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More Grist to the Mill

Viewing comments for Chapter 30 "A Deal Struck - 1933"
Book 2 of the Cleeborough Mill Trilogy

30 total reviews 
Comment from Mabaker12
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Dear Pantygynt, I know it's correct to review a writers 'writing' but I don't know how I a writer of cat stories, with every grammatical mistake possible, due to sixth-grade schooling, reviews a story written by a writer such as yourself, and to have you 'fan' me leaves me speechless. Sir, you are an author, a teacher, and as polite a person I've never met before, I just don't understand how anything I write could be considered entertaining by someone of your caliber. You get the six because frankly there is no other score suitable for your writing. Sincerely Anne.

 Comment Written 14-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 14-Apr-2021
    After reading this six star review i had to go and give my halo another polish. Lol.thank you for those lovely comments. I just loved your querky cat.
reply by Mabaker12 on 14-Apr-2021
    Ha Ha
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Gripping--I feel Jack's exhilaration--gorgeous imagery!

[paper, buff coloured wallpaper in fact] sugg=>[buff-coloured wallpaper]

'Jack!' [sugg omit: warned his sister] (two occurrences)

 Comment Written 10-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
    Many thanks for reading and reviewing.
Comment from Pam (respa)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

-Nice illustration and story.
-How wonderful for Jack to
get this special opportunity.
-I like how you include the letter,
and have Jack burst in 'the office.'
-Julia strikes me as a stoic person;
she is not one to get too excited
about what someone else has, even
if it is the opportunity of a lifetime.
-Eventually, Jack gets things organized,
and luckily has a painting he had
recently begin.
-So off he goes on his bicycle to
sent his answer.

 Comment Written 10-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 11-Apr-2021
    Thank you so much for this supportive review.
reply by Pam (respa) on 11-Apr-2021
    You are quite welcome.
Comment from Rdfrdmom2
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

PANTYGYNT:

Why does Jack's bicycle ride to town seem like a portent to disaster to me? I know I always ask you these questions, but I also know I have to wait and see what happens. It is good to see how Jack and Julia respect each other's passions.

Rdfrdmom2

 Comment Written 09-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
    You are the second reviewer who has asked this question, and I have no idea what the answer is. The sentence was included more as an indication other advance in technology. Previous mentions of personal transport have been horse drawn in the main. For a young boy of of fifteen to have a bicycle would have been a new concept.

    Thanks for this review and raising this interesting point.
reply by Rdfrdmom2 on 10-Apr-2021
    Sometimes I forget to review "in the year" of the story instead of now. Thanks for sharing. Jan
Comment from Gloria ....
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

How exciting is this? I very much enjoyed the inclusion of the letter making this seem all the more real. And what a deadline Jack has set out for himself.

Really well written chapter, and I found myself wanting to know more immediately.

Terrific story and telling of it. :)

Gloria

 Comment Written 09-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
    Thank you so much for this six-star review. You won't have long to wait. The next chpter will be out tomorrow.
Comment from Iza Deleanu
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The twin artist that in way discovers the joy of painting from memory and this time for real money. Than you for sharing and good luck with your writings.

 Comment Written 09-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 10-Apr-2021
    Thank you for noticing this. It is a bit like we feel when we have something published, i reckon.
Comment from padumachitta
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

hello

I am fresh out of stars on this Friday morning...sorry.

I was happy to read a bit of an uplifting story, I just got another rejection letter...So Jack getting a wonderful letter just made me smile.
I do hope he takes care and doesn't do something foolsih in aall his joy.

 Comment Written 09-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 09-Apr-2021
    Sorry to hear of your rejection, regrettably i have no control over real life, only of my fiction. Thank you for this review, and I was happy to be considered uplifting.
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Your story is progressing beautifully with the two Bache children coming into their own careers, and in this chapter you've focused on young Jack, as a budding artist, as he receives an opportunity that could be life changing.

I noticed that you used the term "headed notepaper," and I don't know whether today's term "letterhead" would be more appropriate here, or out of sync with that era.

Here are my other minor suggestions:

and the US publisher, Gerald P. Finch ...
-->
and the U.S. publisher, Gerald P. Finch ...

...as a picture of very early example of a mechanical reaper.
-->
...as a picture of a very early example of a mechanical reaper.

'I'm an artist, Dad!' he declared turning to go.
-->
'I'm an artist, Dad!' he declared, turning to go.

***

I missed reviewing the last two chapters, because I've been so busy in my personal life, these past two weeks, but I did read them, so I wouldn't feel lost here! I always enjoy your stories.


 Comment Written 09-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 09-Apr-2021
    Thank you for this six star review. It is much appreciated. Glad to see you back reviewing. We Brits do tend to leave out a lot of periods in titles etc. I think headed notepaper would have been the correct term in UK in the 1930s. The term seems to have taken off post war. The other points you raise do need sorting, and will be attended to. Thank you so much.
reply by Mary Kay Bonfante on 16-Apr-2021
    I knew there was a reply I didn't respond to yet... I had to look for it.
    You're very welcome, Jim. Yes, terminology and grammar can be different depending on the context both of the time and the culture. I try to be respectful of both, when reviewing your work.
    God bless you! - Mary Kay
Comment from Cass Carlton
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Now why does the mention of a trip to the Post Office via bicycle, fill me with trepidation.? I do hope it is just my fevered imagination and not a presage of Jack falling off his bike and injuring his drawing hand. However perhaps it is all in my mind and Jack will return unscathed from his errand. This is certainly a wonderful opportunity for Jack, so early in life.
His family are wonderful people with their care and love for each other and their acceptance of his gift.
He had it all worked out how to finish the painting in time, Didn't he? I'll be waiting for the next episode. Cheers Cass


 Comment Written 08-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 09-Apr-2021
    You are getting paranoid on Jack's behalf. The sentence is merely an indication of standards of the age. The roads were still pretty quiet in those days. I think Jack will cope. A few chapters earlier and he would have gone on horseback. Never fear.
Comment from RetroStarfish
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Fascinating. The twins really couldn't be more different from each other (which you do a great job of showing not telling). Interesting how Jack seems to have found the perfect employer for his combined loves of art and engineering. Also a lovely piece of irony that he sets out for a book to look at period clothing, in your book, which is also rife with period details.
Well done and a pleasure to read.

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 08-Apr-2021
    Thank you for another complimentary review. I am glad you continue to enjoy this.