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Viewing comments for Chapter 47 "A Second Chance"
Fiction and non-fiction prose

13 total reviews 
Comment from JDRBAR
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Please don't take this review as being prejudicial as I was assigned the same alternate fact. We were to show Elvis DIDN'T die in 1977. However, in reading your story, it appears Elvis died in 2012. Then, enter Mark Chapman and his time machine, looking for notoriety again. He traveled back to 1977 for the purpose of aggrandizing the death of Elvis at his hands on the same date Elvis actually did die. So, you didn't show that Elvis DIDN'T die in 1977, but that he DID, just in a different manner.
The story was extremely well written and very interesting. It just didn't fulfill the requirement.

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 Comment Written 02-Sep-2019


reply by the author on 02-Sep-2019
    Hahaha.
reply by JDRBAR on 02-Sep-2019
    Your story does not meet the requirements asked for.
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2019
    Yes, I've read the reviews of your piece, and I understand why you wrote this review. I don't appreciate it, but I get why. Making me the scapegoat for your disappointment doesn't help you.

    The person who initiated this contest thought my entry met his requirements, enough to award it an "exceptional" rating, as did a good few reviewers.

    My story conveys that Elvis died in 2012, and nowhere does it contradict that.

    You have the opportunity to rethink your assessment and re-rate the piece. Give it some consideration. Not for my sake, as your ranking does me no harm. For your own peace of mind.
reply by JDRBAR on 03-Sep-2019
    No, CD, I didn't write this review due to any disappointment on my part, but as a matter of fairness to all the entrants. I've been on fanstory many years and have had my share of wins and losses. Losses don't bother me. What bothers me is seeing people win while bending or breaking the requirements. And, I've seen many of those over the years. And, I'm tired of it.
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2019
    I'm not talking about wins or losses, I'm talking about reviews written in spite. I don't believe you, and I think your motivation is obvious. I'm not the type to report someone for an unfair review or to issue a revenge one, so I guess you got lucky.
reply by JDRBAR on 03-Sep-2019
    I have never written a review out of spite or revenge and I resent the accusation. I'll message the contest committee myself thank you.
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2019
    You do that, and be sure to mention how you wrote your review based on "fairness", not merit. Also, how you are clever enough to know better than the contest organiser (who is one of the top writers on the site) what is an is not in accordance with his instructions.
Comment from JudyE
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a great job you've done with your 'alternate facts' challenge. I would have absolutely flummoxed before I even started. This is so imaginative and such a fun read. Good luck with it.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2019


reply by the author on 02-Sep-2019
    Thanks so much for the kind words. I really appreciate them and the good luck wishes as well. Most grateful, Craig
Comment from Debbie Pope
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You have won this contest for sure. I have read several of these alternative facts posts, and you definitely got the best scenario in my opinion. That does not diminish your outstanding logic that you used to keep Elvis alive. I had to google so many people and places just to keep up with you--the main one being why did you select The Catcher in the Rye for your artwork.. It's been years since I read it, and I had to refresh myself on the plot. That being said, I said don't know why you used it. Don't tell me though. I would rather spend my life pondering that one. I'll be having dreams about Holden Caulfield.
I hope you had fun writing this. It is certainly entertaining. You have my vote.

 Comment Written 01-Sep-2019


reply by the author on 02-Sep-2019
    I very much doubt it, Debbie.

    It's funny you say I got the best scenario. Of the ones I know of, it's my least favourite. I'm beginning to think Gman doesn't like me... the last time I entered his one of his contests, I had to write 1500 words about a can opener. I guess it's a good thing to challenge yourself with a topic you don't feel any attraction to :)

    Thanks for the wonderful rating, and the lovely comments. I won't spoil the mystery by explaining the Catcher in the Rye... only give a slight hint by stating that as weird as the tale is, parts of it are based in fact :) Thanks once again, Debbie. Much appreciated. Craig
reply by Debbie Pope on 02-Sep-2019
    I take it you are not an Elvis fan. In the South where I live, many people actually don't believe that he is dead. Who knows why? That was up to you. And I think you kept him alive splendidly.
reply by the author on 02-Sep-2019
    No, I'm not a fan at all. I hope that's not considered blasphemy. I was actually nicknamed Elvis before I was born by my mother. I guess his music style just didn't appeal to me. My other half, however, is a massive Elvis fan :)
reply by Debbie Pope on 02-Sep-2019
    Did anyone ever call you Elvis? That's fun. I like Elvis, but I don't "love" Elvis. When I was growing up, at my choosing, my cousin was always Elvis. I was Ricky Nelson. I like Elvis music better now than I did then.
reply by the author on 02-Sep-2019
    No, I don't think anyone ever called me that in my memory. But mum's friends did before I was born -- as in "how is Elvis doing?" I guess I moved a lot.
reply by Debbie Pope on 02-Sep-2019
    Wow! I didn't get it before. You mom has a wonderful sense of humor. That is funny. I think that one of my children is pregnant. She hasn't told me yet, but I know. Anyway, I think I'll call the baby Elvis when it starts to move.
reply by the author on 02-Sep-2019
    :-)

    Congrats to mom and dad, and doting nanna, of course.
reply by Debbie Pope on 02-Sep-2019
    I'll pass the congratulations along as soon as they tell me what I just told you.
Comment from LisaMay
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a marvellous romp re-imagining history! You had far too much fun and writer's license with this offering! Screamingly funny innuendo: "That's embarrassing. It's a long time since I've blown bubbles." Mixed marriages and relationships make for fun reading keeping track of the celebs. This is a very clever interweaving of fact and fiction.

 Comment Written 01-Sep-2019


reply by the author on 01-Sep-2019
    Thanks for the great comments :) It sounds like you had fun reading, at it certainly was fun have a bit of a play around with what might have become of these characters. Most grateful, Craig
reply by LisaMay on 01-Sep-2019
    I enjoyed your story very much.
Comment from Mystic Angel 7777
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I lived in Memphis for close to 30 years and you have quite a bit correct but not all. Since fact based back story is not important, I choose to disregard it :). I think you did a good job chronically events in the clinical way that has become popular in documentaries. I think you did a fine job with the requirements of the contest and wish you all the best in the voting.

 Comment Written 01-Sep-2019


reply by the author on 01-Sep-2019
    I'd be most interested to know which bits are wrong. Thanks for the kind comments and good wishes. Craig
Comment from Bananafish308
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Awesome, Craig. Very creative approach to your prompt. His marriage to Roseanne was an especially entertaining touch, as was the manner in which you evoked other rock legends who died before their time. Very well done. Good luck with the contest. Bill.

 Comment Written 31-Aug-2019


reply by the author on 31-Aug-2019
    Thanks for the delightful comments, and the generous rating, Bill. I'm grateful for the good luck wishes as well. Much appreciated, Craig
reply by Bananafish308 on 31-Aug-2019
    You're quite welcome, Craig.
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Let history open pages and truths reveal and continue to teach lessons for living in the making of civilization, committed and determinant performers go on performing as per their plan of action; well said, well done.

 Comment Written 31-Aug-2019


reply by the author on 31-Aug-2019
    Thanks very much for your kind comments. Most appreciated, Craig
Comment from Scarbrems
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. You've really thought about this. I snorted my coffee down my nose at, 'It's a long time since I've blown bubbles'. Love all the references. You could have gone down so may routes with this one, but you've been far more creative than just having Elvis hiding out somewhere. Bravo.

 Comment Written 31-Aug-2019


reply by the author on 31-Aug-2019
    Thanks so much for the great comments, Emma. Snorting is a reaction I love, so mission accomplished. Much appreciation, Craig
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That's pretty wild stuff! You need to know a lot more about celebrities (I had no knowledge of anything to tie in Nicholas Cage with Michael Jackson!) in order to follow what was happening. But it's very creative stuff and I'm beginning to think with all your tinkering with hardware, maybe, you have been working on a time machine...


 Comment Written 30-Aug-2019


reply by the author on 30-Aug-2019
    Never a time machine, Helen. I did, however, build a rocket ship out of a 44 gallon drum as a wee small kid. I spent a lot of time inside that drum. They are the best toys, even better than cardboard boxes :) Thanks muchly.
Comment from Iza Deleanu
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You have cooked up an excellent story, and you touched base with all my favorite singers of all time. Good luck with the contest and with your writing.

 Comment Written 30-Aug-2019


reply by the author on 30-Aug-2019
    Thanks for the kind words and good wishes. Craig