Reviews from

Phone Calls from Caroline

Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "Planning A Funeral"
A cousin calls her younger cousin to rant.

27 total reviews 
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
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I like that you highlighted the person speaking differently. My ADD does not do well when the speakers are not indicated. This was very easy to follow so I could 'enjoy' the exchange. You have developed your characters with mere dialogue. Well done. This is the problem with planning things ahead of time. I am working on papers to donate my body to science. I'm 76, I could live til I'm in my 80's & may be living somewhere else & one of my power of attorneys worries I might out live her so asked me to find someone younger. But who knows?

 Comment Written 20-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 20-Aug-2023
    Thank you LIz. I wrote this as fiction but it was based on an actual phone call I got from my cousin. Her daughter says she had dementia. Her phones make me laugh but I try to humor her.
    Beth
reply by Liz O'Neill on 21-Aug-2023
    I've got the next chapters on my review list.
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
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This story, Planning a Funeral, is a funny and charming interchange between friends. The paranoia on the part of seniors as to what their kids will do is very real.

 Comment Written 05-Feb-2021


reply by the author on 05-Feb-2021
    Thank you so much for the review and comments. I'm glad you found it amusing.
    Beth
Comment from Susan Newell
Excellent
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I loved this. We all know someone who acts in this manner. I particularly liked Caroline's obsessions with all the things that can't matter once she's gone, and that she held her revenge unto death for his 1953 transgression. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 05-Feb-2021


reply by the author on 05-Feb-2021
    Thank you for the review and liking my humor. Caroline is modeled after someone who says things like that when she calls me.
    Beth
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
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Oh that is priceless! Beth, I know people just like Caroline, aren't they fabulous? Lol. She doesn't want to be cremated because she sweats when she's hot!! That's hillarious! I loved this and think it will easily be a winner. Good luck! :)) Sandra xxx

 Comment Written 04-Feb-2021


reply by the author on 04-Feb-2021
    Thank you Sandra, I'm so glad you liked my humor. Caroline is based on someone I know, and she provide her own humor when she calles.
    Beth
Comment from Begin Again
Excellent
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Very well done! Sounds about right with the bickering or dry sense of humor about our own demise. You did this one very well and I wish you the best of luck! Smiles to you!

 Comment Written 04-Feb-2021


reply by the author on 04-Feb-2021
    Thanks for reading. I hope you go a laugh or two. My cousin didn't say all of this when when she calls, but she said some it it. LOL
    Beth
Comment from Mistydawn
Excellent
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Your conversation is perfect, natural, not forced. I love the bits of humor you threw in, yet it seemed to fit right in. I can only imagine what the changes might be next week. Her hair or makeup perhaps? Good luck with your contest.

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2021


reply by the author on 04-Feb-2021
    I'm glad you liked this. I really do have a cousin who talks like that. I added some humor but she wouldn't surprise me by saying all of that. She is a little nutty.
    Beth
reply by Mistydawn on 04-Feb-2021
    Sounds like she's very colorful, keeps life interesting.
Comment from Alaskastory
Excellent
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"Planning A Funeral" is a good script. Not having a closing statement shows the subject will be repeated by Caroline the next time she talks with Beth. My friend at 98 brings up her funeral services very often too. With her it is usually on what hymns should play.

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2021


reply by the author on 03-Feb-2021
    Thank you for the review and comments. I'm glad you like this.
    Beth
Comment from thaities, Rebecca V.
Excellent
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This is a great, natural flowing conversation entry for the Dialogue Only Writing Contest contest entry. I could see this happening in my mind's eye. Best of luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 02-Feb-2021


reply by the author on 03-Feb-2021
    Thank you Rebecca. Caroline is modeled after a read cousin and part of what I wrote she has actually said.
    Beth
Comment from Lyn Peters
Excellent
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I wish I had a sixth star to give you for this one...I loved this conversation between cousins. You brought such humor (and humanity) to such a sad subject! Thank you for that. I love, love, love the way you outline Caroline's concerns (how her body is positioned...that she not be cremated or buried in too heavy a suit). Great writing. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 02-Feb-2021


reply by the author on 03-Feb-2021
    Thank you so much for the review and for enjoying my sense of humor. I'm so glad you liked this.
    Beth
Comment from Joanne Gill-Maddick
Excellent
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This is priceless ð???. A very well written dialogue. I really enjoyed the read. So funny don't think going to worry about wearing something that's going to be hot when you die. She didn't want mums because she's allergic to them. ð???very enjoyable read all the way thorough. Well done. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 02-Feb-2021


reply by the author on 02-Feb-2021
    Thank you so much for the review and comment. I so glad you like the humor here.
    Beth