Reviews from

Paranormal Adventures

Viewing comments for Chapter 2 "Bellingham Manor"
Case Studies of Hauntings

75 total reviews 
Comment from boxergirl
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Interesting continuation of your story line. The vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue kept me engaged from start to finish. I could feel the foreshadowing of dark things to come. Well done! 8-)

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Thanks so very much, BG. I'm glad you're 'on board'. I always enjoy your unique insights. :) Bev
Comment from Muffins
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Each character's personality and quirks are slowly being unpeeled. This allow the reader a better understand of their thoughts and actions.

The details of the murders pull at the reader's horror for the suffering of the victims, especially the unborn child. The silence from the investigators more than likely matched the reader's reaction. Another great chapter.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Thanks, Muffins. I sure appreciate this grand review. This is a chapter that I ended up changing quite a bit from the original, though the basic story is the same. So glad you're interested in following along! :) Bev
reply by Muffins on 08-Sep-2014
    I saw the new chapter and read it. It still was amazing.
reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Thanks for that, Muffins. I'm really honored by your encouragement! :) Bev
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I enjoyed your revived post, it also fills in a few blanks from the previous chapter I read that you wrote and posted a short while ago! This is well written, a well designed work, the detail is good, the characters well presented and believable, the plot is absorbing and readable, I enjoyed it! Blessings, Roy.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Hi, Roy. Thank you so much for this very encouraging review! I did make quite a few changes in the re-vamp. It's always interesting to look back on earlier works and see the growth. I really appreciate your interest and support! :) Bev
Comment from lindalcreel
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I can't wait until they actually get inside the mansion and discover what's been driving all the other visitors away. The caretaker is a funny guy. I'll bet he's hiding some secrets too. I wonder if he knows where Edward is, or why he doesn't want anyone investigating anything. Great chapter. I'm hooked.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Hi, Lindal. What a gracious and generous review! Thank you so very much. Lots of thrills (I hope) ahead. So appreciate your support. :) Bev
reply by lindalcreel on 08-Sep-2014
    My pleasure. You know I love paranormal. LOL
reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Yes, I did get that feeling LoL.xx
reply by lindalcreel on 08-Sep-2014
    :) Linda
Comment from Cumbrianlass
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I LOVE Mia's visions. Love her character. Brilliant.

Well, you're building suspense beautifully. Can't wait for the activity to start. Jenkins Porter is perfect as the creepy caretaker. Love the touch with the big dog, too.

Good balanced investigative team - the characters complement each other.

A couple of very minor things:

"In the interest of saving time, why don't I review the file during our drive to Nobleboro(?)"

Mia would(n't) rest

Excellent, Bev.

My only other observation is regarding POV. Right now, it reads as omniscient - which is totally fine - but I thought I'd check to see if that's intended? Just checking! I know I didn't understand the whole POV thing when I first posted on FS, and given that this story is from three years back, I wondered...

Love Av



 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Hi, Av. Thanks for the super review. I've learned a little about POV, but it still eludes me at times. I was trying to keep Mike's voice as primary, hoping to establish him as the main speaker in this chapter and through some of his internal dialogue. Do you have any other ideas? I'd much appreciate them.
    Thanks again for your encouragement and support, Av. Big Hug, Bev
reply by Cumbrianlass on 08-Sep-2014
    My comment was prompted by Mia's arrival part way through the first part of the post. You shared her thoughts with me, so the POV shifted.

    What I do to keep the POV uniform - I decide beforehand who is going to be 'seeing' the events as the chapter unfolds.I usually decide that by figuring out whose POV will have the most impact on the circumstances. Then I literally put myself in that character's head and tell the story (3rd person) through his or her eyes. In effect, their eyes become my windshield, and I steer the chapter while looking through that windshield. That way, I don't inadvertently put in another character's thoughts or point of view, since I'm not 'in' their heads. It's not infallible, but it sure helps to keep me straight for the most part.

    Hope this helps.

    Love Av
reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Great, Av. Yes, that's very helpful that you pointed out the specific section. I'm going in now to see how to clarify that. Also, I'm seeing that what you're saying is that each chapter can have it's own POV, which is not something I really was getting. I really appreciate your help! Hugs, Bev
reply by Cumbrianlass on 08-Sep-2014
    Glad to help. You can change POV mid-chapter too, if you like. Usually it's denoted by a couple of extra hard returns, or a series of dashes or asterisks. Gives the reader a heads up.
reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Wow, thanks so much. You've just opened a whole new world for me, Av, LoL. I've been a little uptight about the POV business as it's one that I keep struggling with. :) Bev
Comment from Adri7enne
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

"With the mention of a murdered child, Mia WOULD'NT rest until ...WOULDN'T.

I really enjoyed how you made every personality distinct. I can see the story developing on two fronts - back to the actual events and in the present, with the paranormal activities. I'm a big skeptic, but I'm willing to suspend disbelief for a good story. You've got a nice turn of phrase, Bev. I like your characters. I was right. Bright, young people!

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Hi, Adrienne. Thanks for your grand review! I'm glad that my characters are starting to show more of their personalities. I have a special place in my heart for Emma - named her after my very bright niece. Thanks, too, for noting that errant apostrophe! I appreciate it. :) Bev
reply by Adri7enne on 08-Sep-2014
    Nice, Bev! My little caterpillar character, Vive, is named after a friend's little girl, Genevieve, and they call her Vive. I love using real people as a basis for some of my characters. Harvey, the 'cool dude' is fashioned on another old friend, with a bit of a 'beat' personality. I picture his reactions in the way Harvey reacts to situations. Fun!

    You're turning into a really smooth writer, Bev. You must have done a lot of revisions to bring it up to your present smooth style. Or, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, it was in you all along!!!
reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Oh, I worked my tail off to get the second chapter into shape. My main issue is the darned POV. As Av so rightly pointed out, I had switched it. This novel is a bit more of a challenge because I want to keep all the characters involved and give insights into why they do what they do. I trust you and she will keep me on track!

    Thanks for the compliment, Adrienne. I'm honored, especially coming from you. It does help when you have a passion for something as you do for your wonderful story.

    :) Bev
Comment from Green Lake Girl
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I'm already feeling fearful for our MAPT crew, especially Mia. Additionally, Jenkins is someone to keep a close eye on. All in all a dangerous, but exciting assignment. You know how to pull your readers in, Bev. Great story; it's all I can do to keep from leaping ahead and read "future" chapters!

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Hi, Marietta. Thank you so much for this really generous and encouraging review. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! And I do appreciate your waiting for the re-posts. As I did with this chapter, I'm extensively re-editing and may change some of the story's dynamics. You made my morning, my friend.

    :) Bev
Comment from Aussie
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Your coffee drinking habits amuse me; cups like soup bowls and brewed coffee all day! Here, we have the occasional brewed, mostly we drink instant. I don't know why I didn't get chapt. one of your story. I will now try to catch up. I have experienced a dramatic - freezing drop in temps. also bad smells and sometimes the good things that I associate with family e.g. smells like potatoes cooking = Dad! I enjoyed your interesting story and look forward to more chapters. Be patient cause I am slow. I must have read this, have added to it today.

Great watercolour illustration. What is a Keurig? The coldness of Mia's room represented evil? "in a manner suggesting the killer had posed the bodies?" An infant ghost? Must be Chucky! Yes, in a weakened state, no one should take on psychic work. I love your Ghost Busters writing, you either have a deep interest in the paranormal and, or you are psychic (like me) well done mate.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Thanks so much, Kay. You make a good point, in that smells can be pleasant when the presence is one that is there to comfort - such as your Dad. Glad you're along for the 'ride'. Hugs, Bev
Comment from mikemagine
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Quite a chiller! Very believable. I pay credence to supernatural events, and this draws no skepticism from me. I know it's supernatural fiction, but it could very well have happened. This is a fully developed chapter, testifying to your talents and skills!

Keep writing!

Mike

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Hi, Mike. Thank you so very much for this delightful review! I'm honored by your words and encouragement and support. Much appreciated! :) Bev
reply by mikemagine on 08-Sep-2014
    Glad to, Bev!!
Comment from misscookie
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I have no more stars to give,
you captured my attention from the first line to the last.
There was not a dull moment. Which kept my interest.
Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014
    Hi, misscookie. Thanks much for your very encouraging review. I really appreciate your taking time to read.

    :) Bev
reply by misscookie on 08-Sep-2014
    You're very welcome. take care.
    Cookie