AuthorsDen: Reviews at a Glance

Recent Reviews for Ronald Dondiego

The Possessed (Book) - 10/3/2008 2:06:36 PM
Hi Ron, I haven't spoken to you since you reviewed Year of the Rat. Glad to see you have more work out. I have ordered The Possessed and look forward to reading it. Best always, Lucille

The Possessed (Book) - 7/14/2008 7:48:23 AM
Your comments are deeply appreciated.

The Possessed (Book) - 4/14/2008 2:18:16 PM
Congrats on this one man.

The Possessed (Book) - 4/14/2008 11:06:21 AM
Sounds delicious! You've piqued my interest.

Fables and Other Oddities of The Imagination (Book) - 10/1/2007 5:10:27 PM
I REALLY LIKED HOW THE AUTHOR HAS THE ABILITY TO ACTUALLY FEEL FOR HIS CHRACTERS. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. GREAT STORY THE SHIEK AKA ANTHONY FROM THE BKLYN. GRAVEYARD.

A Wicked Twist Of Fate (Book) - 8/22/2007 12:28:40 PM
Hmmm - your style and content capture attention immediately. Keith

Fables and Other Oddities of The Imagination (Book) - 3/12/2006 3:20:34 PM
Ron Dondiego's, "Fables and Other Oddities of The Imagination" is an extraordinary collection of short stories which have a valuable teaching and message in them. I was totally awestruck as I read each story. He really opened my eyes and mind to a reality I'd never thought of. Even though classified as fiction, this collection has so much truth in there. His first story would make a wonderful children's book and even a great show for the family. I loved the way each was written, not only as a story, but as a page in a diary. They cover just about everything a mind can imagine: from hauntings, to Hell, to Heaven, to love to hate, to perfect worlds, to the everyday world. Some bordering the apocalypse, some fantasy, while others explore the world beyond. Excellent book that I could not put down. I highly recommend, "Fables and Other Oddities of The Imagination" as a must read to readers of sixteen and older. Thank You so very much Ron for this intriguing look inside your mind's eye and bringing so much forth to mine. I have all of your currently published books and can hardly wait to look further inside your mind and heart. Exquisite!! Amazing!! Remarkable!! Tracey L. O' Very

Fables and Other Oddities of The Imagination (Book) - 6/20/2004 8:30:24 PM
I was reading "The Cold Wind" on the Writers Club Press website. This is one book I need to pick up; that story alone is one reason to pick up this collection. Ron is a talented horror writer and this book is a collection of memorable short stories that would have a style similar to Edgar Allan Poe. This is darker than The Face and Other Fantastic Tales. If you like that book of Ron's pick up give this book a read. I will need to pick up a copy when I finish "Wicked Twist of Fate" I am waiting for that book to arrive as I speak. I am surprised this book wasn't nominated for a Bram Stoker award, "The Cold Wind" alone should of been nominated for this award.

The Face and Other Fantastic Tales (Book) - 7/3/2003 2:17:44 PM
This book is well put together, I just read "The Face" and it is one that leave one thinking this is not the Twilight Zone, its better -- Rod Sterling would be proud of that story. That story is the one that really defines you. I just got the book today and hell, that book is bound to stand the test of time. I just got done reading the rest of the book, and it is one book collection that is a must have for any horror library. It is tough to choose just one strong story in here; this is the collection that is going to make Ron one of writers that is going to be cited as an influence for writers to come, myself included. He influenced in part writing "The Statue." Thank you for writing this Ron, this is the short story collection that is much needed.

Fables and Other Oddities of The Imagination (Book) - 4/26/2003 7:18:04 AM
Ike the excerpt - shades of Dean Koontz or Stephen King, perhaps (two of my favorites). Wonderful descriptives!

The Face and Other Fantastic Tales (Book) - 2/17/2003 3:39:03 PM
enjoyed the excerpt

A Wicked Twist Of Fate (Book) - 12/26/2002 12:09:03 PM
I'm a big fan of Roman Noir and dark literature in general. I must say that after having read this book I was quite amazed by its sudden twists and turns and stunning descriptions, and also utterly enthralled by its harrowing ending. However, I think the title might be a little misleading as the wicked twists really seemed to evolve around its character's frailties and not merely out of a contrived plot. It was a quick read, but then again so is "The Postman Always Rings Twice." I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something different. It held my interest from beginning to end. And really, what more could a reader ask for?

Fables and Other Oddities of The Imagination (Book) - 11/19/2002 8:30:52 AM
I found the excerpt to be captivating.

Fables and Other Oddities of The Imagination (Book) - 10/27/2002 3:51:16 PM
After reading your wolfman story I bought this book. I gotta tell ya man, you're a mind f---! But I liked it.

A Wicked Twist Of Fate (Book) - 9/18/2002 1:57:04 PM
A hauntingly disturbing read!

The Face and Other Fantastic Tales (Book) - 5/13/2002 8:13:17 AM
This is an extraordinary writer. To buy his books is a debt with culture of the Third Millenium

Prose, Poems, and Private Reflections (Book) - 5/13/2002 8:07:56 AM
Excellent,thoughtful,outstanding

Fables and Other Oddities of The Imagination (Book) - 12/12/2001 12:25:57 PM
I think you are a great writer.

A Wicked Twist Of Fate (Book) - 10/28/2001 5:16:03 PM
Sounds like a must read novel to me! Victoria Taylor Murray 'Thief Of Hearts' 'Forbidden'

The Face and Other Fantastic Tales (Book) - 10/28/2001 5:14:28 PM
A wonderful book by this very gifted writer. I recommend it highly... Victoria Taylor Murray 'Thief Of Hearts' 'Forbidden'

Fables and Other Oddities of The Imagination (Book) - 10/3/2001 8:58:13 PM
Can't wait to read it! It sounds wonderful... Victoria

Prose, Poems, and Private Reflections (Book) - 10/3/2001 8:53:43 PM
Well worth the read! Victoria

Nicole's Date (Short Story) - 8/21/2009 10:58:03 AM
We all have our idealistic fantasies about our perfect mate, and they rarely pan out, but just as rarely do they end up as bluntly unsatisfying as all this. It would be interesting to see the other side of things as well--how women rape men's emotions, which leaves a longer-lasting, if less visible and more hush-hush, scar.

Nicole's Date (Short Story) - 8/4/2008 3:33:31 PM
The world of dating is difficult at times. I can relate to this story, and the feeling of disappointment in a man's character. I was able to feel and sense Nicole's frustration and hatred of men. You are a descriptive writer, and I think this a well written piece. Please stop by my authors den and take a look at my work when you have a chance-and let me know what you think

When Strangers Meet (Short Story) - 2/22/2008 7:47:06 PM
Just like that song from the seventies, "Everybody plays the fool sometimes". May be cruel, but Dave's gotta move on and appreciate what is. He must forget about what was not and can never be.

Night Of The Werewolf (Short Story) - 7/7/2006 3:13:33 AM
Ron, Very nice stuff. Nic is correct on you having the talens of Rod Serling and Edgar Allan Poe. I would even say H.P. Lovecraft as well. Loved the dark mood and references to poe. You are a true genius sir. Charles D. O'Connor ps. Check out my new sci-fi/horror entitled "The Curiosity Shop" thanks. "In everything I am an outsider"-H.P. Lovecraft.

A Ghost In The House (from fables and Other Oddities of the Imagination) (Short Story) - 5/8/2005 9:42:44 AM
This is one of the best ghost stories I ever read. I dont understand why readers shun the ghost genre so much because ghost fiction has some literary gems and this is one of them.

A Ghost In The House (from fables and Other Oddities of the Imagination) (Short Story) - 11/1/2004 4:49:54 PM
Ron, All I can say is....the 'master' would have indeed been proud. Enjoyed it.. Terry

Night Of The Werewolf (Short Story) - 8/18/2004 6:25:24 PM
Ron is a horror genuis who's talents I best compare to the writer Rod Serling and Edgar Allan Poe. He knows how to scare when it comes to horror and this story is one of those examples of his approach of being able to scare. Check out the rest of his horror work, it is well worth it.

A Ghost In The House (from fables and Other Oddities of the Imagination) (Short Story) - 8/14/2004 1:29:42 PM
Ron, good going ,your stuff just gets better and better. M.J.H.

The Diary (A Screenplay) (Short Story) - 8/12/2004 7:57:17 PM
yeah this is a good one it reminds me of the ring enjoyed this alot

Night Of The Werewolf (Short Story) - 7/9/2004 5:52:10 AM
Wow...I am speechless. LOL That was an awesome tale and I was spellbound reading the whole thing. Great job weaving the story! :-) April

The House of The Dead (Short Story) - 6/4/2004 2:53:27 PM
Cool piece! Very arcane feel.

The Face And Other Fantastic Tales (Short Story) - 7/7/2003 12:04:45 AM
The Face is the story that really defines your writing style. Very strong one. This is the one that I got right into from the get go. This one does have a lot of passion behind it, I am sending you another reader -- she was one of my newest readers and told them if she liked what I did, give your work a read.

When Strangers Meet (Short Story) - 5/23/2003 4:20:35 PM
powerful

The Face And Other Fantastic Tales (Short Story) - 5/23/2003 4:19:11 PM
well done

A Ghost In The House (from fables and Other Oddities of the Imagination) (Short Story) - 5/23/2003 4:18:22 PM
good one

Lightning Rod (Short Story) - 5/23/2003 4:17:43 PM
powerful

A Ghost In The House (from fables and Other Oddities of the Imagination) (Short Story) - 4/13/2003 1:53:40 PM
Excellent; well worth the ink from my printer and made my cup of coffee that much better.

The Diary (A Screenplay) (Short Story) - 4/8/2003 7:52:36 PM
HOLY CRAP!!!! This one is insane Ron -- good one as well. Strong write.

The Diary (A Screenplay) (Short Story) - 4/7/2003 9:55:48 AM
I really liked this! I could see every scene like I was watching a movie. Good write. - J -

The Diary (A Screenplay) (Short Story) - 3/31/2003 6:18:18 PM
Interesting twist. Very good dialogue. Might make a good teleplay (teleplay format is slightly different) as part of an anthology (this is about 13-15 mins of screen time). Good placement of the fade out to commercial. Couple of points: "Cut to's" are generally not used between scenes as the "cut" to a new locale is obvious. Lena's voice from off camera should be "OS" (off screen) vice "VO." Most directors frown on (or ignore) specific camera direction. In scene setting, the time of day should come last: INT. Leana's Bedroom. Night.

The Diary (A Screenplay) (Short Story) - 3/30/2003 5:05:16 PM
good one

Lightning Rod (Short Story) - 3/10/2003 8:42:05 AM
This one is powerful, I got grabbed into this one as well. One dark hell ride out of the Northeast. I was going, "holy shit" when I was reading this. Definately can see your writing got a bit darker.

An Interview With Ronald S. Dondiego (Article) - 8/2/2009 6:26:23 PM
Enjoyed your thoughts, Ronald. I, too, enjoy stretching the minds of my readers. A.S. Ziner

1984 (Article) - 6/5/2009 2:07:35 PM
Whatever possessed him to write such a review?

Hunter S. Thomson (Article) - 11/18/2006 9:15:48 PM
My new story is inspired in part by Hunter S. Thompson, I got to see Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas. My room mate actually owns his movie, so I sat down and watched it. I learned a lot about the writer because I also played around with the idea of writing gonzo journalism. His work played a lot into the use of drugs, but at the same time it was really disturbing. The movie was very accurate to how he came up with the book.

An Interview With Ronald S. Dondiego (Article) - 3/15/2003 3:52:28 AM
interesting

On Freedom Of Expression (Article) - 2/17/2003 3:36:47 PM
enjoyed the read

On Freedom Of Expression (Article) - 12/7/2002 6:59:33 AM
basically we all made an unwritten promise to protect this amendment otherwise the ones who write darker than Egdar Allen Poe if he was on herione or crack would be in prison because there would not be freedom of speech. Some countries they jail writers.

On Freedom Of Expression (Article) - 11/13/2002 3:46:43 PM
well done

On Freedom Of Expression (Article) - 9/3/2002 6:36:21 PM
Bravo, Ron! and Thank you. Gina

On Freedom Of Expression (Article) - 9/2/2002 1:45:25 PM
Amen and good for you! We need your voice! Excellent. Thank you, Janet xoxoxo

On Freedom Of Expression (Article) - 9/1/2002 9:40:11 PM
Excellent article Ron~`*

An Interview With Ronald S. Dondiego (Article) - 11/5/2001 1:18:53 PM
Oh heck. They should have asked a hundred more questions... surely you were just warming up? Time for an essay on your thoughts on writing, Ronald! Have you ever read Annie Dillard's "The Writing Life?" I give it the very highest recommendation.

An Interview With Ronald S. Dondiego (Article) - 11/4/2001 8:29:12 AM
Nice interview Ronald. Victoria

Take Me (Poetry) - 11/7/2009 1:06:04 AM
What a powerful feeling of frustration you have painted with these words.

The Black Crows (Poetry) - 11/7/2009 1:03:33 AM
Powerful imagery. like the opening chapter of a mystery novel in a poem.

The Black Crows (Poetry) - 5/1/2009 8:18:10 AM
Great poem man! Right up my alley!!

Young Girl's Mistake (Poetry) - 2/24/2009 9:42:11 PM
wow, this is really really beautiful, in thought, word choice and execution.

Young Girl's Mistake (Poetry) - 2/24/2009 2:58:29 AM
Excellent poem,great work,take care Edwin

Young Girl's Mistake (Poetry) - 2/21/2009 5:15:54 PM
Love your poem Ron. Especially the lines, "Now it tells me - I'll be Lonely like a fallen star Wondering through the wilderness" They're very visual as is "Running through the rocks" Good use of similies/metaphors. Marcia Miller-Twiford

Young Girl's Mistake (Poetry) - 2/21/2009 5:05:29 PM
I love your poem.It has a quaint way of telling of lost love and how the other party will also be lonely because of a mistake. It seems to have come from the heart. Good pen.

The Black Crows (Poetry) - 12/21/2008 1:03:01 PM
What a work of art. The imagery is priceless. The word choice couldn't have been better. I need to read more, but I had to comment before hand. I am anxious to read on. I love to write poetry as well, but I am in the beginning stage! I hope you will critique my works so I can improve. (Or atleast tell me that I am wasting my time!) Thank you very much...

Take Me (Poetry) - 11/17/2008 6:11:23 AM
Ron, Calgon - just do it - take me away. Passion is the mystery of living. Enjoyed. Thanks, ~Donna.

Anonymous (Poetry) - 8/26/2008 12:43:41 PM
This is a sweet and romantic poem. Just remember, that life is precious, and every moment counts. Do not let fear prevent you from expressing your interest or love for another person. It is painful and lonely when we have a heart full of love for another person, but we do not tell anyone about it at first. Do not let fear prevent you from loving. I remember waiting for someone that I truly loved and adored, but as time passed, I had lost my opportunity. Once again, you have captured my attention and my heart with your beautiful words!! You are inspiring to me!

Autumn (Poetry) - 8/26/2008 12:39:28 PM
I anxiously await Autumn. To me, it is a time when the paint brushes begin to drop their paint drops of red and gold on top of every leaf! I love your poem because it reminds me that we are exactly like autumn and the leaves. We are constantly changing each year, or in each season. Sometimes we do look bad at the bad memories and we "sink into the dark, wet soil." Ron-please remember, that no matter how dark and wet the soil may seem, or how many leaves fall to the ground, Spring will come again, and there will be new beginnings. Fabulous poem, and I just adore your poetry!!!

A Difficult Moment (Poetry) - 8/26/2008 12:36:10 PM
Sometimes we can be so passionate from a distance, and the excitement of admiring someone from a far can add color to our day. Sometimes the sights, and scents of another person at a distance can ignite so many fires in our heart. As we long to whisper in the person's ear, we come back to reality and realize that we might never have the opportunity to know how the person's embrace may feel. Your poem makes me curious. Why is it that you might not feel her embrace? Is it because your body trembles in fear? Or is it because she is simply not available to pursue you? Maybe I am reading into this too much, but I am consumed by your beautiful words and I love the way you write.

Days (Poetry) - 8/26/2008 12:30:06 PM
I know that everyone interprets poetry differently. To me, this poem may seem dark, but it actually full of hope. You make me feel like I want to get into the poem and walk down the dark hallway with you, as you provoke emotion within me with your words. However, the sign of hope in this poem, is shown in your words, "but my best days are the days when I see the vision of higher realms and listen to the seashells of beauty..." This shows that no matter how much darkness and how much sorrow we feel, we always can and will find something beautiful in each day. We all have our "seashells" or sights and sounds which may cause our darkness to disappear. There is always light even on our darkest hours. You truly are talented, and I am tracking your work. It is obvious that you are talented, deep, and know how to touch the soul.

Love's Body (Poetry) - 8/26/2008 12:24:47 PM
This poem captures my heart for a few reasons. First, the words that you use to describe your feelings trigger so many emotions inside of me. For example, "her kiss was like fire in my soul." I think that those are very strong and passionate words. Also, "without love's body it is like a cold winter's night." I can sense the loneliness and isolation, as I see the wintertime in my mind. I know how it feels to have cold hearts around, and sometimes I feel like my journeys are quite difficult in life. Every now and then, we meet someone who puts a light in our heart, or fire in our souls. It is amazing how animated you became in your writings, as you described your encounter with the woman. This is a remarkable, deep, touching, and passionate work! Love it!

If A Song Could Rise (Poetry) - 5/6/2008 6:55:52 AM
Grandiosity in all its splendor and love in all its beginnings and inbetweens and no endings. Beautiful tribute to love and I loved it LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT, enough.

Autumn (Poetry) - 4/10/2008 9:15:15 PM
Like this one alot!...very descriptive, among others things of course..

The Power of Water (Poetry) - 4/6/2008 12:17:55 PM
Ron I love it I know water is powerful. We have an old saying that water is silent dynamite. Another saying about water is never try to push a river Appreciativley Tuchy

The Night Becomes Her (Poetry) - 3/4/2008 9:56:23 AM
This flows like the blood of one heart into another!

The Night Becomes Her (Poetry) - 3/1/2008 9:04:50 AM
Ah, to be so caught up in the rush of romance!Beautifully written, Ron! Gina

The Night Becomes Her (Poetry) - 3/1/2008 3:54:30 AM
Stunning write, Ron; bravo! (((HUGS))) and much love, your Tx. friend, Karen Lynn. :D

If A Song Could Rise (Poetry) - 2/29/2008 7:59:32 PM
Ron, Beautifully penned, almost ethereal - unconditional love in lovely lyrics - well done. (((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

The Night Becomes Her (Poetry) - 2/29/2008 7:57:41 PM
Oh, I love this one, Ron. Beautifully imaged in verse, well done! (((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

The Power of Water (Poetry) - 2/27/2008 11:05:32 AM
Good reading for a water sign like myself. Love the ocean and water and swimming. Thanks for the nice poems you write. You are a very talented person in your poems and all. Will take me long time to read them all, but will keep at it. My type of author and writing.

I Fell In Love (Poetry) - 2/27/2008 11:04:00 AM
Feel in love with second husband and am still in love with him after his death. Always have good memories of him. This is good reading and writing, sentimentally yours. Lois

Love's Body (Poetry) - 2/27/2008 11:02:24 AM
Feel so lonely after death of Tom, my husband on Aug 17 07. But poems like this and writing encourage me to go on. I am not alone in my grief. Yes, the beach sounds good as i love the ocean and am a water sign Scorpio. Take care and will certainly read more of your writing. Thanks to the reply to me on e-mail. Know you are busy. Friend of Bonnie May who at present is in hosp with heart problems. Maybe you can get into her site and read some of her poems. I thinks she is great, but predudiced cause I know her personally. Other poets are writing encouraging get well poems to her. Authors den keeps me busy and love it.