The Editor Suggests.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 154, 1 July 1936, Page 20

The Editor Suggests.

SHORT STORY CRITIQUE. Margaret Bollard — "Budding Shakespeare" was a Humorous little article, Margaret, and described well the trials of a young writer. It has been marked B grade. . •' Doreen Lovee—"Midge's Find" was a well-written little story, Doreen, and just missed publication. Try again to write a rairy tale that is a little bit different rrom the usual ones. Joy c« Smith—Although neatly constructed, "Fate Takes a Hand" was a very hackneyed type or story, Joyce, and has been marked C grade. Mannee Haines—"The Giant's Stairs" was good, Mannee, and will find its way into print in our pages. Remember always, however, when sending work for publication, to write on one side or the paper only. Monioa Naughton—"lnsomnia" was a well-written tale, Monica, and I think one or the best you have sent in to us. A grade. , Patricia Egan-—"The Story or the Pink Cup and: saucer" .was very short, wasn't, it, Patricia? Try to get a little more description, and - a little more plot into your stories. C grade. . Beryl Long—l. think you could have madev quite a good story or little Brue's adventures, Beryl, but you cut the tale off Very abruptly, leaving the reader very puzzled as to how Brue did manage to llnd his'. own rood, and as to what he intended to do in the t.uture.. A short story should be complete in ltseir. v ;: A. H. White —Several grammatical mistakes spoilt "A Friend at Last," and made it a little difficult to read. Try to avoid this point In ruture work, being always very careful to read-your story through when it is finished. . "fe . Flora Soar—Although • your little story arrived too late to be published on the correct date, this little episode, from our New Zealand history will llnd Its way. into print. B grade. ■ Cedric Short—"Hobbles" is rar too long, Cedric. It could with ease.have been cut to hair Its lengtfl, and its theme'made into a short essay. This tale was. not up to publication standard,, but "Bayswater Mystery," although suffering somewhat from the same Tault, will find its way into print. You are too apt to enlarge unnecessary and irrelevant details. Joan Davey—"TheLure or the Mountains" was not up to your usual standard, Joan; the character or Hana was not drawn clearly enough, while- the picture of the mountains did not strike a chord of reality. Try again with some, theme, that you are more deeply interested in. Margaret Luxford—The dialogue in "The Japanese Vase" was strained, Margaret, and the theme most vague. Try to visualise the acting or. any play that you write, and this should help you with the construction or the scenes. Ruby Riddiford—The end or "Reliable" was good, Ruby, but the introduction was stilted. Try again, and see ir you can keep your- stories at B grade level, which "Reliable" _ reached. Heather Eustace—"Te Ka's Lost Bracelet" was a good story Tor a little girl or nine, Heather, and'was Just not quite good enough for publication. Be very carerul or bijth spelling and punctuation in your work. Cecily Fahey—"The Following Star" was a quaint little essay, Cecily, and well written. It will be published in our pages., Janice Brewer—l think you tried to cram too much incident into "Courage and Endurance," Janice. The plot or a short story must be very clear and to the point, you know. Remember always to write on one side or the paper only. Kitty Qoddard—"Rabbit Love" was spoilt by the introduction, Kitty, which was rather vague. The introduction, you know, is the most important part or a story, and it Is a great "vantage point" ir the opening paragraphs Immediately attract the reader's attention. The rollowin'g children nave sent In stories which have been marked C grade:— Thelma Todd, Ellerslie; John Small, Remuera; Dalyrie Ferguson, Manurewa; Evelyn Cherrle, Hikurangi; Mona Carr, Wellington; Mabel Irving; Keith Walker; Raglan; Joyce Troup.