The Good: According to Judge #2. “The story was clear and well-written, with Sam and his mother acting completely in character. The idea is very new--at least, I've never seen it done before. The ending could have gone a few ways and was definitely not predictable. Although this is a very short and simple story, I can't think of a better way to handle the subject matter. It is a glimpse into Sam's feelings and as such is well suited to its brief, concise length. There is not much dialogue, but what there is of it feels and reads well. The flower of the title is the central metaphor of this short story and works well in this capacity, sending across underlying ideas, which are left, unsaid, to be assumed by the reader. This was a very effective piece, which was neither annoying nor cloying. I would recommend this story even to non-Guthrie fans, as it is concerned more with feelings of depletion and depression than with superhero matters.” Now Judge #3 had to say that, “It's one of those stories that you have to look at a few minutes to totally understand, but the kind that you really like for its simplicity. I liked the way the characters talked, what Sam's mom said, and I liked the descriptive words.”
The bad: What Judge #2 thought you needed to work on, “The style of writing is very simple, and at times can feel a bit broken-up by too many short sentences. Some more complex sentences would be nice, and the ending was a tad sudden, but this is a very well-done piece which I enjoyed very much.” Judge #3 had a totally different point of view. “The prose was interesting, but not as good as the dialogue, and while the story was worth reading, it wasn't long enough to really cause any emotions.”
The Summary: Sam Guthrie has been through a lot in his short young life. Nothing could have prepared him for his beloved sister, Paige's death, though. This describes the events right after the funeral.
The good: Wow! Judge #1 liked your stuff enough to comment! This judge wants to tell you that the story was, “Nicely dark.” Judge #2 wanted to add that, “It is certainly an original idea, and I had no idea how it was going to end, and the dialogue is fine for the most part.” Now Judge #3 wanted to say that, “It's always nice to read about Domino. Nice work.”
The bad: Uhm…apparently some of the judges had problems with the ending and felt that she had no reason to take the actions she did. Gee! If I say anything else I’ll give away the story! Anyhow, that’s how both Judge #2 and #3 felt. This next part is just from Judge#2, “This story is a bit hard to swallow--it tends to sound like a B-grade horror flick at times. Also I didn’t even know what it had to do with X-Force until the end. The plot is rather forced; the incidents in the story don't seem likely at all and the gore seems unnecessary. While the dialogue is fine, certain phrases are more stylized than is natural: e.g. "Let her leave then. I'm the one you want." The style of this story seems distant at times, giving too much information for certain scenes and throwaway introductions for others. Mostly, this story gave me a sick feeling. Read it only if you have a few extra minutes and don't care for cohesiveness. Nothing is made quite clear in this story.” Judge #3 had a few comments to make also. Here are theirs, “It seems that the end of the story is a little too simple. In my mind, the plot was too simple, and the punctuation and spelling could use a little work. Worst of all, though, I found a paragraph in which every sentence begins with "She". Naughty, naughty.”
The Summary: A look into the past of Domino. What happened in
her past to turn her into who she is today? I can’t describe anymore without giving this story away.
The good: Judge #2 wanted to compliment on the fact that, “The story did make sense. I must give it to Red Monster that she addressed the "Ah'm jes a hick boy" syndrome quite well. Cannonball is treated like a wet-behind-the-ears corn shucker at times in X-Men, but I honestly tend to blame this more on bad characterization by the current X-Writers.” Judge #3 had to say that, “Okay, better! I like this one. It doesn't have that much description, but that's okay here because then it doesn't muck things up.”
The bad: Judge #2 had a lot to say about this one. “I had trouble with the characterization--especially that of Cyclops and Cannonball. Also, if you haven't read "The New Breed", you're at a loss for who some of the characters are and what the present situation is. The style wasn't too bad, although a little lackluster. This story's goal was, I suppose, to make the reader feel good about Sam's decision o stay in X-Force. I didn't feel it," among other things.
The Summary: Sam aka Cannonball must decide whether or not to accept staying with X-Force or go back to the X-Men.
The bad: What was bad is you got three people who aren’t fond
of commenting reading this. Oh well, we understand. We’re buzy
too, right? Anyhay….Bwhahahaha!!! You only got 14.7 out of 15 on
your
spelling/grammar! My thought on how to solve this, a beta-reader
with
a degree in English. When you find them please send their e-mail
address to me!
Summary: This is a…talk between Sunspot and Reignfire (Nineteen).
I can’t say anymore without giving the whole story away. ARGH!
The good: Judge #2 had to say that, “This is really well written and insightful, being both true to the characters and fleshing them out. The idea of these two having a romance is new and interesting, and is handled with tact and a painfully awkward romance.” Judge #3 wanted to add that it was a, “Neat story. There's not that much written about Stevie. Everything in it was believable.” Did I forget to mention that this won best story built around a single character???
The bad: Bwhahahaha!!! You only got 13.7 out of 15 on your spelling/grammar! My thought on how to solve this, a beta-reader with a degree in English. When you find them please send their e-mail address to me!
The Summary: Insight on the conversation between Stevie and Roberto back during the X-Cutioner's Song
