bad" that makes us cringe and groan over its terribleness!

*PointRight* A ONE-STAR RATING is the ultimate goal, here. We will award the "best" one-starred poems as the winners.

And now... onto the review....

*Reading* THE POEM

Who needs Cupid when you have Tinder?

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED/AKA CUPID SLAM aka GOOD, BAD, or UGLY:

SLAM: UGLY. I especially liked: "So put on some clothes, don't flash your ass, go on a diet, at least show some class."

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a free form poem with 2 stanzas and each line in the stanzas rythming.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Well done intentionally ugly Cupid's slam.

Reviewed by StephB for the Bard's Hall FEB 2021 Contest. Line count was listed in accordance with the contest rules.
245
245
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: 18+ | (1.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.


Thank you for entering the Bard's Hall Cupid Slam Contest for FEB 2021. Since this is a unique contest, here is what I'm looking for:

*PointRight* Must slam that beastly little arrow-flinger, CUPID!
*PointRight* Must be Poetry Only, any form or free verse -- doesn't matter so long as it's just plain AWFUL!
*PointRight* Line Count up to 60 or fewer. Place line count at the bottom of the poem.
*PointRight*This poetry entry MUST be written for this contest, February 2021! If it's a leftover slam from another time and place it will be disqualified.
*PointRight* Remember that "bad poetry" doesn't mean just misspellings. We are looking for the really creative kind of "bad" that makes us cringe and groan over its terribleness!

*PointRight* A ONE-STAR RATING is the ultimate goal, here. We will award the "best" one-starred poems as the winners.

And now... onto the review....

*Reading* THE POEM

Cupid gets chewed out for his choice in "love interests."

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED/AKA CUPID SLAM aka GOOD, BAD, or UGLY:

SLAM: BAD. Cupid missed and gets cussed out but we only hear his side of the conversation.

I liked the line: "The only thing you'll get is brown bows and rose rust."

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is a free form poem that has a AABB rythme scheme.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

While intentionally bad, Cupid's slam seems a bit tame to me.

Reviewed by StephB for the Bard's Hall FEB 2021 Contest. Line count was not listed in accordance with the contest rules.
246
246
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (3.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

Princess Griselda desires to find her brother despite her world's cold challenges and evil wizards.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked the opening. I thought it was very engaging.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person limited in Griselda's point of view. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's a good blend of dialogue and narration. Good job with dialogue tags.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes, but this is something that could be expanded on. I might tap into the five senses, especially smell and touch to heighten the descriptions of Griselda's world.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: unknown
PLACE: cold, rural setting

This is something that is clarified for the reader. Time really isn't essential to the broader context of the story.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Griscelda

There's enough here to understand her motivations, she stays true to wanting to find her brother. *Thumbsup* I thought the brother changed his motivations too quick at the end and it didn't feel natural to him, so I would on his character being a tad more consistent.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling mistakes. I might suggest a minor edit for punctuation. You use exclaimation points a lot which makes the story feel a little melodramaic.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. Good imagination to create Griselda's fantasy world. Word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the contest.

Glowing Steph

247
247
Review of A Place to Hide  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: ASR | (3.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE STORY

A child is looking for a kind face after escaping horror.

*Smile* WHAT I LIKED

I liked the ending. It offered hope in the face of a tough situtation.

*Star* POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person omniscent. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately. I might suggest a line break between the 4th and 5th paragraphs when the character POV shifts.

*Star* DIALOGUE

There's one line of dialogue which accents the narration. I might suggest using quotes=" and not ' for the dialogue.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes.

*Star* SETTING

TIME: modern day
PLACE: side of the road

This is something that is clarified for the reader.

*Star* CHARACTERS

Josie

There's enough here to understand her motivations; she's looking for a safe haven. *Thumbsup*

*Star* MECHANICS

I might suggest a minor edit for spelling and punctuation.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Suggestions as mentioned above. The opening engages the reader. A creative take on the picture prompt. A suspenseful vignette. Good luck in the contest.

Glowing Steph

248
248
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE POEM

Finding beauty in the life of a snowflake, which is short lived.

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED

I liked how the poem inspired hope, especially in the opening stanza. It really drew me in.

*Star* STRUCTURE

This is free form poem. There were some stragetic rhymes, but no set patterns.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

I thought they were succient and to the point. I especially liked "weary dream."

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Nice expression. The title fits the poem well. I have no suggestions for improvement. Line count was listed in accordance with the contest rules.

Reviewed by StephB for the Bard's Hall

Glowing Steph
249
249
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE POEM

A thought provoking poem about loss.

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED

I liked how the poem grew naturally shorter and shorter until the ending. It added to the meaning to the poem; as life got shorter and shorter.


*Star* STRUCTURE

This is free form poem. There is no rhythming pattern.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

subtle yet effective. Examples:
Green grass is gone to stay
Memories hang in icy air.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I thought the title encouraged the reader to mull on the meaning. Expressive. I have no suggestions for improvement. Line count was listed in accordance with the contest rules.

Reviewed by StephB for the Bard's Hall

Glowing Steph

250
250
Review of Winter Impact  
In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
*Note1* My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

*Reading* THE POEM

The poem describes a winter scene in all it's cold beauty.

*Idea* WHAT I LIKED

I liked the words used to describe the outside:
gnarled trunks
willowy branches
pale, dull, lazy, reluctant mid-day sun


*Star* STRUCTURE

This is free form poem. There is no rhythming pattern.

*Star* MECHANICS

I did not spot any punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read.

*Star* DESCRIPTIONS

There's a lot of nice, succinct word play. See above for descriptions. I think the poem paints a vibrant, chily, picture that puts reader nose-to-nose with the window.

*Star* PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

I thought the title matched the poem. Very expressive. I have no suggestions for improvement. Line count was listed in accordance with the contest rules.

Reviewed by StephB for the Bard's Hall

Glowing Steph

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