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Majordave
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I reviewed something yesterday that had terrible POV issues - entering the MCs head during another character's dialogue. Very confusing, although I did know what was happening. In that instance, I let them know and marked accordingly. On other occasions, it has been more subtle or less jarring and I have mentioned it, but not allowed it to affect my scoring. I suppose it is a sort of judgment call.
This post was last edited by Majordave, 07 Jul 2012, 08:51
-------------------------------------------- Know not what you know and know nothing in return. (Confuseus)
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jancarr
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Quote: Majordave, Saturday, 7 Jul 2012 08:50I reviewed something yesterday that had terrible POV issues - entering the MCs head during another character's dialogue. Very confusing, although I did know what was happening. In that instance, I let them know and marked accordingly. On other occasions, it has been more subtle or less jarring and I have mentioned it, but not allowed it to affect my scoring. I suppose it is a sort of judgment call. Hi tony You knew what was happening but did you care?
This site is a revelation.
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Majordave
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Hi Jan, Absolutely, I flagged it and gave them advice that IMHO might help. I also referred to a book that may help with the structure of their story as a whole.
-------------------------------------------- Know not what you know and know nothing in return. (Confuseus)
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Straylight
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Blistering Barnacles! I have just had my second assignment in a row that I honestly can't finish reading (in both cases, schizoid POV being a big factor) So, what do I do? If I pass on them, the stories will just get reviews from people who like them, the reviews won't reflect reality, and the authors won't learn. I thought I might post Free Wills saying what needs attention on the first page, but am a little worried I'll get more bad reactions if I make a habit of this. I really hope I don't get a third one...
Skye is unimpressed by the sock monster
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notleyab
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Quote: Straylight, Tuesday, 10 Jul 2012 10:33Blistering Barnacles! I have just had my second assignment in a row that I honestly can't finish reading (in both cases, schizoid POV being a big factor) So, what do I do? If I pass on them, the stories will just get reviews from people who like them, the reviews won't reflect reality, and the authors won't learn. I thought I might post Free Wills saying what needs attention on the first page, but am a little worried I'll get more bad reactions if I make a habit of this. I really hope I don't get a third one... Some will say pass, but what you have written above sounds like an honest comment on the writing so far - that you (with some explanation why) couldn't finish reading it as it stands. You can even point out the s**t point at which felt you cd go no further. Of course, be prepared to get a 1 star freewill in return, as I just did. I was quite generous in comparison.
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Straylight
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Dear ______________ Your submission has received a citation from the Literary Basics Police. You are hereby served notice to: [ _ ] Run a spell check [ _ ] Cease and desist from using multiple viewpoints [ _ ] Take a course on how to punctuate text and dialogue [ _ ] Educate yourself in apostrophe use [ _ ] Learn some bloody grammar [ _ ] Stop abusing adverbs [ _ ] Refrain from anti-social adjective overuse [ _ ] Reduce your sentence length to manageable proportions [ _ ] Make your characters behave credibly, or they will be taken into care [ _ ] Surrender yourself at the station for possession of clichés [ _ ] Format your piece in order to show a modicum of respect for reviewers [ _ ] Differentiate your piece from many similar ones [ _ ] Beat yourself violently in the head for muddling “there” and “their” [ _ ] Show a little subtlety in your exposition [ _ ] Learn some basics before you e-publish this pile of **** [ _ ] Attempt to glue your plot together [ _ ] In fact, just go back to bloody school In any case, you are required to put some time and effort into writing if you wish to be taken seriously. Yours, Online Task Force
Skye is unimpressed by the sock monster
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NickPoole
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Are multiple viewpoints a crime? maybe headhopping within a scene? Point of view is inextricably linked to character and thus to plot also. Lots of writers here need to do a lot more reading! So I tend to agree with your checklist. I don't think you should judge the writer, just the work. Writers can learn.
This post was last edited by NickPoole, 10 Jul 2012, 14:07
STOP THE BILL
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safiaadam
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I think if a piece is pretty 'bad' (in your opinion) it's quite acceptable to point out the major errors, quoting examples from the early parts of the text and politely explaining that you simple don't have the time to edit the whole piece. I've done this in the case of one particularly trying chick-lit text and the writer even thanked me (albeit it with a slight whinge). There's no need to resort to abuse or rudeness and there's always something positive to say, even if it's just, 'your enthusiasm shines through in this work, but ...'.
A cynic is no more than a disillusioned romantic.
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Honestyanyway
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I feel that if written well, multiple POV's are enjoyable and important in the right story. But by the sounds of it, they often aren't handled well on here. Perhaps that is something that changes with honing skills...hopefully. I have also noted in the Pro-crits that they are often encouraged. They get a mention twice from Pan Macmillian's Natalie, in the opening May's Pro-crit. Quote: 'From reading your synopsis, I was pleased to learn that the novel will be structured from various character POVs. By introducing a variety of key characters and showing the story through their eyes will help open up the narrative, and also ensure the reader doesn’t tire of one strand.' Quote: 'But I think that the decision to have a number of main characters, and structure the narrative from each of their POVs (point of views) is a good one, and will open up the story as well as bring texture and variation to the narrative.' I do agree though that you should tell the writer your reasons for not being able to finish the piece, but in an encouraging way.
This post was last edited by Honestyanyway, 10 Jul 2012, 14:49
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Straylight
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Yup, should have been "confusing POV switches in same scene" on the writ! Nothing wrong with whole scenes of a different character. It's tongue in cheek and not intended seriously, and wish these two were practical... [ _ ] Address some of the issues previous reviewers have taken the trouble to point out for you [ _ ] Show a little maturity dealing with your criticism Have now discovered that if I go back to the stories I've passed up, it gives me the "full" review screen not the "free will" one. Have messaged site about it. Third time lucky- have got a nicely written story to review. Phew!
Skye is unimpressed by the sock monster
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Is it odd how some stories have surprisingly good reviews?
07 Jul 2012, 08:50
