Reviews from

The Power of the Written Word

How to appeal to a writer

68 total reviews 
Comment from Gail Denham
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Yes- that's what makes good writing. Powerful right-on poem. Certain writers put words on paper so powerful, so meaningful. There are some books I cannot put down until I finish the last line and then I don't want the book to end. Authors such as Catherine Cookson, James Lee Burke and others. Just as a child prodigy plays the piano at 6, it seems some writers quickly write well.
Your poem was very good.

 Comment Written 27-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    It's one of those It's-Either-In-There-Or-It's-Not kinds of talents. Thanks for this thought-provoking review.
Comment from RGstar
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I like this. Strong in delivery. I looked at the sentiment here, and read over and over...and thought...what is it that I can't put my finger on...then realized. I might have gone for heart, instead of 'veins'

Smouldering could be said has a close connection to veins...because of fire, but bonfires and hearts, I think are unbreakable. Just an opinion , but I like it.
Good luck with it.
My best wishes.
RGstar

 Comment Written 27-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    It's so funny that you mention this, RG, because I honest-to-gawd DID have "heart" in my first draft. But that just felt so cliché. So that's why I chose veins, and I like it more because it seems like your veins can reach more and further with their fire.
reply by RGstar on 28-Mar-2019
    whatever you choose autor, it is suffice and more than worthy.
    #Good luck...I like it.
Comment from victor 66
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I'm quite sure your poem isn't about me. If I've had that affect on someone, I would be a published poet. Your poem does deal with fire and your syllable count is right on. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 27-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    Now, don't be making such assumptions! Maybe with enough fans like me you WILL be published soon!! :) Thanks for the darling review. I love it.
reply by victor 66 on 28-Mar-2019
    The older I get, the less interest I have in being published. I just like having banter and interaction on FS with my friends, and that's enough. Take care, my friend,
Comment from HealingMuse
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Contest Author,

Oooooh, this is a "steamy" poem. Ha ha! A great write, with an effective visual presentation, and a super contest entry. Nothing amiss here for me to suggest you consider improving upon Good luck and thanks for sharing. Jan :-)

 Comment Written 27-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    Thank you, too. Definitely "sparks" all over the place here!! Thanks for noticing, Jan.
reply by HealingMuse on 27-Mar-2019
    My pleasure. :-)
Comment from Dawn Munro
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Ohhhhhh! I love this tiny but powerful poem. In fact, it's got to be one of the best of this format I've read. (I very often will say that I think a poem has a good chance in the booth, but in this case I'm compelled to go all out and say I will be VERY surprised if this is not the winner!) The presentation, too, is exceptional. I have no sixes left, and usually save them for larger/longer pieces, but if I had one, I would rate this as it deserves!

 Comment Written 27-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    WOW!!! Thank you very much!! From the #1 writer on the site??!! I might not stop smiling for the rest of the week...and it's only Wednesday!
Comment from Joy Graham
Excellent
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Hello Mystery Writer,

I was just looking at this contest before I found your post. My mind was drawing up a whole lot of nothing on the fire theme. I think you have a terrific contest entry. You nailed the theme. Your syllables are all correct. I see nothing that needs changing or improving. Your message is well done. Best wishes in the contest.

Joy xx

 Comment Written 27-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    Thank you, Joy. This review (you'll forgive me) warmed me right up. I always appreciate your feedback. (Also, if you look at the "fire" images on Unsplash, maybe that will, um, fuel your creative juices so you can enter this contest, too.
Comment from papa55mike
Excellent
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Well, that would put bonfires in my veins if someone said that about anything I wrote. This is very well-written and I love the picture. I wish I had a 6 for you.

Good luck in the contest!
Have a great day and God bless.
mike

 Comment Written 27-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    Your warm and gracious words in this review more than take the place of a six, Mike. They may even qualify as having put a bonfire in my veins!
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very well-written 5-7-5 poem about the impact of a writer's words on our souls and hearts can either be the most uplifting words that help you on to new heights or take you down to the deepest dungeons.

 Comment Written 27-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    Or rile you up into proving them wrong! Inspiration comes in all KINDS of forms!
    Thank you for this UPLIFTING review, which I appreciate with all my heart.
Comment from Miss Sherry
Excellent
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This is so perfect. Some things we read are just a balm for our soul and grace to our heart. I wish you the best of luck in the contest. This is a great entry!

 Comment Written 27-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    Thank you, Miss Sherry! I appreciate these kinds words very much - very powerful!!
reply by Miss Sherry on 27-Mar-2019
    Good luck!! Blessings
Comment from Pam (respa)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

-Very nice image and presentation.
-The syllable count is good.
-I like your topic, too.
-Effective use of one
continuous thought.
-The imagery is good
with "smoldering" and
the comparison in the last line.
-It is an excellent one with
the use of "bonfires."
-Now, that is smoldering!
-Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 27-Mar-2019


reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    It's funny you say that, because another reviewer just told me the same thing. (I had it given it WAY too much thought this morning as I composed it.) Finally, I did what we all do: Googled it, and here is what I was told: "The word fire can be pronounced with one syllable or two. Shelly asks if fire is one syllable or two because her students are using the word in haiku. Our Pronunciation Editor, Josh Guenter, responds: "The word fire can be pronounced with either one or two syllables."

    So, in this case, I'm going with two.

    It's like the word 'ruined,' which, when my husband pronounces it, sounds like "rooned,' whereas when I say it, it sounds like roo-inned. English! Even for us native-speakers it's a never-ending conundrum.

    Thanks for the review, Pam, and for the heads-up. I always appreciate it when reviewers have my back like that.
reply by Pam (respa) on 27-Mar-2019
    You are very welcome, and thanks for sharing. Our language does not make sense a lot of times. I go by syllables in the word. However, accents and dialects, and many other things impact on our words just to make sure it stays confusing!
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    Very true. The other reviewer I mentioned suggested I use "bonfires," and I love that idea. (Especially since I'm not a risk-taker. And what if the CEC says there's only one syllable in 'fire.' ) So, thank you, once again, Pam.
reply by Pam (respa) on 27-Mar-2019
    You are very welcome. It was a great suggestion. I revised your review to reflect the change. I think you changed the picture, too. I think it was smart to think about what the committee would say, but they do give you time to fix it if it is a member sponsored contest.
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2019
    Thanks. I appreciate this very much. And now I've changed the picture back again, on advice of someone whose opinion I respect immensely.
reply by Pam (respa) on 28-Mar-2019
    You are very welcome. Both were good, but it is what you are happy with.
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2019
    Yes -'cause when Mama ain't happy...
reply by Pam (respa) on 28-Mar-2019
    🙂