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Review of V-day  
Review by esprit
Rated: 13+ | (2.5)
Hello, Imo

Welcome to Writing.Com!

This is pretty good. It is holding my interest well, and moves from scene to scene smoothly. A good beginning.

Here are some specific things for you to consider.

considering he had just flew all the way from Canberra using his own money

I wondered how she knew this if she hadn't spoken to him in a month. What was the meaning of 'using his own money'?


I led him down to his car he had borrowed from Matty

I think subbing --the car-- would be clearer since it isn't --his--
Did she know this because she recognized the car?


He started up the engine and drove down the street. We drove towards the coast and parked in the parking lot outside of Quinn’s beach

I suggest cutting this line out as it would be an obvious action. It is shown well that they are driving in the next lines. Be careful not to overtell by repetition.


and parked in the parking lot outside of Quinn’s beach. A place that used to hold such great memories of love, life and rebellion. He stopped and turned of the engine.

These bolded lines are overtelling and repetitious too. They can be cut to tighten the scene and allow the story to flow smoothly. There would be no clarity lost.


Forever he was gone, in body but never in mind, in my mind he would always be there,

This is a good ending to a chapter as it would pull the reader on to find the reason for this. As a completed short story though, it leaves the reader feeling like he missed the main point of the story. What is going on with these two characters? (from a readers point of view)


Although Charlie spent his own money on the flights he got the hotel room for free.

How and why? Fill in the details because this is mentioned a couple of times and readers will want to know more about this. Otherwise, I suggest not mentioning money at all.


He was here, Charlie was here and my valentines

How did she know it was he with only a tap at the window?

Her emotion is quiet, -----resigned? So she caved afterall?

You will need a serious punctuation edit.

After answering and clarifying all the questions, you will have an emotional story seen only from the narrator's point of view. Nothing is known of Charlie or of the narrator; only that they have some kind of relationship. That does work, but a few more details and answering the questions above, will tie it up cleaner with some sort of resolution. For instance, how did she know he wasn't coming back and why was she okay with it?


I'd like to see the revised copy.






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Review by esprit
Rated: E | (3.5)
Hello, Anthony

Welcome to Writing.Com!

You've begun very well. You may not want a full review on a personal piece, but I'm going to give it anyway. *Delight* That's because I think you did a pretty good job holding my interest and the humor. Subtle, but felt.

I found some things I want to point out - they are only my opinions except for any technical stuff.

I am sitting in my apartment. It is quiet except for the background hum of the air conditioner and the sounds of footsteps in the apartment below.

Are you tightly attached to this first line, or could you take it out? First lines are important to catch a readers attention. It has no interesting hook to persuade the reader to read on; I think if it was cut, it would begin better. The words --apartment below--show he is probably in his apartment. It's obvious and unnecessary info.


I am waiting for my girlfriend to get home

This is used eight times and becomes distracting enough for the reader to notice. It's also too formal for a personal, friendly monologue such as this. In other words, if it isn't a formal, business article, I suggest using contractions sometimes. --I'm-- They sound friendlier, as if you're talking to the readers. They set a friendly tone.


It is quiet except for the background hum of the air conditioner and the sounds of footsteps in the apartment below.

Now this is your perfect first line. The setting is clear and the sounds can be heard in the silence. The reader is in anticipation of what will come next. Good job!


I live in a small apartment but I am currently in the market for a house

This is repetition, repeating something the reader will already know. I believe cutting the bolded line and beginning with --I'm currently in the market for...-- would allow the words to flow smoother and you'd avoid wordiness and repeating.


cease to be a child and take the first steps into manhood.

Ah, what truth this is. I think we all set marks to tell us we are all grown up. I like this.



so that I can lay in it and fulfill
be no laying outside

These don't look right to me, but they have always been a bit confusing. Check the dictionary or ask someone who knows for sure. Try --lie-- in it

and --lying--outside--


Do I have anything to worry about?

And here is your humor! Nah, you don't have a thing to worry about. *Laugh*

The last thing I'll mention is to insert some space between the paragraphs to improve the presentation and make a more pleasant read. All you need to do is hit the Enter Key at the end of each para.


I enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more of your work.


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Review of My history  
Review by esprit
Rated: 18+ | (2.5)
Hello, Mystic

Welcome to Writing.Com!

You sure chose the right genre list; this is very emotional. *Smile*

Your brief description wonders:
wondering if it seems good or not.

I believe it will touch your intended audience, because the age group is, in fact, very emotional. It was a little too much teen drama for me, but I'm older. I felt the anger and sadness from both mother and daughter. You captured them just fine.

I believe the characters will need more developing to make them real, but first just write the complete story before you forget where you were going with it. Everything can be fixed during your revisions.

Her arms where the only arms to --spelling is -were-

she’s your responsibility to! This should be --too--, as in also.

There are other spelling/grammar errors, but I won't highlight them at this point.



A brown haired teenager
brown haired Maria


This is repetition and it's a good idea to avoid it when possible. For instance, If her name was used in this first line, readers would know who she is at once, and the second line could be cut.


Oh how Maria wished she had a friend to run to instead of listening to the yelling and screeching.

This is pretty good in showing a lonely girl and her homelife.


“I take care of our daughter, she’s a teenager, Gordon, and hardly knows her father,”

There isn't a need to remind father how old his daughter is, in this conversation; unless you like it better. If the word --she--was inserted between ---and SHE hardly-- it would say the same thing.

The words --teen--teenager--are used quite a bit and will be considered wordy and repetitive. I suggest trying to cut them down where you can.


Not even sixteen and her life has been nothing more then hated love, crying faces, and broken dishes.

--hated love--is a creative phrase. Original. I felt like I'd been told this information already though. It repeats the anger in the home without learning more of the characters.


Maria felt the noticeable feeling of wishing she wasn’t born,

Can you describe what -noticable- feels like?


Maria shouted towards the door.
Slowly the stairs creaked as the came towards Maria’s attic room.

I assumed the house was two storys. If she is actually in the attic and shouted toward the door, with it closed, would the parents really hear her two flights down? Or are they in their own room one flight down? Or is it a one-story house? This is difficult to imagine what the reader is supposed to see.

I suggest cutting --Slowly--Read those bolded words alone and you will see the problem. The line could begin with --The stairs creaked--without changing the message.


Maria’s mother, Sarah, still seemed to

The mother's name was given above so is awkward here. I suggest cutting it out.


When are you going to let me be a normal teenager?” Maria cried

This is okay, I just wondered if teens refer to themselves as teens? Might she ask instead; a normal --girl, kid, live a normal life-- I'm just throwing these out to give you some ideas. Changing anything is always your decision. -teen- works too.
*Delight*

Would you like some cookies? Maybe a glass of lemonade?” The sweet old woman

This line gave the reader a sense of danger ahead. It's a basic 'look out!' line. You know how childrens fables always has a grandmotherly type offering cookies to trap them? That's what this made me think of. It is a good hook if the woman turns out to be a kindly person. It has me curious and I would read more just to find out. Good.


Grabbing a cookie she smiled,

-grabbing--is rude and bad mannerly. I see Marie as unhappy, but polite to everyone except her parents. -Reaching for a cookie--? What do you think?


before she disappeared

but then she, my daughter, and my snotty son-in-law moved away. I haven’t seen her ever since.


I think mentioning the disappearance during her memories, would allow this to flow smoother because the readers would know by the time she met the woman.

The next lines seem to lead to this being her granmother. Readers will immediately think that, especially since the name is the same. Is that your intention? You may be revealing the mystery too easily.


The sun shone just under the mountains, Maria was glad it was Sunday, she still had homework, but it would be easier to work in a place that didn’t have her nerves on fire.

This is awkward; there was no hint they had talked all night. Slip something in to clarify this point.

It's interesting, and I think you've got a good outline here. I'm curious about grandma. It's definitely worth finishing, but sit down and write it first. Sometimes, when the work is left too long, we lose interest and forget what the story was supposed to be about.

I enjoyed the story, but quickly became tired of the yelling and disrespect she has for her parents. The age thing again. *Smile* But, she seems to have a lot of hate for those who only argue loudly. They seem to love her and only want her happiness. The reader needs to know more about their relationship. At this point, my sympathy is with the parents.


Finish it up, I'd like to see where you take it.



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Review of A NICE HOT DAY  
Review by esprit
Rated: E | (3.0)
Hello, nstanley0915

Welcome to Writing.Com!

This story has an interesting beginning; it hints at trouble for these characters later in the story. Trouble is always a good hook to hold the reader's attention - good idea!

There isn't quite enough for a real review, so I have to keep it short. Be careful of typos and spelling, but really, the important thing at this point is the story. Just write it down as it comes to you, before you get sidetracked and forget where you wanted to go. Writing one scene a day is a good goal, then put it together later. You can keep it private (for your eyes only) if you wanted to, until you finish the story so you won't get a lot of low rates for spelling errors. We don't want you to become discouraged before you even begin. *Smile* I like the title, it's very descriptive.

I'll be back when it's ready - keep at it! *Smile*



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Review of Jump  
Review by esprit
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello, Lunar_Plexus

Welcome to Writing.Com!

Wow! I see a talent in the way you've strung these words together, well done! It's an unusal piece, almost abstract I think, but it's understandable. I don't understand pure abstract writing, it's over my head.

I like the first paragraph, the many references to the 'beat' is a good idea.

He is going somewhere, somewhere smooth. He is gliding along, all silky and satiny smooth. He is swaying, sighing, pinging.

Your word choices are wonderful.

Well done!

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Review by esprit
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Hello, The Curious Pariah

Welcome to Writing.Com!

Well, I hope it got you a B at least. It's good. *Smile*

The satire was consistent and the humor was funny. You can't ask for more than that in a parody of a fairytale. You've done a great job with it.

The only suggestion I have is to go into Edit and place a space between each paragraph. The presentation will be improved and it'll be easier on the readers. I didn't notice any glaring spelling or storytelling issues to get in the way.

Well done and good humor!

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Review of The Door Knob  
Review by esprit
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hello, Phean Lane

Welcome to Writing.Com!

This is a little different, I think it's a very creative piece. The narration seems to be told in sequences of dreams. They come in and out, are seen but don't tie together into one complete story. You've handled it very well. Each sequence is shown well, the meaning is not known, which only enhances the feeling of dreams.

It reads easy and the descriptions are good. Well done!

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Review by esprit
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hello, hexylia

Welcome to Writing.Com!

Aren't these quick writes fun? They really allow the writer to be creative, and you've taken good advantage of it. This is fast reading and it held my attention. The scene is described vividly and I felt as if I could hear these two arguing. Very realistic dialogue.

mom told him to pull it out after five minutes of me make muffled yells.

This is the only small bump I noticed. Was her hands tied behind her back? That seems a bit extreme to me, especially for that long of a trip. It isn't clear why she couldn't remove the sock herself.


Good work!

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Review by esprit
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hello, Ryan n. Kozlowski

Welcome to Writing.Com!

Good writing! This is full of tension and action. it reads clearly and is understandable from all angles. I enjoyed the read.

He was certain that he would get away with the murder he knew he just commited

A good opening line. Good hook!


she was relieved to realize it was a man she had much anticipated to see again.

This is a bit wordy and it slows the scene down. There isn't anything wrong with slowing a scene, sometimes you need to, but this line could be trimmed back some to be tighter.


With a cry of shock and anger, Johannas felt the red vengeance surge through his body again and the creatures

ppearance of a very large red void that seemed ready to consume the entire city


These are wonderfully described scenes. The emotion is strong and the tension is tight. The reader felt shock and sadness at Angela's death and respect and pride at this reaction of Johannas. Sharp as an image.


Well done!
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Review of My Runaway  
Review by esprit
Rated: E | (3.5)
Hello, Sam

I found your request for serious feedback on "Please Review

Wow! For a Biographical, you're succeeding in writing a very interesting story. Good work! You're bring it to life. *Smile*

I was stood at the side of the road,

This phrase needs a touch of fixing. Either --I was standing--or --I stood--


so drew strength and advice from the sensiblest of sources.

Is this a word? *Smile* I can't find it in my dictionary. You could rewrite in order to use --sensible--something like --most sensible--?



but the man sat next to me had decided on a lengthy getting to know you session

--sitting--


twenty five minutes later, thanks to an orange car,
After walking for about forty minutes, I came to the conclusion that my orange-car-plan probably had its faults

A little confusing. Show her getting out of the car.


"Erm yes, please. I need somewhere to tonight"

A word is missing. To --sleep--?


So this I ended up spending my first night in Cumbria sat at a coach stop,

A word is missing. --this is --how--?


It's coming along just fine, and you're keeping it interesting. Good work.




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Review by esprit
Rated: E | (3.0)
Hello, Typo

I found your request for serious feedback on "Please Review
Written in less than an hour for a flash-fiction contest.

This is very good to have been written so quickly. I like flash-fiction because it brings the creativity out wonderfully. *Smile*

I never know how much in-depth to give these short pieces because they are usually written for fun. Since it's on the forum though, I will give it my best.

Summer vacation has always been a drag for me
but it always comes back to this one thing. I am bored.
we should go back to the last day of school.

could not afford a vacation this year,

This says he is 'always' bored during (every) vacation, then it tries to apply the reason for boredom to 'this one year'. It's contradictory and difficult to understand.



My parents could not afford a vacation this year, dad was laid off at work, the plant had lost some government contract and was in danger of closing.

This line is long and carries too much information. I suggest a period after --year--; and cutting the bolded words to avoid obvious redundency. Adding --because--ahead of --the plant--would show the reason, or the line could be rewritten tighter.


this dismal, dreary little town

Good realistic showing of a teen's boredom.


Sharon and Billie were quite tan

Would Billie get a tan during winter? Winter in Australia is: June to August



It reads easy and the words flow well. It's enjoyable and the scenes are clear. It's a good, basic write with only a couple of nit-pics. Well done!



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Review by esprit
Rated: E | (2.0)
Hello,

Welcome to Writing.Com!


There was a building people called it mysterious building.Becuase the building was to old.



The opening line is one of the most important lines in a story. It must grab and hold the readers attention so they will want to keep reading. This is a good one because it hints at mystery. There are some suggestions I will make and it's up to you to change anything. I'm not going to rewrite your story, I'm going to help you see the errors. Okay?

Place the word --that--after --building.
Take out the bolded words --it- and --building-- and --the building--
Place the word --it--in front of --was--
Change the bolded word --to-- to --so--.

It will read smoother. You will end up with this sentence.

There was a building that people called mysterious because it was so old.



Then there were two teachers &three students go inside to the building.

You can remove the first three bolded words, they aren't really needed.

Writing the words --decided to--after students would make the line clearer.
Change the last bolded word to --of--.



The two teacher was name T.Messy &T.Valen & the three student was name Kim, Eren & Stephanie.

Eren saw the child crying and Eren saw child eyes dilated. Then Eren scream loud.

Change --the--to --a child--because you haven't shown the readers a child yet. Where did she come from? If she is a ghost, tell the readers so they will know.

Take out the bolded -Eren saw-, it doesn't need to be said twice.



THE END{/c;green}

When you close a color tag, you don't have to write the name again. Just the initial. --{/c}


Then T.Messy, T.Valen, Kim& Stephanie heard the screaming voice. T.Messy said is that Eren.Then Eren goes out &found the exit. Then T.Messy saw a white lady then she scream. The she found the exit & goes out.Kim, Stephanie& T.Valen remain in the building. Then Kim, Stephanie& T.Valen saw a headless boy they scream louder then t.Messy&Eren hear the
screaming voice. At last T.Valen,Kim&Stephanie went out &found the exit.


This part is pretty good. You're showing their fear by having them scream and run outside.


The idea of a haunted building is a good one. The hard part is bringing the characters to life so your readers can feel how frightened they are. Reading a lot and see how other writers do it is the best way to learn how.

You've a good beginning here, the next story will be easier for you. Don't forget to read too. *Smile*





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Review of Dreamworld  
Review by esprit
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello, Jenfra

Welcome to Writing.Com!

This is wonderful! A perfect piece of fantasy, the imagery is clear and vivid, allowing the readers to follow. I found no bumps or distractions at all.

Purple skies and peppermint trees,
tangerine grass and scarlet seas.


Just pure, beautiful fantasy.

Well done!

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Review by esprit
Rated: E | (2.5)
Hello, dani leigh

Welcome to Writing.Com!

I like the title. It leaves a melancholy tone in my ears. Good choice.

The brief description though, is not good.

just a random poem i wrote out of boredom

This sounds like you really don't care if it's read or not. Readers won't care if you don't. There's a lot of work out there to be read where authors want to be read.


This piece might help you understand.
"Invalid Item

The second line has a few too many syllables to read smoothly.

And you'll never know how much I care'd

I suggest removing the first word as it isn't connecting anything. --and--is a connector.

Is this taking poet's license to spell your way? If not, the correct spelling would work just as well. But, this is okay too, and creative.

I can't reconcile the first and last lines, they just don't match up, and that leaves the final message hidden.


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Review by esprit
Rated: E | (3.5)
Hello, djthunderheavenshaker

Welcome to Writing.Com!

This is good. It reads well and the message fits the brief descriptions, and it's understandable. *Smile*

I have only one comment.

Do migrating birds ask,

I think, for consistency to the other line, this should have another word at the end. something like --why?-- Otherwise, it really isn't clear.


Keep writing, this one is nice, romantic.

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Review of Chapter One Draft  
Review by esprit
Rated: E | (2.5)
Hello, Memphis Tweed

Welcome to Writing.Com!

The chapter is a bit short for a constructive review, but I'll be glad to comment on what's here.

The story theme is intriquing, and it has already caught my interest. There is a mystery coming up.

Draft >> Other >>
Chapter One Draft
Draft of Chapter One. REVIEW!


Using Draft is good, but I advise you to also use the other genres boxes available to you. Many readers want to know the genre before they'll open an item. Other is for items you don't necessarily want read. There isn't a list for Other. Take advantage of the genres to have it read by as many as possible.


As Max trudged up the hill, he wondered what would happen next

A good opening line. It hints at mystery and will raise the readers curiosity.


“So you’re the one they called about?” He muttered quietly.
“Never mind that,” he said. “I suppose you know who I am, but who are you?” Max answered, “My name is Max Lockten.”

This is a bit contradictory to me. Someone called about max, but didn't tell him the name? Is he only asking for the name here? It doesn't like it to me.


Max entered and saw an expansive room with trophies and filling the cabinets and crowding the shelves

I think cutting the bolded word would make sense. It's getting in the way of clarity.


Max entered and saw an expansive room
Max caught the tone

Max seems to be almost an adult through these lines. At first he appears as a child, but the age is difficult to determine. A child probably would not think in terms of --expansive--and tones would be limited to what he understood, usually happy, sad and angry. This makes it hard to image Max.


but kept out of sight.
he bolted out the door.


Is this actually an excerpt of your story? I feel as if I've come in during the middle. His actions are not those of a small boy anxious to pick up a dog he has been yearning for. To immediately become suspicious of Jack tells me there are many details missing, or this is not actually the beginning.

The mystery is shown well, but placing it here is too confusing and distracting to hold the readers attention. Let the readers in on it.



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Review of Dark Night  
Review by esprit
Rated: E | (2.5)
Hello, B. Olson

I found your request for serious feedback on "Please Review

The genre 'experience' makes the ending a little confusing. Of course the rest of it is completely believable. It's a good piece. The imagery is clear, the situation, setting, the backstory. Oh, if you used something to indicate a change of time at the beginning of those paras, it would be helpful. Some writers use asterics, but anything will work. #### **** =====

Danny Schusterman sat next to the window in his living room and watched the lightning rip through the black night.

This is an okay opening sentence, but it could be stronger if it was trimmed of extra words. For instance, the bolded ones could be cut safely since it is mentioned later which room he is in. --you will probably want to change --watched--to --watching--in that case. Just keep it tight and put the focus on the lightning. That's good imagery.


straining to see the flag that was posted in the neighbor’s front yard.

I wondered why he needed to see the flag to judge the strength of the wind when the trees would have been more convenient. This isn't explained. I thought maybe he was several floors up and didn't have trees, but he did.


Danny looked down at the black and gray speckled lab mix that sat at his side. Danny reached down and began to pet the top of her head.

The repetition bogs the smoothness of the read. This line could be trimmed into one quite easily, and it would say the same thing. Cutting the bolded words, and saying something like: --Danny reached down and began to pet the head of the black and gray speckled lab mix.-- Readers will naturally assume the dog is sitting near enough to reach. Cutting --Danny looked down--prevents the repeat of --Danny reached down--. Is his name needed so often?


Danny glanced back out the window in time to watch as the upper limb of his Silver Maple

This is a good, clear image.


shaking Danny back to.

Add the word to the end --back to --'what'?


He could feel the cavities of his lungs fill with air and quickly lower back down; rising again,

This sounds a bit clumsy to my ears. Play around with some words, such as --deflate--.


and saw his bike, probably at least half a mile down the road, engulfed in flames.

Since this is experience, I'm hesitating to question the distance, but is it possible to see the bike at that distance? He definitely would be able to see the flames, but the bike gave me a pause.


He knew that he had ridden over many other times,

A word is missing. The line isn't complete. Ridden over the 'road'?


Danny furrowed his brow in puzzlement.

Good showing of his confusion. A clear image.


guiding himself through his living room to where he knew he kept the radio.

These bolded words are getting in the way. It sounds like he's doubting his memory or something. If so, a few more details would help clear the --he knew--. Otherwise, they could be cut to tighten.

Another thought. --guiding himself--makes him sound like he's blind, or new to the chair. Since he's been in the chair since childhood, I would think he would be quite comfortable in using it.



His body froze in udder disbelief as --utter--

it was ripped from the very foundation that it had been planted.

There is something wrong with the wording here. --planted--is a distracting way to describe a wall, but it might work if the line was clearer.

Try to avoid using the words --very--and --was--too often.


He watched the two by four leave from the entanglement of the twister and head into his living room.

Read the line without the bolded word and decide how it sounds to you. For me, it sounds smoother.


Rest really seemed nice right about now.

Now this is a good repeat. It works well.


The scene that is not seen as clearly is the last.

guiding himself through his living room to where he knew he kept the radio.

This doesn't say he left the living room, and I didn't know he did.


roll his chair to the entrance of the hallway
two dogs sitting at the entrance of the hallway. “Move!”
Danny was getting very irritated.


I thought he was trying to get to the basement, though basement doors are commonly off the kitchen, and I wasn't sure why he wanted to go down the hallway. I couldn't figure out why the dogs wouldn't let him. But, apparently he is 'in' the hallway trying to re-enter the living room. Again, I thought he was still in the living room.


It reads easy but for these small issues. You've done a good job with 'showing'. It's a good piece that isn't quite finished yet.






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Review by esprit
Rated: 13+ | (2.5)
Hello, N A Pedde

I found your request for serious feedback on "Please Review

You have some good, exciting scenes, and some areas that are too slow. Slow is okay in very long pieces, or immediately after an extrememly tense scene to give readers a chance to catch their breath; but it's rarely okay at the opening. This is slow at the opening. The descriptions are information, not action-filled hooks to pull the readers in tight. I have a few suggestions for you to consider that may help. Revising is always your decision.

The battle scene is fast moving and exciting. It brought up the tight feeling of tension in this reader and I followed along pretty well. It still needs trimming and tightening to bring the tension higher. I will explain below.

An old man walked quickly out of a hut to greet the group of warriors. He dropped to his knees with his eyes lowered.

In my opinion, this would make a better opening line. It get's straight to the point and the readers can feel the tension.

Everything above this line is information that doesn't help set the mood or describe the main character. This is stuff that a lot of readers skip over. None of it is remembered as I read on, because it isn't useful to the story.


“Yes, my lord.” The serf stammered. The old man hurried off to the fields.

the sooner that you can get back to planting your fields.”

Since it's clear by this line what they were doing, you'll be losing no clarity by cutting the opening.


“Yes, my lord.” The serf stammered.

--Uh, Ye...yes,-- show the stammering in some way. Let the readers feel and hear his fear.


“I also get fed.” Eloc said, “What about wemon?”
lots of wemon?”

--women--


couple steps and knelling before the mounted knight.

Spelling is --kneeling--


“You will only get yourself killed!”

This surprised me, and made me wonder if he has always been a serf. Serf's are timid and wouldn't dare speak this way to a Knight. He's a brave man.


“I will die of hunger then. I am the seventh son and

This isn't really a clear response to Father's words. If the bolded word was changed to --here--, or --if I stay.-- it would work.


The men-at-arms and the newly created serf warriors marched away down the muddy fields and away in the distance.

This is a bit wordy and complicated. Cutting the bolded words and subbing something more description would work.
Something like: --marched across-- the muddy fields and into the distance. What I'm attempting to show you are ways to avoid repeating words, (away), and say exactly what you mean to say so the readers can see it from your eyes.


The men-at-arms then smashed his legs with the back of there axes.

This is a horrible image, good work.

Change the bolded word to --their--. I noticed you have trouble with --their--and --there--. Use --there- when speaking of a 'place' -over there--, up there---Use --their--when speaking of something belonging to someone.
--their axes.--


Galak had a rather large scare that curving from his right cheek to his forehead just missing his right eye.
Adon was big shouldered and very strong. He sported red hair and a full beard. Galak was smaller than Adon, but just as strong. He was clean shaven and his hair was brown

The bolded word is --scar--

I suggest cutting all of this out and using just what is needed. Like the opening, it's forgotten at once by the reader, and isn't used in the story at all. If it isn't used, it isn't needed.


Adon clasped his hand on Eloc’s shoulder and smiled. Eloc gave a weak smile back, but kept walking.

If you really want to include something here of description, keep it useful. For instance;--clasped his strong hand on...(showing he is strong)--and smiled through his full, red beard.--(showing his hair color)


Soon they reached the top of a hill and an encampment

This word pops up often and becomes noticeable. Try not to repeat any word too much, readers become aggravated.


The encampment was surrounded by a wooden palisade and sported a ditch which served as a moat.

Subbing the word --It--would get rid of one repeat. See what you can do with some more. --the area-- might work somewhere.


Along one side of the encampment was a row of 6 catapults looked menacing and dangerous stood guard against the enemy castle.

This is unclear. --looking---menacing and...would help. ---standing---guard? It might be easier to just rewrite the line.

Eloc couldn't see the castle, it is dark. How can this be described if the main character isn't seeing it?


Then make your way to that group of serfs there. There is food and ale there. Drink up and get some sleep.

Be aware of using the same word often and close together. It's a bad habit.


Eloc cringed as sticky blood dripped onto his check. He laughed suddenly looking at his shield.
“My shield is holy.” Eloc said laughing at how battered it looked.

“That’s funny.” Adon said,

I can understand they're young and brave, but still, this is new to them. Why are they laughing at the --battered--and ignoring the blood? What's funny?

--Spelling is --cheek--



A young man from their village was about to busy poking at a fire with his spear.

If the bolded words were cut, the sentence would make more sense. Or, write it so it shows what you want to show.


“We have to attach that?” Adon asked.

Did you intend to write --attack--?


Meanwhile inside the pavilion of Sir Hadley, Hadley sat at a small table with a few men including Corporal Joque and the burly sergeant standing in front of him..

This is awkward and has too many words. Changing --the--to --his--and cutting the bolded phrase, would fix it.


Behind the serfs, the men-at-arms had gathered inside the encampment. They were about seven hundred in number and dressed the same way as the ones that were fetched at the village with no name.

Does this mean they were dressed as the --serfs--were dressed, (that were fetched) Or as the men-of-arms- that came to --fetch--the serfs? Is it important to know this?


“Have you guys picked a leader?”

--guys--is a modern word and it doesn't work well with this timeline. You don't need a word there at all; --have you picked a leader?--is enough.


Suddenly a bolt whistled threw the air to stick Danix in the chest.

Spelling is --through--


sprang on his face as he started to run fasted. --faster--

A sheet of arrows flew from there bows as a rock --spelling--

Eloc watched the arrows rise up in the air and then it started to rain arrows. Eloc hastily raised his shield as sheets of them struck down men while others embedded themselves into there shields.
Eloc stumbled into the moat and hit a dead body already impaled on the stakes.


These are good scenes! The imagery is well done!


He grunted with pain,

I made this note because I didn't what hurt him.


He grabbed at his ladder and pulled it behind him as he climbed up the wall of steaks.
impaled on the stakes

The first should be spelled the same as the second. I've seen this issue a lot. One spelled correctly, and the next not. Be sure to read the work slowly and carefully to catch these yourself.


While most of the serfs were cut down, but some, including Eloc, fought there way through the enemy.

Cut the word --but--. there is spelled wrong.


Eloc fought with his axe killing many men as he made his way to the drawbridge lock.
They pulled the cauldron to the stairs that lead down to the courtyard
“Lets get that metal gate up!” Eloc cryed.

I can't see where the men are. Where is the drawbridge located, exactly? This setting isn't described clearly.

--lead--should be --led-- --cryed--should be --cried--


Eloc held the weapon threateningly as the knight who owned the castle marched up towards the group of serfs.

How did he know this was the owner?


Eloc was now sitting on the now hardened lead encrusted stairs looking toward the marching men-ar-arms.

“Sir Hadley wants us out in the courtyard. Quickly.” Eloc ordered.

The serfs marched quickly into the courtyard.

Just more repeats to work out.

I assume this is chapter 1 because I know there is more to come. This character will become famous, I think. I like the developing of his character and personality. Young, brave, compassionate and about to become vengeful. Good job.





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Review of Book of Esther II  
Review by esprit
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Hello, ridinghhood-

I found this item on the Online Authors list along the side column. The title and brief description are good hooks, they urged me to read this one.

This is a beautiful piece, and it has all the elements needed to tell the story. It's quiet tone shows a dignity that I admire. The emotion is strong in its subtlety.

I followed the link provided and read the tag alongside. Thank you for sharing the piece.

I wondered why you felt a reluctance to spell out the name of God though? It is jarring to see it as you chose, especially in a spiritual piece. It appears as if you were afraid or embarrassed.

Well done!







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295
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Review by esprit
Rated: ASR | (2.5)
Hello, T.H. Willis

Welcome to Writing.Com!

If you have any questions about the site, don't hesitate to ask.

Your theme of aliens is smart, it's popular now-a-days. I enjoyed the read, and am fascinated to see that it's based on fact. That makes it even better.

I could see the setting very well; you're good with descriptions, did you know that? The emotion was okay, but not strong enough for me. Maybe more body language would help bring it out. The paralysis is good, but make him work a little harder to come out of it. A few more strains and grunts maybe. *Smile*

Here are a few more things for you to consider, use what you see as useful.

I had agreed to do part time maintenance for the elderly manager in addition to my full time moving job,

I suggest cutting this phrase since it doesn't apply to the manager.


Stiff, sore and exausted, yet slightly refreshed, I threw on some comfortable clothes and threw a pizza in the oven.

and tonight I was definately glad to be alone. Besides I was a relatively good looking young man with a nice place, a little bit of money and a cool car. I definately was looking forward

Be aware that repetition leads to wordiness and wordiness leads to a boring read. Sometimes a word must be repeated, but not often. There is always another way to say something. Use a word only once and be creative with the second. Read the lines aloud, slowly and decide if you need a word there at all. --I was glad to be alone.--is good.


How wrong I was I didn't yet know.

This is the first hook and it's a good one. The hint of mystery will keep me reading. Nice work.


I was sprawled out on the couch
I was sound asleep on the sofa, still fully clothed and with the lights were still on.

You could cut the --sofa--phrase because it's been shown in the --couch--phrase. Readers already know where he fell asleep. Cut and trim the extra words to keep it tight and tense.

--were--is only a typo I think. It needs removing.


I was sound asleep on the sofa, still fully clothed and with the lights were still on.

This is how I usually slept when I was alone. At the time I didn't know why I'd always felt uncomfortable sleeping alone in the dark. Over time I'd kust learned to sleep in the light when alone.

This is repetition. Didn't the readers learn he didn't like to sleep alone earlier? Try not to repeat known information. The same with the lights. Tell/show it once.


Half asleep still, I used the remote to turn off the t.v.

This is not useful info and doesn't move the story along. They are extra words that only slow the read down.


from out on the deck, I faded off back into a deep sleep.
They were back.

Another good hook to keep the reader reading.


looked over toward the balcony where the noise had been coming from.
The noise had stopped and there they stood, two strange beings standing on my back porch.

The first bolded word can be cut safely without losing clarity. Read the line aloud without it and see that it says the same thing.

Subbing --sounds--for noise in the second area would prevent a repeat. Actually, you don't need further references to -noise-. It has served its purpose of waking him and could be dropped now. Why did aliens did a metal object to open his door? From what I've always heard, they can materialize anywhere.

Trimming the last phrase would help hold the tension, I think. For instance:--toward the balcony where two strange beings were standing.--
Switching back and forth between --deck, balcony and porch shows an inconsistency that will show readers different images. It's better to choose and stick to one. Since he is three floors up, I suggest choosing either deck or balcony.


I could see them clearly through the window and the glass door that led to the balcony and they could see me.

I suggest removing all the bolded words to tighten this line. It's too complicated and is overtelling.


Thier mouths were slits and thier

Spelling is --their-- I know the I before E rule, but it doesn't always apply. Confusing isn't it?
*Delight*

The welcome light from the lit hallway flooded into my darkened apartment. I instantly barelled out into the hallway...

Where did the hallway come from? His apartment wasn't darkened. It was

Illuminated in the soft yellow glow of the porchlight that shone in from out on the deck,

Keep your description consistent because readers will notice all descrepencies. This is definitely a contradiction.


I bounced off his solid form like he was a brick wall

Very good imagery!


Standing my ground would be futile and potentially fatal.

This line is clear and sounds sensible in his situation. The next lines down show he did not follow his own advice. It's contradictory. It can be fixed by cutting or rewording this line.


I wasn't going to let this happen again.
Suddenly I jumped up and bolted for the door not twenty feet away


This looks like he decided to fight them after all. Or, is the 'door' the front door that leads to the parking lot? Is he trying to escape? That sounds believable. I see him as rushing head-on out to the balcony though.


was now illuminating my apartment.

This is a second repeat. Find another word to show this.


Without even stopping to put on my shoes I grabbed my keys

This is not a good word and you should use it as little as possible. It only fills space and causes wordiness.


I leaped down three flights of stairs then ran barefoot

This would have killed him! Literally leaping three flights? I suggest rewording for clarity.


three flights of stairs then ran barefoot through the parking lot
Without even stopping to put on my shoes

You can safely cut the --barefoot-- because the readers saw him run out without his shoes. They know he is barefoot.


My only concern was getting out of there, fast!

Why do we always do this? *Delight* The aliens are gone, so it's safe enough.
No problem, just human nature.

I never spent another night in that apartment again.

An extra, overtelling word. The line says it clearly when we read --never--



This is a good beginning draft. It needs some smoothing, but it basically tells the story clearly and concisely. You're doing a fine job with it. I hope this feedback helps you in the areas mentioned. The topic is fascinating and since you've had the experience, you will bring reality to it. Keep writing, it's good practice.

The rating is for an average piece that is still in draft form.


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esprit


296
296
Review of Moonlite Crossing  
Review by esprit
Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
Hello, morrningstarr

Welcome to Writing.Com!

I noticed you through another review and it made me want to read your work, so here I am. If you have any questions about getting around the site, or anything else, just ask. Okay?

The imagery in this piece is wonderful! I can see the characters clearly, and I followed her in her trek through the woods. Good showing!

If you have Word Perfect in your computer, I suggest you write your work there and then post it to the site. Work Perfect has a spell correct program that corrects as you write. It's a great help for those many writers who can write wonderful stories, but can't spell a lick. *Delight* There are many of them, believe me.
If you don't have Word, there are free programs available on the net that you can download. They are just as good as Word and they are free. If you'd like info on those, just let me know.

She wandered through the wodds behind her home. Night had fallen long ago and she was restless.Lieing in bed fighting sleep she heard the wolves and

I suggest cutting the first bolded line completely out. She isn't outside yet, the next line tells me she's looking out the window. The order is off.
Besides, the story tells about her wandering the woods, so this is only a repeat of that. Don't repeat stuff. *Smile*

Also, being restless while fighting sleep really doesn't match up well. If she's fighting sleep, she is sleepy - not wakeful and restless.


She threw on a robe almost translucent and found her slippers.

This doesn't read smoothly to me. It's backwards. You really don't need --translucent--because it never is mentioned again. But, if you want to keep it, say something like --She threw on a translucent robe and---


moon flooding the world with a bright white light
She set off into the darkness,

These contradict each other. If the moon is that bright, it isn't that dark. Rewrite to make the scene clearer. Perhaps the shadows of the woods?


lightly treading, floating along the ground.

I can't see what I'm supposed to see here. Is she floating?


The woods flowing around her she made her way through the trees

his voice and her heart where now leading the way.


These help show the scene and emotion well. Good job!

You already know there are spelling errors, I suggest you don't worry about those right now. Work on the scene by putting her actions in the right order and make it as clear as possible. It's not easy to write a clear scene, but this one is almost there already. Keep working on it.


The ending is very good. They sort of flew off in the distance, just like a movie. *Smile* I liked it.

Well done!





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esprit

297
297
Review of Because I'm Black  
Review by esprit
Rated: 13+ | (2.5)
Hello, Grizzlymatt

Welcome to Writing.Com!

I hope you're finding your way around the site okay by now. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. The Newsletter link at the end of this has some navigation help inside, plus other fascinating stuff. *Smile*

I found this piece on the Public Review page and the title caught my attention. I was curious to see what you'd done with it.

I don't think you were aiming for rhyme, but by having a few in here, I can't tell for sure. I think it sounds better either all rhyme or no rhyme. Consistency either way.

There isn't a rhythm is there? I assume that was intentional too. Without neither rhyme or rhythm, or the beauty of free verse, the only clue to poetry is the format, and that's not quite enough.

Blacks are seen as animals displayed in zoo

The word --a--is missing between these two bolded words.


This zoo I despise upmost evil of its eyes

I don't understand what this means. I understand --zoo--is an alegory of some kind, but I don't know what. Something with -evil eyes-- Clarity is needed. Is there a word missing? Punctuation?


I hate this stamp that has been place on my skin

A typo of --placed--


I call myself human as it is only true race

A word is missing between these two bolded.

The 'you hate me because I'm black' isn't an original theme. It's been done often, but I bet you could be more creative if you put your mind to it. Writing like someone else is good for practicing, but being creative and making it your own is better. And stay aware of the rhythm beats, keep them consistent. It makes the reading of poetry enjoyable and smooth. Reading it aloud will allow you to hear where you need one more syllable or one less.


I hope the feedback helps a little, that's its only purpose.




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esprit

298
298
Review of Elegy of an End  
Review by esprit
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hello, Hanuda

I found your request for serious feedback on "Please Review

This is very well written, I found no errors and no bumps. Nothing stood in the way of a smooth read. The imagery is clear and vivid, and the emotion is strong.

This does not have the tone or sound of a story of fiction as there are no common story elements. It reminds me of poetry with the focus on images. It's good and I enjoyed the read.

Well done!





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299
299
Review of The Kennel  
Review by esprit
Rated: 13+ | (2.5)
Hello, Ryguy

I found your request for serious feedback on "Please Review

As I read this, I was surprised SciFi was not included in the genre choices. It would definitely fit I think.

The content is written well, and it held my interest. The biggest issue I found was not being surprised by the ending. The outcome was obvious to me. Though the hints were good, they were not quite subtle enough. I look for these as I read for feedback, and this one was too easy.

It looks awfully dirty,” she wondered some apprehension.

This is worded awkwardly. perhaps --in--apprehension-?


I’m sure you read about it in the newspaper.”
“I was going to ask about that, I appreciate for your honesty,” said the wife.


Did this incident happen so recently it would still be on their minds? This is okay, but why was she going to ask about it? This phrase may not be necessary.


It is our policy to spay and neuter because we are already dealing a limited amount of cages.”

A word is missing here. --dealing -with-?


“Oh my, look at this-look at the beautiful golden hair and cute wet nose.

Right here I became suspicious of what they were looking at.


The couple was becoming animated, their faces relaxing and beaming at the adorable, slobbering variety before them.

Here I was positive. The bolded word gave it away.


Upon finding the body midway through the morning,
My wife woke up early
We searched,” she wiped a tear away, “fifteen minutes until we found her.


I became distracted by the time here. How long did the wife search before waking her husband? It is several hours between --early--and --mid morning-
Though this is not important to the story at all, it is brought up, and it seems to be a discrepancy which pulled me from the story.


“They usually know that obedience and good behavior is the key to being taken in by a family. As I mentioned earlier, we perform an adequate amount of training to bring them up to our standard.

This area also gives the ending away. But, it causes horror to the reader when they realize the implications.


headed back out to the country, a place where grief was still possible.

This repeat from the beginning seems to have a different definition here. The wording tells me grief may be welcomed, and that worries me. I want to know what they do to feel it.

The species of man and wife (all people) are not mentioned, and that leaves a big hole in the understanding of the story.

The feelings between the man and wife are described and shown well. They care about each other.

The setting of the kennel is good and clear. I can see the clean, modern look of the lobby, and hear the clanging as they are walking the hall. You're very good with these descriptions.

I enjoyed the story and believe the potential is there to raise the tensions and horror of the readers, but needs a little more detail. I like your imagination, this is a good theme to work on.


Rated average with work needed.



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300
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Review by esprit
Rated: 13+ | N/A (Unratable.)
Hello, C Moore

I found your request for serious feedback on "Please Review

I liked this, as a beginning writer, you sure know how to maneuver the twist at the end. Good job! *Delight*

The main issue I found is missing words and extra words. This might be due to editing and revising, so a good slow read through should help you find them. I listed some, but not all.

Sometimes even now, I just wanted to cried. I was just too

--cry--


I was just too

I noticed this word was used a lot. I suggest going through and cut all that you can. Sometimes you'll need it, but most of the time the line reads fine without it.


all the while battling for some kind advantage over the all those young thangs,

A missing word after --kind--of--advantage.
An extra word--the--
Is --things--spelled like this for a touch of dialect humor? It works.


Logic told me that, but emotionally was another thing all the together. --Extra word to be taken out.

I was with David it gives your a Richter 10 shock to find out

I believe this should be --you--


to find out that the last dozen have all been lies.

The word --years--needs to be here somewhere.


The late nights, the secret calls, and the all those out of town meetings. --An extra word to be cut out.

You can't expect others to forgive you and move one, which by the way most have, Typo of --on--

He knew since he had listen to me rehash everything

--listened--


Releasing me from his protect grip Kevin

--protective--


I like the twist at the end, you hid it very well. The story is good and emotional. The scene is described well, I could imagine I was standing there, listening and watching. Good job!

I suggest you read the lines slowly, word by word so you can catch missing or extra words. Sometimes writers know what they meant to say and don't notice they didn't actually say it. That's why readers are so useful. *Delight*

Well done, and keep practicing - it get's easier.




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