Reviews from

The Unpredictable Cycles of Life

Unexpected changes.

59 total reviews 
Comment from Pangalactic
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I know you don't need any more reviews off this beauty but I just had to say - what a fun read this was.
I was really rooting for the guy to have some fun fun naked times with the fox, and when she betrayed our protagonist I wished her dead - and then voila :)

 Comment Written 07-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 07-Feb-2022
    Thank you, Pewterpan, for your extra-special six-star review and kind words. I'm glad you like the story. And agree with me that, the lonely, betrayed, old man should have gotten even. LOL. It's reviews like yours that keep me writing and trying to get better. Much appreciated!
Comment from Yardier
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Double exceptional my friend. What a sleeper you are! There's a hint of Hjortsberg's Falling Angel in-between the lines. Keep up this exceptional piece. It goes well with a good cigar, Texas whiskey and a Georgia rain storm. Yard.

 Comment Written 07-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 07-Feb-2022
    Thank you so much, Yard, for your extra-special six-star review and kind words. I'd been waiting anxiously for your opinion. Now, like you, a good cigar, and a glass chocked full of whisky will fit nicely. Maybe another glass, this one is almost empty. Georgia rain storms put me to sleep; especially, on tin roofs. LOL. It's always an extra reward when those I read and enjoy daily like what I offer up. I appreciate YOU, and your stories! Ric
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This story is well crafted.

Much deserving of this award as Story of the Month.

My pittence 6 star rating is the best I can say about it.

"Tongues dangling like neckties". What an awesome illusion!

 Comment Written 07-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 07-Feb-2022
    Thank you so much, Brett Matthew, for your extra-special six-star review and kinds words. As someone who has helped me along the way with your suggestions and the opportunity to learn from your writing examples, I have been anxiously excited to get your opinion. I'm happy you like it. I appreciate YOU!
Comment from John Ciarmello
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Proprio una bella storia! I enjoyed this perfect storm of rejections, rebounds and goddesses. I can't help but wonder if her death was related to your peeps. lo aveno in arrivo! Loved this!

 Comment Written 07-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 07-Feb-2022
    Thank you so much, John, for your kind words, generous review, and wonderful sense of humor. I'm glad you like my story, and I appreciate you for taking time to read it, along with your outstanding and entertaining review! Much appreciated!
Comment from SimianSavant
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Holy cow, a double surprise ending. This is a fantastic read, well deserving of the win. I don't know my Italian that well but you seem to. The lack of a violence disclaimer can and should be overlooked as it would spoil the story. Let's see how many complain.

"Good, another trait we have in common. Current statistics show three out of four oenophiles choose reds. "So, may I order for us?" <= double open quote; I am guessing you meant to have a closed quote after "common"?

Oh btw, it looks like you are using the advanced editor but your ellipses are spaced out so I assume that was deliberate? Born of habit using the standard editor?

Thanks for a great, memorable read,


 Comment Written 07-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 07-Feb-2022
    Thank you so much, Harambe For President, for the extra-special six-star review and kind words. Also, for pointing out my mistake that, you are the first person to notice. I didn't want a quote after common, but there shouldn't have been one before "so" either. LOL. As for the spaced ellipses, that are incorrect, I do that by choice. I just think it looks better, right or wrong. I'm an independent old cuss who thinks all rules are made to be broken, if it suits me. I don't know how our paths haven't crossed before now, but I'll sure be looking to read some of your posts in the future. And if you ever run for anything, I'd have to vote for you. Much appreciated!
reply by SimianSavant on 07-Feb-2022
    It's a totally legitimate stylistic decision. The only downside with the spaced out ellipses is that they can wrap across a line on word wrap, which can be confusing. And one doesn't know where that wrap might occur, due to variations across device sizes, orientation and browser rendering. There is a trick -- you can put non-breaking spaces in your ellipsis between the dots, to make the entire block wrap with the word preceding the ellipsis. But you have to do it in the basic editor. It would look like this:

    She jumped off the cliff, waving goodbye to life&nbsp;.&nbsp;.&nbsp;.

    Which would render like this:

    She jumped off the cliff, waving goodbye to life . . .

    You might not be able to tell but these are wrap-proof, un-splittable ellipsis. It's a big pain in the ass to do though, especially if you are used to the advanced editor.

    Yeah your writing would be GREAT in the family contests that Jan runs. I recently did a Star Wars series there where each entry prompted a change in the rules to thwart the next entry. It was great. Thank you for your support! I will be starting up soon at HarambeForPresident.com
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2022
    Thanks for the tip. I'll have to fool around with it. But once an aggressive young man with excessive energy, I'm now I'm become a lazy old man who usually takes the easiest way out. LOL. I appreciate YOU!
Comment from Barry Penfold
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Loved the story. Almost like life , in fact it is a lot about life in a mans world. Trust you are ok and living again. Well done. Very enjoyable.
Take care.

 Comment Written 07-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 07-Feb-2022
    Thank you so much, Barry, for your kind words and generous review. Yes, sometimes, fiction imitates real life, and other times, portions of real life are disguised as fiction. Then, the reader is left wondering and trying to figure out which one is true. LOL. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story. Much appreciated!
Comment from Contests

Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for the recognition this post has received from the FanStory community. While this was not a Contest Committee decision, the committee recognizes this achievement with a seven star review.

 Comment Written 07-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 07-Feb-2022
    Wow, I'm honored. Thanks so much!
Comment from justafan
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Brilliant as knew it would be!
You have such flair in your work that readers just fall face first into the scene! Not everyone can accomplish that.

Again BRAVO

Always
Justafan of yours
Missy

 Comment Written 05-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 05-Feb-2022
    Thank you so much, Missy, my dear, for your extra-special six-star review and kind words. I've missed seeing you around and it is a pleasant surprise that you popped in today. I'm glad you enjoyed a little more of my foolishness . . . or twisted fiction to hide the truth. LOL. I hope all is well in your world and you'll be around more often. I appreciate YOU!
Comment from Annmuma
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

more than worth my time! Great writing and, if you don't win, I'll be surprised and it won't be for lack of my vote. I was immediately caught up in your story with the first words and hung in there for the last ones. The whole concept reminded me of a '48 Hours' episode on TV. Again, congrats on making the short list and, I believe, on the win.

ann

 Comment Written 04-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 04-Feb-2022
    Thank you so much, Ann, for your kind and generous review. Also, thanks for your vote. It's nice to know what I'll at least have one. LOL. I'm glad you like my concept. I like to add in lots of subtleties pertaining to theme. In this one, I take the brokenhearted old man who falls prey to an obvious hustler, but decided he's been hurt enough. LOL. I can't than you enough for your vote and the encouraging review! Much appreciated!
Comment from amahra
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This was very well written, Ric--full of descriptive wording that provoked images--especially of the luscious woman he met. It reminded me of 1940s black and white movies starring Veronica Lake.

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 03-Feb-2022
    Thank you so much, Amahra, for your extra-special six-star review and kind words. There is nothing you could have said that would have made me happier than the sentence about Veronica Lake and the 1940s movies. The older good verses evil detective-type movies. This one without the detective. LOL. Your encouraging review is greatly appreciated!