Tcr

A toad’s got more social grace than I do, so, Tcr, I apologize for the lousy timing.

I have all the respect in the world for you right now, DP. Thank you. 

Wow… things really happen when I go missing. And apologies, but I haven’t read the new chapters yet. There’s a lot going on with me at present :/

I’ve read the review. To me the only positive thing about a review like this is that it’s a possible insight into why someone might click on your story, then leave without reading. It would be helpful, but unfortunately having said that, I get the distinct impression the reader’s lack of concentration had more to do with them than with your story or how it is written.

I’d like to say what drew me was how you began, with the radio announcement, slowly pulling back to reveal the characters. But then since I’m British, the sensation of gathering around to listen to radio announcements about The War has been emblazoned onto our very souls, even though most of us are too young to have lived those times. And btw, I don’t agree with the reviewer that you need to separate pov like that. Merging characters’ points of view seamlessly is something I want to learn, and you manage it very well. While reading, I’ve never once been confused about who is speaking.

Given the subject matter (ie. Nazi Germany), I think the reviewer should really have expected to give more committment to reading. This isn’t a family guy fic. Would you approach a Dylan Thomas the same way you’d approach Pam Ayres? No. Absolutely not. I hope I’m not displaying any intellectual snobbery or pretentiousness here, but really, I do think there are levels of committment that are necessary to get the most out of reading fiction, and especially literature. I mean, you get so much more out of Shakespeare if you don’t read it like it’s a Sue Grafton novel (although you can read it that way if you want. I certainly have. That’s how there comes to be Oberon/Puck slash in the archive). Am I making any sense? I don’t even know. *throws hands up in the air* I’m not comparing you to Thomas and Shakespeare, I’m just saying there are layers. Like an onion. Now I sound like Shrek.

And ok, I am reviewing the reviewer here. I’m going to stop.

Don’t let this get you down, honestly. I know I gave you a great load of concrit when I reviewed, but believe me, the evil beta reader version of me only comes out when it senses it can be of help in some way. I really like your story. I think it’s a brave thing to attempt, and I am looking forward to the darkness there will be in it. I hope for a lot of dark, bitter emotion mixed in with utter despair. Because I have layers too. Like a black forest gateau, you know. Mind, heart, soul… they all like different things. Fruit, cream and dark chocolate.

Anyway, the point is: Don’t be disheartened!

*hugs*