Reviews from

The Honor of FanStory Reviewing

Thoughts and tips from a FS reviewer.

22 total reviews 
Comment from Mustang Patty
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi, Sally,

Thank you for offering such sage advice about the reviewing process and how it should be approached.

I love reading and reviewing and there are the occasions when I go through and do a line by line edit because I hope it will help the person learn about grammar and the proper use of the written word - not to be mean - but to teach and explain.

I'm not sure if I already told you - Some of us are trying to get together a Prose Posse by fanning any other prose writers we come across while reviewing. We want to get our prose read because we are in danger of disappearing from the site as most people will read poetry for the 'quick funny money,' and ignore the work we post.

Feel free to join us and fan any other prose writer you come across and extend this same invite to them,

~Mustang Patty~

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
    Thank you so much for the excellent review and insight. I appreciate that information about the prose posse. I actually have a ton of prose writers already fanned, way more than poetry. Poetry is the easier read. I have encouraged my prose writers to cut back their length because of our readers impatience. A longer read requires it. I am so glad to see this happening and I will be sure to keep encouraging this here at FanStory.
    All my best,
    Sal
Comment from Teresa Alford
Excellent
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Thanks for your post. As a newbie, I find this information extremely helpful. I am going to cut and paste it elsewhere to have as a handy guide for critiquing. TA. ";-)

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
    Thank you for the excellent review and insightful comments. You can also ?bookcase?:this (and any article) and retrieve it for review. I do that religiously. Also, fan writers you like and want to get to know better.
    All my best,
    Sal
reply by Teresa Alford on 17-Jan-2019
    I didn't know about the bookcase. Good suggestion! TA ";~)
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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This is wonderful advice to all Fanstory readers Sally, your warm hearted words are welcomed. Your Mother gave you some good advice! I hope everyone reads this work, a great tribute to all reviewers old and new, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
    Thank you for the excellent review and insight. I appreciate your encouragement and wise words, too. I hope many do read this because it is needed. I hope you saw your name in the than yours. I am very appreciative of you, dear Dolly.
    All my best,
    Sal :+)
Comment from country ranch writer
Excellent
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Good advice is always welcome here. Nice work up for thins a I find it very informative and all can learn from reading this. Great job and keep up the good work.

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2019
    Thank you so much for the excellent review and kind words. Your encouragement is so appreciated. I am so glad that my article was helpful. All my best, Sally
reply by country ranch writer on 16-Jan-2019
    Smiles
Comment from LovnPeace
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

something nice to say, keep you(r)
This posting was very helpful. I have been a member of this site since 2003. I only recently returned after an almost two year absence, I have learned so much here. I try to give good reviews. I am not a very skilled writer, but writing is so important in my life. I do the best I can. Though I will never be at a professional level, it is ok. I am so thrilled that my muse is active again. It is a Blessing. I have been graced with your help and I thank you for it. I have applied your suggestions I think. Many of the above reviewers, review my writing, some regularly now. I am honored. Blessings, Barbara

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2019
    Thank you so much for the excellent review and encouragement, dear Barbara. I write as a hobby, too. I do it as a ministry and to encourage other, maybe make them laugh a bit. I stay best with as it is a gift right now with declining eyesight. I don?t like to waste a day. I value each and every day. If you enjoy what you do, you already are a success.
    All my best,
    Sally
reply by LovnPeace on 16-Jan-2019
    LMTA We are sisters in spirit I believe. Blessings. ps: I am happy are signing your name Sally now. Fits you better I think, :)
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
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Your mother's words are true and probably spoken by all mothers many times, Sally. I know I heard the same growing up. Your essay is well thought out. The organization is great. Thank you for including me in your list of those reviewers. It means a lot to me. I enjoyed reading this post. You gave readers some excellent advice. I really like, and agree, with that of writers posting work before they give reviews that are not up to par. I believe that is important, too. Without writing of their own posted, their 'review' holds little credence. Your post is factual and non-judgmental. Thank you for sharing and caring. Jan

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2019
    Thank you so much, dear Jan. You really are dear to me. I appreciate all you have done to help me. I am inspired by your fine poetry.
    All my best,
    Sal :-)
reply by Jannypan (Jan) on 16-Jan-2019
    WOW! I'm blown away by your praise. What awesome comments. THANK YOU! Jan
Comment from patcelaw
Excellent
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To me getting a reviewing vote means more to me that a six star vote. You are so right that being named the review of the month is quite an honor. Blessings Patricia

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2019
    Thank you so much for the kind review and comments. It is always so good to hear from a sister in Christ! I agree, a kind word and encouragement means the most.
    All my best,
    Sal
Comment from rwilliam
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

YES! YES! YES! BRAVO! Thank you for sharing this. SO important to remind us all and new comers.

When I started a writing course I had two teachers .First one was to 'hard' for me and I nearly quit. The second teacher was THE BEST! She taught me by her example. Say something positive, the critique 9 with example of what you're saying) and then end with a positive. This helped me to develop a thick skin and realize she was trying to help me be a better writer and not hurtful or mean.

I, personally, rate my reviews on story. As a writer MOST of us are not great at the punctuation, etc. That's why we have editors. But if the story is really good, that is what I critique on. I won't take away a star for punctuation but can give advice or take them for sure.

Thank you, Sally. I LOVE FS it has helped me so much.

P.S. Thank you for the mention, I am HONORED.

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2019
    Thank you so much for the superb review and encouragement. I put your name on on the list because I meant it.I I have been blessed by you. I truly mean that from my heart. You were one of my very first reviewers . You are a dear one.
    All my best,
    Sal
reply by rwilliam on 21-Jan-2019
    Aww thanks, Sally.
Comment from Donka Kristeva
Excellent
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I was pleased to find this non-fiction work written by you, Sally. I almost always review poetry but the title of your work attracted me. It is written with great clarity, desire to help( I can sense your motive) and professionalism. I forgot that you write extensively. As a Christian, you are a "living stone" we build the temple of the living God! I hope this will be read by many, especially new on the site. (by the way I am still very unfamiliar with the Advanced Edition) Trial and error so far are my teachers. God bless.

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2019
    Thank you so much for the excellent review and kindest of comments. I had you on my thank you reviews list. I hope you saw your name! I am so grateful for your constant encouragement in my writing. You mean so much to me!
    Love,
    Sal
reply by Donka Kristeva on 16-Jan-2019
    Yes, Sally, I saw my name and thank you. When you have the chance read my latest, "Pilgrim" I look forward to your review. The Body of Christ needs to be nourished and your reviews are food for my spirit.
    Blessings, Donka
reply by Donka Kristeva on 17-Jan-2019
    Hello Sally, I sent you two notes asking about your rating of 4 stars for "Pilgrim" If it was a mistake can you kindly correct it? If it was not please let me know what was missing. Thank you, Blessings, Donka
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
    Yes, my eyesight is in decline and I messed up. I will fix it right now. Please forgive me? Sal
reply by Donka Kristeva on 17-Jan-2019
    That ok, Sally. It is corrected.
Comment from Miss Sherry
Excellent
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This is excellent advice. Reviewing is a responsibility and not just a way to get dollars. I personally want honest, frank reviews, for that is the way I learn and catch mistakes. I really appreciate reviewers who catch my goofs. No one knows everything and I want to learn. You have presented a fine piece here that can help every one of us. Thank you for taking the time to write this and the courage to post it!!

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2019
    Thank you so much for your kind review and encouragement. I appreciate you so much! I am so glad to hear your willingness to grow, that says a lot about the person you are.
    All my best,
    Sally