Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
Trust The Process
When I start writing, I usually try to write in a journal. A first draft always seems to be better when I’m writing in a journal. That way I can separate different stories from each other. And mostly because I absolutely love journals. Some of my favorite ones are the ones that I got for Valentine’s Day.
By Raphael Fontenelle11 months ago in Critique
BLACKPINK Lisa in The White Lotus Episode 2 | Highlights & Best Scenes
1. Lisa's grand entrance: A star was born When Lisa appeared in the second episode of White Lotus, everyone knew it was going to be amazing. Her character is a fashionable and mysterious guest at a luxury resort. As soon as she appeared on screen, there was a feeling that something special was happening. Lisa walked with a beautiful gait and her charm immediately caught everyone's attention.
By Anna-Maria11 months ago in Critique
Considerations for Investing in a Movie Project
Investing in a movie project can be an exciting and potentially lucrative opportunity, but it also comes with significant risks. The film industry is highly unpredictable, with many factors determining whether a movie becomes a blockbuster or fails at the box office. If you're considering investing in a movie project, you must take a strategic approach, conduct thorough research, and understand the risks and rewards associated with film financing.
By Decider TV11 months ago in Critique
beginning-endings. Runner-Up in Self-Editing Epiphany Challenge. Top Story - March 2025.
The following is an excerpt of a draft of the opening of a novel which I hope to someday write. This piece is being submitted for Vocal's "Self-Editing Epiphany" Challenge, and will therefore include my analysis and reflections following the conclusion of the excerpt. Cheers, friends!
By Gabriel Huizenga11 months ago in Critique
Unearthing the Horror: A Self-Editing Epiphany on “Serpent’s Dominion”
"Serpent's Dominion" explodes onto the scene with an atmosphere so charged it nearly burns the pages—every inch of the island thrums with violent, sinister life. The ground rumbles ferociously beneath his feet—a deep, malignant heartbeat pulsing from the island’s core, as if the very earth were a ravenous beast preparing to strike. This opening salvo not only drags readers into a vortex of relentless impending doom but makes them acutely aware that every tremor is the foreboding drum of a monstrous force lying in wait.
By Jason “Jay” Benskin11 months ago in Critique
You Turned the Page, Didn’t You?
Introduction In the novel I’m writing, boundaries are porous. The Reader is not a passive observer, but a participant. The story doesn’t merely unfold; it listens, responds, and questions its own existence. At key moments, I employ what I call Meetings of the Minds—conversations between characters, but also with the Reader, whose voice becomes entangled in the exchange.
By Stéphane Lallée11 months ago in Critique
Why My First Drafts Look Like a Crime Scene (And Why Yours Should Too)
Do You Have the Guts to Butcher Your Own Work? Have you ever written something so imperfect that you wanted to set it on fire? Good. That means you’re on the right track. Writing isn’t about getting it right the first time—it’s about being brave enough to get it wrong, then ruthless enough to fix it. The true magic happens in self-editing, where creativity and cold-blooded analysis collide. But how do you edit without suffocating your originality?
By Alain SUPPINI11 months ago in Critique
Raw to Remix- 53 & Me. Runner-Up in Self-Editing Epiphany Challenge.
The crows have landed, I see imperfection. Fifty times around the sun plus three more to rub my nose in it. Love yourself, they say, age with grace. But celebrities don't, so why should I? Botox and fillers- a facelift will do. Don't take age lying down, invoke skin resurrection. "You look good for your age." What the hell does that mean? Under eye bags, a deep forehead wrinkle leaves no secrets on my face. Social media spites me and forwardly invites me: To challenge Father Time with "Yeah, I'm about to get mine." Creams, potions, and diet, already tried it. So, I'm about to go in for hand assisted fixes and take a page from the famous. If you ask me later, know I denied it. This is all natural, don't you see; me at 53!
By Marilyn Glover11 months ago in Critique
The Final Stroke of the Pen
The lamp flickers, casting an unsteady glow over the desk. Shadows stretch and contract with every movement of her pen, as if the room itself breathes with her. Crumpled pages litter the floor, fragments of words abandoned in frustration. A single drop of ink remains in her pen, yet she continues to write. Because as long as the words flow, she exists.
By GoldenSpeech11 months ago in Critique
