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Wars.
Wars.

by Lynne in Dramatic Poetry
Young Writers Society Forum Index » Fantasy Fiction

This thread was created on March 9, 2007
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:11 am    Post subject: Chasing Rainbows Chapter 1 Reply with quote

The enclosure reverberated with noise, lights shone from glittering lamps and various perfumes and other bodily smells emanated off the people. Slowly the noise subsided as there eyes turned towards the middle to see a middle-aged man walking out dressed entirely in red, a inky black hat balancing proudly on his head - the rim shielding his right eye; a long bright light following his movement all the way to the centre. Once the noises halted, he spoke.

“Ladies and gentlemen... now the moment you’ve all been waiting for,” the man’s voice boomed, “the most popular act of the night featuring son and daughter of the world renowned acrobats Antio and Melissa. The brother and sister duo Alexzander and Sierra, will perform their parents’ signature feat ‘Blind Luck’!”

The spectators broke out in a frenzy of applause.

The man again waited until all were quiet, “Tonight we’ll see if Alexzander and Sierra will succeed where their parents failed? Or will they fall short ending their successful career in a night?” While he spoke, he took a sideward glance at Antio, smirking malevolently.

The spectator let out sounds of amazement comprised of ooooh’s and aaaaah’s, their eyes full of wonder and hungering for entertainment.

Alexzander heard nothing as he bowed several times and smiled, arrogantly rolling his eyes, down at the peasants who wouldn’t dare try this. Though they still watched others agog, as they performed what they considered impossible; during these times it was understandable that they begged to be entertained, though on no account was this worth the extra salary he got to keep moral alive during times of war. Still, no doubt many of them had lost someone in this god-awful conflict which everyone but the religious authority and government of Loka’saw wanted to end. It had been going for twenty long years.

He knew that they all loved him; it made him feel amazing, exhilarated a god among men. He gave them what they asked for and scarcely failed in any of his feats. His family was known all through the continent of Loka’saw, him especially. Before he leapt from his position of the tall wooden pillar, he looked around the sea of faces in the crowded ring, responding to the cheering by giving a final wave; arrogant as it was.

It was the most daring thing he had ever done. He felt like at this point nothing could stop him. He was invulnerable and he wouldn’t make the same mistake his father had. Alexzander Yeasa’s career would flourish and burn everlastingly!

His sister, Sierra, stood on a smaller pillar grinning intently at him, she was a few years older than him, long blond hair elegantly decorated her face, which she always kept loose; for she had expressed to him many times that she loved feeling of hair flying as she fell. It glistened in the blinding lights of the circus, making it appear heavenly golden. Her thick, eyelashes made her azure eyes stand out on her powdery white face. Her lips were decorated with crimson lipstick, which shimmered gracefully on her fragile youthful face. She wore silver bracelets up to her elbows so they would catch the light as she sailed through the air. All this was to make her appear more angelic than the other performers of the circus.

Alexzander smiled to him self because even when she wasn’t in her costume she still looked liked an acrobatic angel. Many of the men and adolescent boys had tried vainly to flirt and gain his sister love, but she politely refused. After she’d told him that she just wasn’t ready. She looked slightly nervous her feet shifting about. But she was ready as she looked at him again. Her face was resolute.

Their mum and dad called out encouraging words from below. He closed his eyes, grinning from ear to ear as he jumped from the platform supported by tall wooden column coloured red and blue. On the opposite side was his sister on a shorter column. His sister's job was to catch him at the last minute.

They were finally considered skilled enough to try this. He felt, not scared in the least as he could feel the wind rushing through his whole body, then he was aware of his sister grasp his hands and throw him on to platform she’d been on. Her nervousness showing as her hand was drenched with sweat.

Sierra continued.

She climbed on the trapeze, and then while it still moved, she leapt backwards on to the higher column, her beautiful long blond hair flying free.

She landed on the taller column and sighed in relief. But now it was time for her the finale. Leaping she caught with her legs and looped them round the stool; then she raised two fingers to her lips and gave a shrill whistle. Alex leapt off backwards. Still holding on with her legs she caught him with both arms and with almighty strength she threw him into the air. He landed on the stool. She whistled again and he vaulted back to his own column with his eyes still closed.

Sierra swung a few more times on trapeze performing various stunts on her own; then leapt back on to her column.

Alexzander opened his eyes as the crowd erupted into joyful applause, the bright fluorescents lights dazzling him briefly as he strained to see. He turned round and saw Sierra on his pillar smiling and blowing kisses to all her admirers. The look of nervousness she had originally vanished, there had been no reason for her to be nervous anyway. He winked at her grinning and bowed, embracing the admiration. He took one last bow as the applause continued then began his descent down the ladder.

Sierra blew a few more kisses and followed him down shortly after.

Before his foot even touched the dirt floor, his mum swept him up in a tight embrace.

“Well done! Oh, well done! You were so amazing up there, your father and I --” Her voice faded and she stopped the embrace, Alexzander could hear no more under the ovation of the crowd. His tarry hair fell to his sure - but calculating green eyes. His tall stature made him stand out as he gazed at all those who seemed to worship him. He waved his lengthy arms at them before placing them on one of the pillars. Signs of a moustache were visible under his nose. His long fingers danced on the wooden pole, chipping some paint off. His dad came towards them, grinning.

“Well done, both you and Sierra performed the act perfectly!” their father said heartily, “You amazed me tonight, both of you!"

Sierra came up from behind, smiling, and walked over to Alexzander, pulling him away from their parent.

"I admit, Alexzander, I was scared and worried." Sierra began clearly flustered but also excited "Weren’t you worried? Even though it felt amazing, I still worried," Sierra asked as she looked into his sharp eyes.

“Sierra, we are worshipped like gods; why should we fear? We were born to last.”

“Even if we were lucky tonight, doesn’t mean we will be lucky forever. Sometimes I worry that our luck will run out.”

“Never fear,” Alexzander said cockily, “People, like ourselves don’t burn out like fireworks; we are fiery stars.”

“It’s not me I’m worried about, it’s you! Just be careful,” Sierra continued, “I’d rather you were a little careful than be shot into the dust because you attempted to reach too high.”

“When have I ever shot too high?! You’ve nothing to fear. I’ll be careful,” Alexzander said calmly, holding back laughter of disbelief. Why was his sister worried about him falling when he was the indefinite shooting star?

Before Sierra walked away she added, “Don’t shoot too high my brother! Eventually shooting stars burn out.”

“I’ll be fine!” How dare she, how dare she - accuses me of shooting too high. I’ll last, the strong and fearless last, the weak and puny fall. My dear, dear sister it shall be you who doesn’t last. Not I.

Sierra looked back, opening her mouth slightly as if she were going to add something but when she saw his livid expression she turned back round and continued to walk.

Now severely irritated, he left the big top also heading for his trailer

After all the guests had left and the older staff began to sweep up the messes left behind, the owner of the circus strode over to Alexzander’s parents.

“Well done my Soaring Yeasa’s! Antio, Melissa, your children have phenomenal talent and skill. They could really go places.” Chuckled the man in the dazzling red costume. In his hand he held a whip and his sleek, black top hat.

Antio took a step closer; his posture growing tense, saying, "No, no. I’ve told you before Jared I’m not interested in any such deal or undertaking with you! I may be handicap, but I know you’ve other such business Jared Lyons and I wouldn’t trust you with anything as special to me as our only son and daughter! We are family; we shall stay a family and always be a family!”

Melissa nodded in agreement her eyes full of intense hatred, “Jared Lyons, just be glad we can’t find work else where. For I’d rather I was far away from you with my family.”

“But Antio your children can really go far! They could leave and earn more money elsewhere!” added the ring master who bobbed his head in agreement to his own statement.

“No Jared you just don’t get it, do you? They’re staying here and don’t think I don’t know you’re various connections. You can’t have Sierra or Alexzander. Grow up; you call yourself a man, the girl only nineteen! She’s not yours to have.

“Very well, but remember, I started you off and could very well end your career," he sneered, "or should I say ‘family business’ like this--” With that he took the whip in his hand and cracked it on the ground, laughing at his clever example. Antio made a fist but his wife quickly grabbed his arm, preventing him from striking the man’s nose. The man stopped laughing when he saw the fist and, waving his finger to and fro, said, “Now, now, now, Antio you should try to control your temper especially as you wouldn’t last very long in a fight. Oh did you forget the little problem of walking? Too bad! Now get out my sight, Before I send your whole family on to the streets!”

Melissa and Antio decided it was time to head back to their trailers. Antio thought about how his two children had both managed ‘Blind Luck’ and had shown their teamwork skills. It made him proud to be their father. The rain spattered down creating puddles in the turf. Antio and his wife hurried along, not wanting to get their performance costumes wet. In the distance, the sounds of circus music played in a new mournful tune. The circus had been his life for so long. Many kids dreamed of running away to the circus, but he felt he needed to settle down with his family. At dinner, he thought to himself as he and his wife darted to their room, I will ask them.

As the couple continued to splash in the puddles Antio swore he heard voices. He looked over his shoulder but saw nothing. He escorted his wife to her room before he pushed open his thick, wooden door. He suddenly felt uneasy; something was different but just couldn’t figure out what. He turned his head and realized the window was open. He locked it, knowing that it was shut before he left for the night. A knock interrupted the silence. “Who is it?”

“It’s Sierra. I want to talk to you,” answered the feminine voice coming from out in the rain.

“Can’t this wait for dinner?”

“No Dad, sorry, it can’t.”

“Very well,” he replied unlocking the door.

She walked in, water dripping from her clothes creating a small puddle.

“Well, my daughter, what can’t wait until dinner?”

“Its Alexzander. It scares me how he never seemed afraid during ‘Blind Luck’. I have to ask, were you afraid father?”

“What do you mean by what? Do you mean this night as I watched or when I preformed it?” Antio eyes fell over his leg, the night coming back so vividly.

“I mean…

Suddenly he cried out agonizingly and bent over, “Arrrrrrrrrrgh…”

Sierra shot to his side her face laden with worry, “Dad! Father! You okay?”

Antio pushed her away angrily and stood up his eyes awash with tears “That was long ago… I’d rather not talk about it…”

She admired her father strength, but didn’t want him to over do it, “Father please sit down, it’s not good for you to stand without your crutch.”

He winced angrily, “Sierra, it’s a matter of pride, Jared takes all chances he can to taunt me about my problem. And sadly I’ve grown jealous of you and Alexzander success…”

Antio fell back against the seat and sighed miserably, “How can you look up to me, when you soar like a bird, totally free and I gaze with such sadness…”

Pointing towards the drawers he gestured towards his crutch, “Sierra be a dear and get my crutch, even if it makes me half of a man, I need it…”

She hated seeing her Father so miserable, but she needed to know. She gulped nervously her hands shaking, “Father were you afraid?”

Laying his head in his hands he took the crutch, “Please… please you’ve got your life, I’m half a man, don’t remind me of my failings!”

Moving a little closer she nervously probed, she had to be sure, “Father, I need to know!”

Standing up he stood over her, and looked into her eyes, “Go… now!”

Antio was left wondering who could have been in here. He remembered the talk with his boss. That man had an awful lot of power throughout this area, which worried but strengthened Antio; that man would not break up his family. He changed slowly, pulling his circus costume off until he was standing in his underwear in front of the mirror. Antio was very muscular and had a white wolf tattoo howling on his back. His hair was black like ink, except in one spot where he was balding. His eyes were dark, sparkling water drops. He had short fluffy bread reaching to his neck. His features were finely chiseled. Many of his admirers loved him but they were slowly shifting towards his handsome son. Antio started to slip on his formal clothes, a pair of polished black shoes, some well-worn black trousers and his dinner jacket, almost mechanically.

He took one last look at this room; it had been his home ever since he had been taken in by the ring master. The room was nothing amazing, but to him it was home. A long narrow bed, a few knick-knacks he had collected were scattered around the room along with posters advertising and praising his performances and acts and his children’s’ shows were arranged on the walls next to his, starting with Sierra as a young girl. A wardrobe was propped against the other wall and had housed all the costumes he’d ever had. The whole boarding room seemed quaint and happy, but to Antio it was a room full of lost memories. Antio pushed the door open and headed out to meet his family for dinner, smiling.

It had stopped raining.

*******************************

Alexzander was lying on his mattress, contemplating. Sierra sure had struck his nerve. Why should he of been afraid? He’d practiced thousands of times before every time as graceful and well done as the last. He sighed, ruffling his hands through his hair in frustration. Why had her words affected him so much? Alexzander sighed. He had no time to think about these frivolous things. He hadn’t died doing the stunt and wasn’t planning on doing so. He couldn’t. His sister was just jealous at his talent. He smirked at the ingenuity of it. Well, if my dearest sister Sierra is jealous, he thought to himself, then it’s time to raise the stakes even higher!

***********************************

The circus master grinned. He posed in front of his mirror, speaking to himself in a businesslike manner, holding blank applications in his hands, “It’s not easy to find fresh talent! For god sake they have so much potential! Alexzander and Sierra, oh, how they rake in the customers. But that father of theirs, ooh, so stubborn. My, my, that could lead to some problems, don’t you agree?”

He held his hand out to his reflection before he sat down. He leaned back in his chair, running his bony fingers through his short russet hair. His dark dark brown - almost black eyes were calm, but sadistic. The crimson ringleader uniform was now creased, ruffled, and looking less magnificent than it was in the main tent. He grinned maliciously, “Maybe…” he pondered, “just maybe the father needs some good old fashioned persuasion.”

He laughed sinisterly. “When I’m finished with that snooty Antio his family would need a new manager that would be able to… walk!” He chortled, amused, adding the finishing touches onto his thoughts, knowing that nobody could accuse him of not having high ambitions.

**********************************

The chairs scuffled as the family entered. Laid on the table was no banquet, just pittance, compared to what their boss had. Some old candle sticks made up the center piece. Antio and Melissa’s wedding present-- a magnificent canteen of pure silver cutlery lay organized on the delicate lace tablecloth. In front of them there was a leg of well-roasted pork, some potatoes garnished with fresh butter, and some freshly baked aromatic garlic bread.

Melissa handed out the plates to everyone. Antio grabbed a jug and started pouring red wine into antique crystal glass for himself and his wife. Sierra and Alexzander then helped themselves to milk. Alexzander begun to pour his milk into one of the glasses when Sierra interrupted, making him spill some onto the table, he growled.

“Alex. Listen and understand; it’s not wrong to show fear!”

Alexzander slammed the jug down and hollered, “Sierra you’re a weakling and always will be one! You’re just jealous and if that’s how you feel then let’s see who is best!”

Sierra stood up, knocking the chair backwards. She was stunned at her brother’s angry reaction but she stood her ground, “Alex it’s not a competition! You don’t need to prove whose best. We’re both skilled so let’s not argue.”

Alexzander sneered, indignantly adding, “You’re such a wet blanket. It’s amazing you are even doing stunts with someone as talented as moi.”

Sierra lip quivered slightly and her eyes well up with stinging tears. She then spoke taking a deep breath after each sentence, “I don’t want to fight. I want us to remain friends. I’m just concerned for you.”

Alexzander saw his parents frowning at him, hoping he wouldn’t speak, but impulsively he rolled his eyes and said. “Friend? I wouldn’t even count you as an enemy -- someone as pathetic as you.”

Sierra shrieked through her tears, “Alexzander, your arrogance has cost you your sister and friend! I just hope it just doesn’t cost you your life.” She ran out door wailing loudly. Alexzander took one look at his Dad and saw he was angry, then he turned to his mum seeing disappointment in her face.

Alexzander knitted his eyebrows and yelled, “What?”

His mum looked at him and replied “Alexzander, we don’t mind if you were afraid. It’s completely normal.”

“Why can’t my family just get it? I wasn’t afraid!”

Melissa looked down onto the floor and Antio with blind fury in his eyes pointed towards the entrance.

Alexzander stormed out.


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Last edited by Vernon on Sun Jan 20, 2008 12:42 pm; edited 35 times in total
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

"Lights shone and room reverberated with noise." - I think you mean "the room".

"as he begun" - "began".

"in tonight show Alezander" - "tonight's", and I'm not sure if that name is supposed to be "Alezander", maybe "Alexander"?

"A riotous cheer and clapping begun" - "began". You do this lots of times, I won't correct the other ones.

"Alexzander" -? You do this a few times.

"Him and his family were known all through the land, him especially." - I wouldn't put the "Him and" at the start.

"He stood ready to jump and looked around the circus was sure packed he thought." - full stop after "around". "he thought" should not be in italics.

"It was most daring thing he had done." - I'd put an "ever" between "had" and "done".

"Her azure eyes were ringed with golden eyelashes and stood out of her powdered face." - the "and" should be "which".

"her arms shone in light making her arms appear pure silver, but she was only wearing silver bracelets on her arms." - you repeat "her arms" three times there, try and get around that.

"His Mum and Dad below him encouraging him." - "encouraged".

"His sister job was to catch him at last minute." -"sister's"

"He was finally, considered skilled enough to try this." - no comma needed.

"He fell not scared in the least," - comma after "fell".

"He winked at her and bowed embracing the admiration." - comma after "bowed".

"He was down first and was swooped up, immediately by his Mum in tight hug." - no comma needed.

"but Alexzander could hear no more under cheering" - under "the" cheering.

"A beginning of a moustache was visible under his nose over." - ?

"His long fingers danced on hardwood of pillar chipping some paint off." - on "the" hardwood. Comma after "pillar".

"Wow both you and Tea preformed mine and your Mother feat," - "Mother's".

"Then walked over to Alexzander " - needs a full-stop.

"My brother even if we were lucky it never lasts forever " - comma after "vrother" and full-stop after "forever".

"Never fear sister people like us don’t burn out like fireworks we shoot towards the stars." - full-stop after "sister". Colon after "fireworks".

Ok, I'm going to stop correcting apostrophes, commas, full-stops etc. Please re-read this and recognise the places where you need punctuation.

"His two children had both managed… had shown their teamwork skills today and he it made him glad to there father." - what?

"Antio pushed the fabric back of tent and went out." - what?

To be honest, your spelling and grammar are terrible. This was a very good story, with interesting characters, a lively plot and unique approach but it was ruined. You have to re-word many of your sentences, you miss out a lot of words. I suggest completely re-reading this very slowly and picking out all the mistakes, or gte some-one else to do it. Apart from that though it was good, I did enjoy it. The ending is left pretty open, I wonder of you will continue with it.

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PostPosted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 11:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ofour about his name Alexzander is his name. Okay also I know about grammar, but it took so long showing people in chat room. So put it on. Remember it is his name. Also edited it, got someone to help me.

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PostPosted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree with Ofour, your wording could use A LOT of help. I had to reread some sentences four or five times before I understood what you were trying to say. I can see that they have a unique way of speaking, but no reader is gonna want to read something if they have to continuously ask "what does this author mean???"
It's a great plot though, very interesting.
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Like I said, this is good and the characters make me want to read this more.

It's funny that I told you to make this a fantasy, as I plan to write something starting in the circus grr lol.

This reminds me of Final Fantasy 9, where the main character works with a band of entertainers whom travel on a flying ship.

The problem is the grammer Vernon, the grammer in this is terrible.

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PostPosted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 10:08 pm    Post subject: Hello Reply with quote

I apologize to reiterate, but reiterate I must: Your grammar is awful, man. I'll try and go blow by blow with this, but there's so much fine-tuning needed, I don't think I can hit it all. But I hope the following is helpful.

A man then walked into ring, everyone stopped speaking as he began.

Eliminate the , and replace it with "and." Or keep the , but still add and. It gives the sentence a smoother flow.

Get rid of any and all boldfaced items. Emphasize by italics, or by wordchoice. Anything else screams "AMATEUR" at your reader.

A riotous cheer broke out with an ovation of applause, Alexzander bowed several times and smiled, they all wanted him, he knew this, and it made him feel amazing.

This is a run-on sentence. The first clause should be its own sentence, or you should place an and before Alexzander. Why the "z" in his name, by the way? It seems weird, but I guess it's fine if you want it there.

His family were known all through the land, him especially.

Agreement issue here. "was," not were. I know it's confusing because it's a plural concept, but family is a single unit.

He stood ready to jump and looked around, the circus was sure packed, he thought.

It should be "the circus is sure packed," since his thought would be in the present.

The acrobatic feat wasn't really well described, no offense. I'd suggest working on that aspect of it.

Paragraph starting: "He was down first . . ." You missed the ending quotation of the mom's comment.

A beginning of a moustache was visible under his nose. His long fingers danced on the hardwood of the pillar chipping some paint off.

Put a comma after pillar.

Wow both you and Tea preformed mine and your Mother's feat, you amazed me tonight both of you! Recast: "Wow, both you and tea performed your Mother's and my feat! You amazed me tonight, both of you!"

Tea came up from behind him beaming so hard and walked over to Alexzander, pulling him away from the parents.

Beaming so hard? Strikes me as an odd phrase.

I admit Alexzander I was scared and worried. How can you not worry? Even though it feels amazing I still worry. "I admit, Alexander, that I was scared and worried. How can you not worry? Even though it feels amazing, I still worry."

Sister we are worshipped like gods; why should we fear? We were born under lucky stars. Add a comma after sister.

My brother, even if we were lucky it never lasts forever... I worry sometimes that our luck will run out. Cut out "My brother," it's too formal. Change were to "are."

It's not me I'm worried about it is you brother just be careful I'd rather you were a little careful than be paralysed, because you reached too high. Another recast: "It's not me I'm worried about, it is you, brother. Just be careful; I'd rather you were a little careful than be paralyzed. Sometimes, you reach too high."

Sister when have I ever shot too high? Cut out sister. It's getting silly, lol. Siblings aren't that formal with each other, and this isn't epic poetry.


Sister your fear will not manifest into reality "Your fear will not manifest into reality." Seems a little poetic for this conversation, still.

After the show the circus owner strode over to Alexzander, Mother and Father,
After the show, the circus owner strode over to Alexander, and their mother and father.

The Mother and Father bowed, he continued,
The parents bowed, and he continued:

You're children have amazing skill . . .
Your children have amazing skill.

The father walked up to him,
The father walked up to him. Or
The father walked up to him, saying, "No . . ."

You make the action of a person about to speak and the speaking itself separate paragraphs a lot. That's not necessary. In fact, I'd advise doing it only rarely.

His wife suddenly grabbed his arm, preventing him from striking.
Suddenly is a bad word here. It implies quickness with an element of surprise. I'm not really surprised by the mother doing this. Try another word, perhaps something like "desparately," or "hurriedly," or something like that.

No buts we shall talk about it with our children over dinner.
Should be "No buts. We shall talk about it with our children over dinner."

His two children had both managed, had shown their teamwork skills today and it made him glad to be their father.
I take the italics to connote thinking. So why the third person, still? If it's not his thoughts, then take out the italics.

In the distance, he could hear the sounds of the circus, the music and cheering, it had been his life for so long.
Make the last comma a semicolon, to connote the conclusion.

Many kids dreamed of running away to circus, but he felt now that he needed to settle down, he would see what his family would say.
Again, there's a transition here. Maybe a "so" after the last comma.

Mistakes in the dialogue between Antio and Tea: You fail to properly reconcile between words spoken and return to prose. I.e.:

"I like mustard." Said the Mouse.

That's wrong.

"I like mustard," said the mouse.

That's right. Fix those, I'm not going to point them all out.

Sometimes, you end your questions with periods, like, "Can't this wait for dinner, Tea." Why?

he replied unlocking the door. Put a comma after replied.

Yes Father, I do mean when you first tried it with Mother? That's not a question.

She sighed and pulled out a Wicca chair to sit on. Wicca is a religion which believes in a sort of neo-witchcraft. Wicker is what chairs can sometimes be made out of. You choose which term you really want here.

Well, that's enough, I suppose. Just remember; mark natural transitions in your speaking somehow. Reread your work. Make sure you give time for your reader to pause, and grade your pauses differently, depending on the disparity in ideas. Look for punctuation errors, and try to make your conversations feel natural. The story is nice and interesting, you do a good job with that. You also do a nice job at setting mood and showing characters' personalities. Keep at it!
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 11:25 pm    Post subject: Good Job Reply with quote

Hey there, you. I've read your story, as you know, but I wanted to comment to you as well. Like I've told you, your story is really good. I like it a lot, minus the little errors with your grammar and punct. But, I won't blab on to you about that, being as I know you already know. So...yeah.

Good job, V! Very Happy

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PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 7:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Let’s see what I can find in here then *rummages*…

Quote:
Lights shone and the room reverberated with noise. A man then walked into ring and everyone stopped speaking as he began. “We will now have a favourite in tonight's show Alexzander and his sister Tea performing their Mother and Father’s Signature feat “Blind Luck!!” A riotous cheer broke out with an ovation of applause. Alexzander bowed several times and smiled, they all wanted him. He knew this, and it made him feel amazing. He gave them what they asked, and scarcely failed in any of his feats. His family was known all through the land, him especially. He stood ready to jump and looked around,the circus was sure packed


Lights shone This feels a bit vague at the start. At the beginning, you want to dazzle the reader with your skill and brilliance. Perhaps you could rephrase this sentence I suggest something like “[i]The room reverberated with noise and lights shone from glittering lamps


A man then walked into ring and everyone stopped speaking as he began. “We will now have a favourite in tonight's show Alexzander and his sister Tea performing their Mother and Father’s Signature feat “Blind Luck!!” Now, you have great imagery, but I think this could be made easier to read.

A voice spoke out from a man who walked out into the ring, instantly everyone fell silent. “We will now have a favourite in tonight’s show,” his voice boomed, “Alaxzander and his sister, Tea, will perform their mother and father’s signature feat “Blind Luck”!” I think that makes it nicer on the old mind.

They all wanted him. Argh, this gives me the creeps! Hmm…I think ‘He knew this’ and ‘they all wanted him’ could be merged together. he knew that they all wanted him and it made him feel amazing.

He stood ready to jumped and looked around, the circus was sure packed. The effect of this sentence gets a bit lost, which we don’t want. He stood, ready to jump. He looked around, a fleeting glimpse. The Circus was sure packed. oh…I don’t think my suggestion was any better heh! XD


Quote:
It was the most daring thing he had done. His sister Tea stood on a smaller pillar grinning intently at him. She was few years older than he was. She had long blond hair, which she always kept loose, for she had told him many times she loved feeling of hair flying as she fell. It glistened in the blinding lights of the circus making it appear gold. Her azure eyes were ringed with golden eyelashes which stood out of her powdered face. Her lips were decorated with crimson lipstick and her arms shone in light making her arms appear pure silver, but she was only wearing silver bracelets on her arms. All this was to make her appear more amazing. Alexzander laughed, because even when she wasn’t in her costume she still look liked an angel.


I love the image. Though it can be made to be irresistible with a bit of tweaking.

His sister Tea You don’t have to introduce her again. The reader already know her relationship with Alexzander.

her arms shone in light making her arms appear pure silver, but she was only wearing silver bracelets on her arms Hmm…I’m not sure what to suggest here. You’ve repeated ‘arms’ and ‘silver’ too much. Maybe you should make it shorter. …she wore silver bracelets on her arms so when the light shone on them, they looked pure silver yes? No? bah!


Quote:
His Mum and Dad below him encouraged him. He closed his eyes, grinning from ear to ear and jumped. His sister's job was to catch him at the last minute. He was finally considered skilled enough to try this. He fell, not scared in the least, then he felt his sisters hands throw him on to platform she had been on. He opened his eyes as the crowd erupted into joyful applause. He turned round and saw Tea on his pillar smiling and blowing kisses to all her admirers, not to mention flirting with them. He winked at her and bowed, embracing the admiration. He took one last bow as the applause continued then begun his decent down the ladder. Tea blew few more kisses and then begun her decent down.


His mum and dad below him encouraged him. Reorder this because it sounds a bit awkward. His mum and Dad encouraged him from below

grinning from ear to ear and jumped a slight change grinning from ear to ear as he jumped…or maybe not hehe

Nothing more to add on this paragraph XD

Quote:
He was down first and was swooped up immediately by his Mum in a tight hug. “Well done, oh well done. She said more but Alexzander could hear no more under the cheering. His tarry hair fell ear level with his inquisitive green eyes. His tall stature stood out along with his lengthy arms and legs. A beginning of a moustache was visible under his nose. His long fingers danced on the hardwood of the pillar, chipping some paint off.

She then let go and his Dad came grinning,
"Wow, both you and tea performed your Mother's and my feat! You amazed me tonight, both of you!" Tea came up from behind him beaming so hard and walked over to Alexzander, pulling him away from the parents



You need to chop this up…the grammar in it is slightly wrong.

He was down first and his mum swooped him up in a tight hug.
“Well done, oh well done,” her voice faded, Alexzander could hear no more under the cheering. His tarry hair feel ear lever with his inquisitive green eyes. His tall stature stood out along with his lengthy arms and legs. A beginning of a moustache was visible under his nose. His long fingers danced on the hardwood of the pillar, chipping some paint off. His mum let go of him just when his dad came towards them, grinning.
“Wow, both of you and tea performed your Mother's and my feat!” his dad yelled, thrilled. “You amazed me tonight, both of you!" Tea came up from behind him beaming hard and walked over to Alexzander, pulling him away from the parents.


I changed it slightly so you can see an alternative…but please, you feel as if I’m trying to change it. I’m using it as an example.


Quote:
I admit, Alexander, that I was scared and worried. How can you not worry? Even though it feels amazing, I still worry."

“Sister, we are worshipped like gods; why should we fear? We were born under lucky stars.”

“My brother, even if we were lucky it never lasts forever... I worry sometimes that our luck will run out.”

“Never fear sister. People like us don’t burn out like fireworks; we shoot towards the stars.”

“It's not me I'm worried about, it is you, brother. Just be careful; I'd rather you were a little careful than be paralyzed. Sometimes, you reach too high."

“When have I ever shot too high? You’ve nothing to fear I’ll be careful.” Alexzander replied laughing.

She started to walk away then turned back and said, “Don’t shoot too high my brother!” She then added, “Eventually shooting stars will burn out.”

“Tea your fear will not manifest into reality, we’ll be fine!”
Tea looked back as if she was going to add something, but turned back as if she thought better.”

Alexzander laughed and headed to his caravan to rest.

After the show, the circus owner strode over to Alexander, and their mother and father.

“Well done my Soaring Yeasa’s!”

The parents bowed, and he continued:

”Your children have amazing skill. They could really go far.”

The father walked up to him, saying, "No . . ."

“No we are family, we shall stay a family and always be a family!” The Mother nodded,

“But Antio your children can really go far, they could leave and earn more money elsewhere!”

“No you don’t get it, we are family and will stay family!” Antio stomped his foot to prove his point.

“Very well Antio, but remember I started you off, and could very well end your career." He then sneered, "or should I say "family business.”

Antio pulled his fist back to punch him. His wife desparately grabbed his arm, preventing him from striking.

“No Antio my love. He wants us to strike him, so he has an excuse to get you taken in.”

“…But… Mellissa!”

“No buts. We shall talk about it with our children over dinner."


“Very well Mellissa.”


We discussed this earlier…so I’m sure you can make this easier to understand. I like the conversational tone in the dialogue…you definitely know how to write speech so not pointer in there.


Quote:
Antio kissed Mellissa quickly on the lips and sauntered off. After all, why shouldn’t he be happy? His two children had both managed, had shown their teamwork skills today and it made him glad to be their father. Antio pushed the tent fabric back and went out. The rain spattered down creating puddles in the turf. He shivered and hurried his walk. He’d rather not get his performance costume wet. In the distance, he could hear the sounds of the circus, the music and cheering; it had been his life for so long. Many kids dreamed of running away to circus, but he felt now that he needed to settle down, so he would see what his family would say.


I like how you use their names in this part…a nice change methinks.

went out Try to avoid using ‘went’.

Quote:
Antio sped up, wanting to get out of this storm before it worsened. He could swear he heard some voices, but when he turned round, he saw no-one near by. At last, he arrived at his caravan. He pushed open the thick wooden door. He stepped in. He felt really uneasy, something was different he just couldn’t figure what. He closed and locked the door. He then saw the shutters and window were open. He quickly locked them. He was sure he had closed them when he left for the main tent.


You’ve improved in this part, I don’t think I can pick out anything which leaps out. Ah! Found something.

something was different he just couldn’t figure what I think a comma would do nicely or ‘but’.



Quote:
A knock interrupted the silence he jumped and asked “Who is it?”

“Father it’s me, Tea, I want to talk to you about Alexzander.” She answered.

“Can’t this wait for dinner Tea.”

“No sorry Father it can’t.”

“Very well,” he replied unlocking the door.

She walked in, water dripping from her clothes creating a small puddle.

“Well Tea my daughter, what can’t wait for dinner?”

“Father it’s Alexzander, it scares me how he never was afraid for one minute during “Blind Luck”, I need to ask Father, were you?”

“What do you mean by was I? Do you mean this night or when I preformed it?” He asked confused.

“Yes Father, I do mean when you first tried it with Mother.”

“That was long ago, Tea, my flower, and nothing you need to worry about.”

She sighed and pulled out a Wicker chair to sit on.

“I know, but I’m not worried about you, per’se, it’s more you telling me this may help clear my worries of something else.”

“Well Tea if it’s that important then you can know, I was terrified, all that prevented me from a fall to my death was your Mothers’ intervention. I trust her, but I still worried, Tea.”

Tea shot up and looked very worried, “Father what your telling me confirms my fears, I must go now. Thank you Father, see you at dinner!”


Ahh…I’m slightly confused. You need to go over this and smooth out these long lines. Remember, break them up. I’ll leave this for you to sort out…so when I look back, it shall be nice and smoooooooth


Quote:
She opened door and ran out, forgetting to close it. Antio sighed, wondering what was up and closed the door. He still needed to change into his formal clothes and then he remembered his window had been opened. He was wondering who would have been in here. He had nothing of value after all. So why come in? He then remembered the talk with the circus boss. The man had an awful lot of power throughout this area, which worried Antio. Well fear tactics wouldn’t work on him. He wouldn’t break up his family.

He slowly changed, pulling his circus costume off until he was standing in his underwear at the mirror. He was very muscular with a white wolf tattoo howling on his back. His hair was starting to bald with age. His hair was black like ink, except in one spot where he was balding. His eyes were sparkling water drops. He had a short fluffy bread reaching to his neck. His features were finely chiseled. When he had been younger he had been loved by many of his admirers. He started to slip on his formal clothes. A pair of black shoes polished just yesterday, some well-worn black trousers and his dinner jacket. He slipped these on almost mechanically.

After he had gotten ready, he took one last look at this room. It’s only when you’re truly depressed that you notice little things he thought. It had been his home ever since he had been taken in and it was nothing amazing, but to him it was home. A long narrow bed, few bits and bobs he had collected were scattered around the room. Posters showing his shows and then his children shows were arranged on the wall chronologically. Oh how he missed how it felt to perform in front of thousands of admiring peasants. A wardrobe was at the end of the caravan that housed his circus costume. The whole caravan screamed happy, but to him it screamed “lost memories.”


except for one spot where he was balding you’ve already said he was balding…no need to say it again.



Nice ending…very good.


I hope I helped…if I haven’t, I have just wasted 45 minutes. Oh dear!

Happy Writing,

Jesseble[/quote]

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PostPosted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 7:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Okay... well, I'm not going to point out the grammer. (they have done that already I'm sure)
But I'm interested. A story about a circus preformer? Not one of the usual stories I read Laughing
It could do with some rethinking of the sentences. Some are very long, and lose momentum by the end.

But other then that, It's a good first part or so. I'll be looking out for more.

Au revior!

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PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:23 pm    Post subject: okay Reply with quote

there are a few things you could do to improve this piece of writing. for example

1. you seem to start sentences a lot with "he" (he did this, he did that etc) this get annoying to the reader after a while. try to vary your sentence beginnings, making it more interesting and fluent.
2. puntuation is a little bit of a problem. you need to learn where to use full stops and comma's and where not to use them. For example, "Ehat can't wait for dinner Tea" would make much more sence if said like "What can't want for dinner, Tea". Sometimes your sentences are too short and straight forward and could be joined together. Many times you can just do away with the full stop!
3. Although you obviously wish to stress that the family is not as well off as the ringleader, think about what you're giving them! red Wine in an antique crystal glass...? What was it? Roast Chicken? Beef? Potatoes? they seem very well off to me! I would like to see what the ringleader eats!!!
4. finally, you often miss out words. Simple stuff like "and" and "then" etc. read over your work several times before you post it, making sure everything is in perfect order. and if you do post it and there is a mistake, correct it immediately, don't leave it till later! You'll only get more annoying reviews like this one reminding you about things you already know!! Razz

But i like the characters. I think it's a nice idea and if you want, i will read more when you post it. And if you want, i could edit your work free of charge before you post it? just send it to me (in bits if you want) in a PM and i'll take a closer look at it. It's all your choice though...

yours
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PostPosted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 4:49 am    Post subject: Re: To Shoot Towards the Stars Chapter 1 (IP) Reply with quote

Quote:
The room reverberated with noise and lights shone from glittering lamps. A voice spoke out from a man who walked out into the ring, instantly everyone fell silent. “We will now have a favourite in tonight’s show,” his voice boomed, “Alaxzander and his sister, Tea, will perform their mother and father’s signature feat “Blind Luck”!” A riotous cheer broke out with an ovation of applause. Alexzander bowed several times and smiled, he knew that they all wanted him and it made him feel amazing. . He gave them what they asked, and scarcely failed in any of his feats. His family was known all through the land, him especially. He stood ready to jump and looked around, the circus was sure packed


Well. I'll give it a shot Smile The first and is a bit awkard. Something a little more connectine like while or as will carry the sentence better. The second thing i highlighted awas a very awkward part. I think more along the lines of: A man spoke loudly as he made his way to the ring. The red is just an extra period. The last green in him especially bothers me. it feels like an after thought of the sentence and disrupts the flow. A good opening Smile

Quote:
It was the most daring thing he had done. His sister Tea stood on a smaller pillar grinning intently at him. She was few years older than he was. She had long blond hair, which she always kept loose, for she had told him many times she loved feeling of hair flying as she fell. It glistened in the blinding lights of the circus making it appear gold. Her azure eyes were ringed with golden eyelashes which stood out of her powdered face. Her lips were decorated with crimson lipstick. She wore silver bracelets on her arms so when the light shone on them, they looked pure silver. All this was to make her appear more amazing. Alexzander laughed, because even when she wasn’t in her costume she still look liked an angel.


You need a comma between sister and tea. you need an A between was and few. I would change he was to him so it deminishes repetition. The sentence is a run on it seems since you could make into several and you used she like 5 times. Repetition can bore the reader. The next part shiuld be golden not gold. And the sentence about her braclet is a major repeat. cause you call them silver and then say when light hits them they look silver.

I have a very clear picture of this girl. She is described well.

Quote:
His mum and Dad encouraged him from below. He closed his eyes, grinning from ear to ear as he jumped. His sister's job was to catch him at the last minute. He was finally considered skilled enough to try this. He fell, not scared in the least, then he felt his sisters hands throw him on to platform she had been on. He opened his eyes as the crowd erupted into joyful applause. He turned round and saw Tea on his pillar smiling and blowing kisses to all her admirers, not to mention flirting with them. He winked at her and bowed, embracing the admiration. He took one last bow as the applause continued then begun his decent down the ladder. Tea blew few more kisses and then begun her decent down.


I didn't think you needed the down. I got butterflies reading this paragraph. I felt like i was falling for a second. Very good description.

Quote:
“Wow, both of you and tea performed your Mother's and my feat!” his dad yelled, thrilled. “You amazed me tonight, both of you!" Tea came up from behind him beaming hard and walked over to Alexzander, pulling him away from the parents.

She then let go and his Dad came grinning,
"Wow, both you and tea performed your Mother's and my feat! You amazed me tonight, both of you!" Tea came up from behind him beaming so hard and walked over to Alexzander, pulling him away from the parents.


Confused! Why are there two Paragraphs of the samething?




Quote:
Sister your fear will not enter into reality, we’ll be fine!”
Tea looked back as if she was going to add something, but turned back as if she thought better.”


You need a comma between sister and your and you used the asme transition twice.

I really like the dialouge. It gave your chracters a great deal of depth very quickly. Alax is ver arrogant. I kinda wanna smack him.




Quote:
After the show, the circus owner strode over to Alexander, and their mother and father.


I'm sure you know why that's green. And the red is plural possesive and you arre only referring to Alax.

Quote:
“No we are family, we shall stay a family and always be a family!” The Mother nodded,


Needs a period after mother or continue it with in agreement.

Quote:
“Very well Antio, but remember I started you off, and could very well end your career." He then sneered, "or should I say "family business.”


when you make a quoteation in a quote you use the ' and if it ends on the end like you did it's like this '"


Quote:
Antio sped up, wanting to get out of this storm before it worsened. He could swear he heard some voices, but when he turned round, he saw no-one near by. At last, he arrived at his caravan. He pushed open the thick wooden door. He stepped in. He felt really uneasy, something was different, he just couldn’t figure what. He closed and locked the door. He then saw the shutters and window were open. He quickly locked them. He was sure he had closed them when he left for the main tent.


This, is a tense change and should be changed. The second part should have an and instead of a periond and him. I would change the really cause it's a bit blocky and disturbs the flow.


I read the rest and it's mostly a repetiton of the same kinds of mistakes. I like the story though. The Circus is so great! I look forward to reading more Smile

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PostPosted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Okay erm about the meal the Crystal Glasses were a wedding gift and that meal was a well done for Tea and Alexzander. Also you will see.

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PostPosted: Sat Mar 24, 2007 7:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Okay, now I know who these people are, it makes more sense since I read #2 first. And I love this story, it's so different. I don't think I've ever read a strory that had to do with a circus either and it's really interesting! I didn't find anything wrong here and of course everyone else already pointed out the important things. So I only give my praise. Smile You're a great writer, I'll keep up with this.

Keep at it!
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PostPosted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 5:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, a lot of people have already said a lot of the things I noticed, but I'll help how I can. Smile

Firstly, this was very good. You really have improved - a lot. Your characters are strong and make me want to read more; you have some pretty good description and I love some of your dialogue. This is a powerful beginning and I am excited to keep reading it.

Now, this has been mentioned before, but you have some grammar issues. I am not going to go through the entire story and point out every grammatical mistake, but I will give you some rules, so you can go back and proofread it.

1. Commas
Arrow You need commas when using a direct address. What is a direct address? "As you can see, Michael, I am tired." In this case, Michael is the direct address, and you can see that there is a comma on both sides of Michael. Now, to apply it to your story...

Quote:
"Yes Father, I do mean when you first tried it with Mother."


Here, Father is the direct address, so you need a comma before 'Father' as well as after.

Arrow Exclamations. After exclamations such as 'oh' or 'yes' or 'no', you need commas. You did this for the most part, but there were a few spots you missed.

Arrow Clauses and Phrases. You need commas to separate phrases before the subject in a sentence. "When we sing, we eat pie." When we sing is the phrase, thus we need a comma after sing. As for clauses, you always need a comma after it if it is before subject in sentence. In clauese like "grinning hugely" or "singing loudly", you need one to separate it from the sentence wherever it is. For instance...

Quote:
Alexzander begun (should be began) to pour his milk into one of the glasses when Tea interrupted making him pour some on table.


In red is your clause. It must be separated by a comma before 'making'

There were some other comma issues you had, but proofreading should fix them.

2. Run-on sentences. People have said it before me, so I'm just going to reiterate. A comma does not separate two complete sentences without a conjunction.

Besides that, just a few little things...

Quote:
He winked at her and bowed, embracing the admiration. He took one last bow as the applause continued then begun his decent down the ladder. Tea blew few more kisses and then begun her decent down.


First, decent should be descent. Begun should be began so it reads "then began his descent down the ladder. Tea blew (I think you need 'a' here) few more kisses, and then began to her descent down."

Quote:
Alexzander could hear no more under the cheering. His tarry hair feel ear lever with his inquisitive green eyes.


Under the cheering doesn't sound right. And I totally did not understand that second sentence.

Quote:
The Ring Leader jeered "Now, now, now Antio[,] you should try to control your temper (new sentence) you could regret it!" He continued smiling with malicious intent.


I corrected some grammar stuff up there, just because I couldn't resist. The realm reason