When you first think of this word, it is with a slippery slope in mind.
I’ve been on a few of those in my time.
And while we’re on the subject, those inclines measured in degrees are very important if you want a train to get up and down the side of a mountain.
For the train, that’s an incline plane, the point where traction alone won’t get the iron horse up the hill.
Did I say ‘Iron Horse’? Sorry, regressed there, back to the mid-1800s in the American West for a moment.
It’s not that important when it comes to trucks and cars, and less so if you like four-wheel driving; getting up near-vertical mountainsides often present a welcome challenge to the true enthusiast
But for the rest of us, not so much if you find yourself sliding in reverse uncontrollably into the bay. I’m sure it’s happened more than once.
Then…
Are you inclined to go?
A very different sort of incline, ie to be disposed towards an attitude or desire.
An inclination, maybe, not to go four-wheel driving?
There is another, probably more obscure use of the word incline, and that relates to an elevated geological formation. Not the sort of reference that crops up in everyday conversation at the coffee shop.
But, you never know. Try it next time you have coffee and see what happens.
Hang about. Didn’t I read somewhere you need to plan your novel, create an outline setting the plot points, and flesh out the characters?
I’m sure it didn’t say, sit down and start writing!
Time to find a writing pad, and put my thinking cap on.
I make a list, what’s the story going to be about? Who’s going to be in it, at least at the start?
Like a newspaper story, I need a who, what, when, where, and how.
Right now.
I pick up the pen.
Character number one:
Computer nerd, ok, that’s a little close to the bone, a computer manager who is trying to be everything at once, and failing. Still me, but with a twist. Now, add a little mystery to him, and give him a secret, one that will only be revealed after a specific set of circumstance. Yes, I like that.
We’ll call him Bill, ex-regular army, a badly injured and repatriated soldier who was sent to fight a war in Vietnam, the result of which had made him, at times, unfit to live with.
He had a wife, which brings us to,
Character number two:
Ellen, Bill’s ex-wife, an army brat and a General’s daughter, and the result of one of those romances that met disapproval for so many reasons. It worked until Bill came back from the war, and from there it slowly disintegrated. There are two daughters, both by the time the novel begins, old enough to understand the ramifications of a divorce.
Character number three:
The man who is Bill’s immediate superior, the Services Department manager, a rather officious man who blindly follows orders, a man who takes pleasure in making others feel small and insignificant, and worst of all, takes the credit where none is due.
Oops, too much, that is my old boss. He’ll know immediately I’m parodying him. Tone it down, just a little, but more or less that’s him. Last name Benton. He will play a small role in the story.
Character number four:
Jennifer, the IT Department’s assistant manager, a woman who arrives in a shroud of mystery, and then, in time, to provide Bill with a shoulder to cry on when he and Ellen finally split, and perhaps something else later on.
More on her later as the story unfolds.
So far so good.
What’s the plot?
Huge corporation plotting to take over the world using computers? No, that’s been done to death.
Huge corporation, OK, let’s stop blaming the corporate world for everything wrong in the world. Corporations are not bad people, people are the bad people. That’s a rip off cliché, from guns don’t kill people, people kill people! There will be guns, and there will be dead people.
There will be people hiding behind a huge corporation, using a part of their computer network to move billions of illegally gained money around. That’s better.
Now, having got that, our ‘hero’ has to ‘discover’ this network, and the people behind it.
All we need now is to set the ball rolling, a single event that ‘throws a cat among the pigeons’.
Yes, Bill is on holidays, a welcome relief from the problems of work. He dreams of what he’s going to do for the next two weeks. The phone rings. Benton calling, the world is coming to an end, the network is down. He’s needed. A few terse words, but he relents.
It is, but it isn’t. Oddly enough after two weeks in temperatures ranging from -21 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit, I think I’m finally used to it.
My early morning walk after leaving the hotel is both for exercise and exploring.
Looking for locations, observing people, watching and learning what it’s like to live, work, and hang out in a city like New York.
It’s so much more interesting than where I come from. There it would be impossible to spin a story in such a small city. You need to be able to hide in plain sight among millions of people over a very large area that encompasses Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and everything else in-between and beyond.
I was looking at going to a Walmart in Secaucus, about three and a half miles from my hotel in Manhattan. Three and a half miles. In my city that’s way beyond the limits of the city and in the outer suburbs.
Here I can spin a tale that could live within the confines of 35th street, 85th street, 2nd Avenue and 10th Avenue, and have so much material, I could probably write a trilogy.
Pity is, I won’t be here long enough to gather enough background.
Still, it’s like being in literary seventh heaven.
I’ve written one book based in New York, I’m sure another is currently writing itself in my head and will be on paper over the next year.
You have this incredible, fully working scale model of an Airbus A380 coming into land…
Imagine this: a majestic Airbus A380, the undisputed queen of the skies, gently descending, gear down, flaps extended, ready for touchdown… Now imagine that happening, not on a sprawling tarmac, but in your very own living room. Well, almost!
That’s the scenario I found myself in recently, courtesy of an incredible, fully functional scale model of the iconic Airbus A380. And let me tell you, this isn’t just a static display piece; oh no. This magnificent machine, stretching over a meter in length, has actually flown as a remote-controlled aircraft.
Now I can simulate tornadoes.
And, I have to say, it’s rather awe-inspiring to look at it.
The Power is REAL
If you’ve ever doubted the power of scaled-down engineering, allow me to dispel those doubts. I fired up those four engines in my lounge room – cautiously, I might add – and the thrust generated was enough to almost blow the curtains clean off their hooks from a good 40 feet away! Holding the plane down was a genuine struggle against its immense power. I’m pretty sure I could simulate a small tornado in here if I wanted to!
Beyond the raw power, it’s just awe-inspiring to behold. The sheer detail, the imposing presence – it truly captures the spirit of the real A380. Every curve, every engine nacelle, every bit of its massive scale is mesmerising.
For the Aviation Enthusiasts and RC Pilots: The Technical Marvel
For those of you, like me, who love to dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes such a marvel tick, here are the details that truly make this model stand out:
This isn’t just a model; it’s arguably the largest EPO (Expanded Polyolefin) model you’ll ever encounter. With a formidable wingspan of 1520mm (nearly 60 inches!) and powered by four potent 56mm ducted fans (EDFs), it’s guaranteed to turn heads at any airfield.
Despite its impressive dimensions, the designers have done a brilliant job making it surprisingly light and economical to fly, requiring just a 3000mAh 3S battery (though it can handle up to a 5000mAh for extended flights). This means less drain on your wallet and more time in the air.
And for those eager to get airborne, the good news is it arrives 95% pre-built. It includes a powerful 4 x 25A brushless EDF system and a steerable nose wheel, meaning you just need to add your own Tx/Rx (transmitter/receiver) and battery to get this giant taking to the skies.
This A380 model is more than just a hobbyist’s dream; it’s a testament to incredible engineering, both at the full scale and in miniature. The thrill of seeing it take flight, or even just feeling the raw power of its engines, is an experience I wouldn’t trade. It truly brings the majesty of aviation right into your hands.
Ground Zero for Greatness: Why Location is the Ultimate Character in a Book Series
If you’re going to write a book series, sometimes it will be rooted in one particular place—the place I would call home.
Dynasties need a place that is theirs, to start from nothing. And when you’re building a multi-book epic, a generational saga, or even a sprawling television-style procedural, it’s all about picking a location.
Before you plot your twists, before you name your protagonist, and long before you figure out how the story ends, you have to choose the dirt. Because in serialised fiction, geography isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the heartbeat of your entire fictional universe.
Here is why your series needs a definitive home base, and how to pick a location that can carry the weight of an entire dynasty.
1. The Power of “Home” in Serialised Fiction
Think of the most iconic series in literature and pop culture. Game of Thrones is inextricably linked to Winterfell and the stark brutality of the North. Lord of the Rings always circles back to the comforting, green hearth of the Shire. In crime fiction, Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch is Los Angeles—the asphalt, the traffic, the neon-lit grit.
When a series has a distinct home, it offers the reader a psychological anchor. No matter how chaotic the plot gets, or how many new characters are introduced in book three or four, returning to “home” provides a sense of continuity.
As a writer, establishing a home base gives you a baseline. You can’t show how much a character or a family has changed unless you show them against the backdrop of where they started.
2. Dynasties Need Dirt: Starting from Nothing
Every great dynasty—whether it’s the Corleones in The Godfather, the Roys in Succession, or a fantasy bloodline clawing its way to a throne—needs a genesis point.
To make a dynasty compelling, you have to show the climb. And to show the climb, you need a starting block that feels tactile, specific, and often, limiting.
The Mud and the Scaffolding: Starting from nothing means your characters are shaped by the geography of their struggle. Are they mining coal in a bleak valley? Are they scraping by in a crowded port city? The physical environment dictates their resourcefulness, their culture, and their desperation.
The Claim: A dynasty isn’t just a family; it’s real estate. The moment a group of characters stakes a claim on a specific piece of land—whether it’s an abandoned farm, a contested borough, or an uncharted island—the story shifts from mere survival to legacy-building.
When you pick a location, ask yourself: What does this dirt demand from the people who walk on it?
3. How to Choose the Right Location for Your Series
Picking a location isn’t about just pointing a finger at a map or making up a cool-sounding fantasy name. It’s a strategic choice that will dictate the trajectory of your entire series. Here’s how to nail it:
Give the Location Personality
Treat your setting like a main character. It should have moods, history, biases, and secrets. A coastal town isn’t just “near the water”—it’s salty, isolated, suspicious of outsiders, and at the mercy of the tides. The weather, the architecture, the local cuisine, and the regional slang should all bleed into the narrative.
Ensure Room for Expansion
A common pitfall in series writing is picking a location that is too small. If your entire story takes place in a single room or a tiny village, you’ll run out of narrative fuel by book two. Ensure your chosen location has layers: neighbourhoods, surrounding wilderness, political jurisdictions, or hidden undergrounds that you can peel back as the series progresses.
Make It Inhospitable (At Least a Little Bit)
Comfort breeds stagnation; struggle breeds dynasties. Whether it’s harsh winters, political corruption, economic depression, or literal monsters at the gates, your location should present ongoing obstacles. A dynasty is forged in the forge, after all.
4. The Location Evolves With You
One of the greatest joys of writing a series is watching the home base change over time.
In Book 1, your characters might be shivering in a leaky shack on the edge of town, dreaming of something better. By Book 5, that same shack might be replaced by a sprawling estate, or serve as the historic foundation of a massive corporate or political empire.
Because the location stays the same while the characters change, the setting becomes a measuring stick for time and ambition. Readers love nothing more than recognising a street corner, a building, or a landmark that appeared in the first book, but seeing it entirely transformed through the lens of the characters’ success (or downfall).
Final Thoughts: Plant Your Flag
If you’re staring at a blank document, paralysed by the sheer scope of the series you want to write, stop trying to plot the ending. Stop trying to introduce every character.
Instead, look for the place.
Find the town, the planet, the estate, or the street corner that feels like the epicentre of your imagination. Plant your flag there. Make it messy, make it real, and make it home. Because once you find the right location, the dynasty will build itself.
Discover Pretoria’s Hidden Gems: Top 5 Under-the-Radar Attractions with Breathtaking Character
Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, is often lauded for its grand government buildings like the iconic Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument. However, beyond its political skyline lie quieter, lesser-known treasures that offer unique experiences without the bustling crowds. If you’re seeking tranquillity and rich cultural or natural features, here are five must-visit spots in Pretoria that are off the tourist radar but well worth exploring.
1. Tafelberg Ridge: A Hiker’s Paradise with Panoramic Vistas
Tucked just southeast of Pretoria city centre, Tafelberg Ridge is a geological marvel and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This iconic rock formation, also known as “The Table,” rises 150 meters above the surrounding plains and boasts the oldest known rock art in southern Africa—dating back over 2,000 years—created by the San people.
Why Visit? Hike or rock-climb to the summit for breathtaking 360° views of Pretoria and the surrounding Highveld. The well-maintained trails cater to all fitness levels, and the ridge’s historical significance adds an educational layer to your adventure.
Crowd Tip: Early mornings or weekdays ensure solitude and are perfect for capturing sunrise photos or soaking in the serenity.
2. Pretoria National Botanical Garden: A Verdant Escape
This 280-hectare haven, located on the banks of the Apies River, is a lush sanctuary for nature lovers. Unlike the more crowded urban parks, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden offers a diverse array of indigenous flora, serene waterways, and a suspended canopy walkway.
Why Visit? Explore themed gardens like the Veld Reserve (showcasing natural landscapes) and the Rock Garden, stroll across the sky bridge for elevated views, or enjoy a peaceful picnic by the lake. It’s a living museum of South Africa’s biodiversity.
Crowd Tip: Weekdays are virtually empty, making it ideal for leisurely strolls or birdwatching among over 160 species.
3. Irene Village: A Step Back in Time
Nestled just outside Pretoria, Irene Village is a quaint, centuries-old settlement that retains its original charm. Once a strategic military town, it now offers a blend of history, architecture, and artisanal flair.
Why Visit? Wander cobbled streets lined with cobalt-blue houses, visit the Irene Museum (housed in a 19th-century inn), and enjoy farm-to-table dining at local cafés. The village’s tranquillity and preserved heritage make it a time capsule of old Pretoria.
Crowd Tip: Sundays are the quietest, perfect for exploring with a leisurely pace.
4. Church Square: Pretoria’s Cultural Heart
Right in the heart of Pretoria, Church Square is a dynamic yet surprisingly uncluttered space. Often overshadowed by its more ostentatious neighbours, this square is the focal point of the city’s cultural identity.
Why Visit? Admire the statue of Paul Kruger (South Africa’s first president), attend one of the weekly markets (Fridays and Saturdays), or enjoy street performances and weekend festivals. The square’s mix of politics, art, and history is palpable.
Crowd Tip: Weekdays are calm, offering a chance to reflect among the monuments and learn about Pretoria’s contested past.
5. Pretoria Prison: A Stark Glimpse into the Past
Now a museum, Pretoria Prison is a striking example of colonial-era architecture and a sobering look into South Africa’s political history. Built in 1888, it once held prominent figures like Nelson Mandela and Paul Kruger.
Why Visit? Walk through the same concrete cells and tunnels that imprisoned freedom fighters, and explore exhibits on the evolution of South Africa’s penal system. The prison’s eerie ambience and historical weight make it a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Crowd Tip: Public tours are intimate, with early morning slots being the least crowded.
Final Thoughts: Pretoria’s Quiet Side Awaits
Pretoria’s lesser-known attractions offer a quieter, more personal way to connect with the city’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking to the top of Tafelberg Ridge or sipping coffee in Irene Village, these destinations reveal Pretoria’s soul away from the usual tourist trails. So next time you visit, trade the postcards for a deeper, more reflective journey.
Pro Tip: Pair these experiences with a visit to the Union Buildings or Voortrekker Monument for the perfect mix of iconic and hidden Pretoria!
Ready to discover the unsung gems of Pretoria? Let the adventure begin!
Well, isn’t it just like you to rain on my parade?
Yes, and don’t we need a lot of rain because of the bushfires that are burning out of control?
Rain is that stuff that falls from the sky, sometimes at the awkwardest of times, like when you leave your umbrella in the car.
And rain can be a problem in sub-zero temperatures and high winds when it almost takes on the form of multiple miniature knives. Rain and snow together, sleep, but that’s something else.
Of course, it could always rain cats and dogs, a rather interesting occurrence if it ever happened.
This should not be confused with the word rein.
As any horseperson would know this is what helps control a horse
But, it doesn’t have to be a horse, it might be that you are told to rein in your attack dog
Or rein in your excesses
Or alternatively, give a person free rein to go about their business.
Then there is reign, that period of time when a monarch rules, and it seems in England women hold the record for the longest reign, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth II
That’s distinct from the office oligarchs who seem to think they reign over the plebs
There’s something to be said for a story that starts like a James Bond movie, throwing you straight in the deep end, a perfect way of getting to know the main character, David, or is that Alistair?
A retired spy, well, not so much a spy as a retired errand boy, David’s rather wry description of his talents, and a woman that most men would give their left arm for, not exactly the ideal couple, but there is a spark in a meeting that may or may not have been a setup.
But as the story progressed, the question I kept asking myself was why he’d bother.
And, page after unrelenting page, you find out.
Susan is exactly the sort of woman to pique his interest. Then, inexplicably, she disappears. That might have been the end of it, but Prendergast, that shadowy enigma, David’s ex-boss who loves playing games with real people, gives him an ultimatum: find her or come back to work.
Nothing like an offer that’s a double-edged sword!
A dragon for a mother, a sister he didn’t know about, Susan’s BFF who is not what she seems or a friend indeed, and Susan’s father, who, up till David meets her, couldn’t be less interested, his nemesis proves to be the impossible dream, and he’s always just that one step behind.
When the rollercoaster finally came to a halt, and I could start breathing again, it was an ending that was completely unexpected.
Hidden Gems of Abuja: 5 Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss
Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, is often celebrated for its wide boulevards, modern architecture, and bustling political hubs. While most tourists flock to well-known spots like the National Mosque, Millennium Park, or the Aso Rock Monument, there’s a quieter, more intimate side to Abuja that often goes unnoticed. Beyond the crowds lies a collection of serene, unique, and culturally rich attractions that offer a more personal and authentic experience.
If you’re looking to explore Abuja beyond the tourist brochures, here are the top five lesser-known yet distinctive attractions that promise tranquillity, beauty, and a touch of local charm—without the hustle and bustle.
1. Abuja National Zoo
Tucked away in the quieter Gwarimpa district, the Abuja National Zoo offers a peaceful escape into the world of Nigerian wildlife. Unlike the more crowded national parks, this compact zoo is family-friendly and sees far fewer visitors, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
What makes it special? Home to indigenous species like the Nigerian dwarf crocodile, West African manatees, and various primates, the zoo also features educational exhibits on conservation. The lush, well-maintained grounds include shaded walkways and picnic spots—perfect for nature lovers and families seeking a quiet day out.
Pro Tip: Visit on weekday mornings for an even more serene experience, and don’t miss the reptile house—it’s one of the few places in the country showcasing a dedicated collection of African reptiles.
2. Jabi Lake and Boat Club (Beyond the Kayaks)
While Jabi Lake is known for its weekend kayaking activities and lakeside cafes, few visitors venture beyond the main dock or the popular eateries. However, the surrounding trails and the quieter eastern shoreline offer a completely different vibe.
What makes it special? Early mornings at the lake are magical—fog hovers above the water, birds call from the reeds, and fishermen paddle silently in wooden canoes. The lesser-used walking paths along the eastern bank provide scenic views and a chance to observe local life along the water’s edge. It’s a photographer’s dream and a meditative retreat from city noise.
Pro Tip: Bring a coffee from a nearby café and take a quiet stroll along the back trails before 8 AM to fully appreciate the lake’s tranquil beauty.
3. Kubwa Hills and Rock Formations
Located just a short drive from the city centre in the Kubwa neighbourhood, these natural rock formations rise dramatically from the savannah, offering panoramic views and a sense of untouched wilderness.
What makes it special? Unlike Aso Rock, which is often crowded and surveilled, the Kubwa Hills are largely unmarked and unmanaged—making them perfect for adventurous travellers who enjoy hiking and solitude. The area is rich in geological history, with unique weathered granite outcrops and hidden caves. It’s also a favorite among local artists and spiritual groups, adding a subtle cultural layer to the landscape.
Pro Tip: Visit with a local guide or a trusted companion, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water—there are no facilities on-site. Sunset here offers one of the most underrated views in Abuja.
4. Arts Market at Sheraton Hotel (Abuja Arts & Crafts Market)
While many head to city malls and souvenir shops, the weekly arts and crafts market held outside the Sheraton Hotel (Friday afternoons to Sunday evenings) is a hidden treasure trove of Nigerian creativity.
What makes it special? Here, you’ll find hand-carved sculptures, traditional fabrics, beadwork, and pottery from artisans across Nigeria’s 36 states. Because it’s not widely advertised, it attracts more locals than tourists, making it a genuine cultural exchange. The prices are fair, and vendors are happy to share stories behind their crafts.
Pro Tip: Go on a Saturday morning to see the most variety and engage with artists while they’re setting up their stalls. It’s a fantastic place to pick up authentic, one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
5. Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) Garden and Sculpture Park
An unexpected gem, the NNRA premises in Jabi doubles as a hidden sculpture garden and green space. While the agency is operational, its front garden is open to the public and maintained like a mini-park.
What makes it special? The space features abstract metal sculptures by Nigerian artists, serene water features, and winding pathways through thick foliage. The blend of art, nature, and science is unique—rarely seen elsewhere in the city. It’s an oasis of calm where you can sit, reflect, and enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation.
Pro Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Jabi Lake or a quiet lunch at one of the less crowded local restaurants in Jabi Mall.
Final Thoughts: Discover a Different Abuja
Abuja is more than government buildings and grand monuments. Its quieter corners reveal a city rich in culture, nature, and local life. By stepping off the beaten path, you not only avoid the crowds but also gain a deeper appreciation for the capital’s soul.
So the next time you’re in Abuja—or planning a visit—skip the queues and embrace the serenity. These five spots may not be on every tourist map, but they promise experiences that are authentic, memorable, and refreshingly uncrowded.
Abuja’s best-kept secrets are waiting—will you go find them?
Have you visited any of these hidden spots? Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us on social media with your Abuja off-the-grid adventures!
Known only to a few, there is a legend that a ship named the ‘Flying Dutchman’ left Nazi Germany in the last weeks of the war and set sail for America, escorted by U-boats, under a different name. Aboard was a trove of treasure and gold worth a ‘king’s ransom’.
It was said that it had been sent to a group of American Nazis to create the Fourth Reich at an appropriate time. Over the years, many expeditions off the coast had searched, but found no trace of the vessel or the treasure.
In other words, it was just a legend created to boost tourism.
…
Fast forward to 2024. Our intrepid private detective, Harry Walthenson, overhears a conversation at Grand Central Station. It was the oddness of the message that caught his attention. An investigation turned up nothing out of the ordinary, and he thinks no more about it.
Then Harry is kidnapped, interrogated, and asked questions over and over about a date and a place, why he went there, and when he could not give satisfactory answers, he was beaten half to death and left for dead on a rubbish heap. He was lucky that it was a living space for homeless men; otherwise, he would have died.
In the aftermath, he once again gives it no more thought.
…
After resolving his first case successfully, there’s no rest. Harry’s angry mother comes to his office and demands that he find out where his father has gone. She believes he has run off with a mistress, not for the first time.
Perhaps it was not the wisest decision she has made, because Harry promises to investigate, and adds that she might not like what he finds.
He soon discovered he does not like what he finds, that his father’s friends, a cabal formed at University, have two who are his mother’s current lovers, and another, a criminal blackmailing his father.
Felicity, now his partner, working on a different case, and trying to get answers, uncovers a crime family involved in guarding a disused warehouse on the docks, where she believes Harry had been taken for interrogation, and subsequently dumped nearby to die.
Why are they up to? What is so important that the empty warehouse needs guarding? Who is employing them?
Harry, following up on the death of the blackmailer, traces his death back to an enforcer employed by his grandfather. His mother’s grandfather was a pre-war industrialist who made his fortune in war munitions and shipbuilding.
He was also a member of the American Nazi party.
When Harry also discovers a logbook belonging to a so-called wartime Liberty ship the “Paul Revere” in brackets ‘Freiheitskämpfer’, hidden by his father, and written in a code that is not readily identifiable.
It is no longer a matter of a father who has run off with his mistress; it is a very frightened man in fear of his life, running from a group who will stop at nothing to get the logbook back. And when Harry discovers a family connection to the group, it becomes a race against time to decode the log and find his father before his grandfather does.
…
Coming soon: Harry Walthenson’s new adventure – A case of finding the ‘Flying Dutchman’
Ground Zero for Greatness: Why Location is the Ultimate Character in a Book Series
If you’re going to write a book series, sometimes it will be rooted in one particular place—the place I would call home.
Dynasties need a place that is theirs, to start from nothing. And when you’re building a multi-book epic, a generational saga, or even a sprawling television-style procedural, it’s all about picking a location.
Before you plot your twists, before you name your protagonist, and long before you figure out how the story ends, you have to choose the dirt. Because in serialised fiction, geography isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the heartbeat of your entire fictional universe.
Here is why your series needs a definitive home base, and how to pick a location that can carry the weight of an entire dynasty.
1. The Power of “Home” in Serialised Fiction
Think of the most iconic series in literature and pop culture. Game of Thrones is inextricably linked to Winterfell and the stark brutality of the North. Lord of the Rings always circles back to the comforting, green hearth of the Shire. In crime fiction, Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch is Los Angeles—the asphalt, the traffic, the neon-lit grit.
When a series has a distinct home, it offers the reader a psychological anchor. No matter how chaotic the plot gets, or how many new characters are introduced in book three or four, returning to “home” provides a sense of continuity.
As a writer, establishing a home base gives you a baseline. You can’t show how much a character or a family has changed unless you show them against the backdrop of where they started.
2. Dynasties Need Dirt: Starting from Nothing
Every great dynasty—whether it’s the Corleones in The Godfather, the Roys in Succession, or a fantasy bloodline clawing its way to a throne—needs a genesis point.
To make a dynasty compelling, you have to show the climb. And to show the climb, you need a starting block that feels tactile, specific, and often, limiting.
The Mud and the Scaffolding: Starting from nothing means your characters are shaped by the geography of their struggle. Are they mining coal in a bleak valley? Are they scraping by in a crowded port city? The physical environment dictates their resourcefulness, their culture, and their desperation.
The Claim: A dynasty isn’t just a family; it’s real estate. The moment a group of characters stakes a claim on a specific piece of land—whether it’s an abandoned farm, a contested borough, or an uncharted island—the story shifts from mere survival to legacy-building.
When you pick a location, ask yourself: What does this dirt demand from the people who walk on it?
3. How to Choose the Right Location for Your Series
Picking a location isn’t about just pointing a finger at a map or making up a cool-sounding fantasy name. It’s a strategic choice that will dictate the trajectory of your entire series. Here’s how to nail it:
Give the Location Personality
Treat your setting like a main character. It should have moods, history, biases, and secrets. A coastal town isn’t just “near the water”—it’s salty, isolated, suspicious of outsiders, and at the mercy of the tides. The weather, the architecture, the local cuisine, and the regional slang should all bleed into the narrative.
Ensure Room for Expansion
A common pitfall in series writing is picking a location that is too small. If your entire story takes place in a single room or a tiny village, you’ll run out of narrative fuel by book two. Ensure your chosen location has layers: neighbourhoods, surrounding wilderness, political jurisdictions, or hidden undergrounds that you can peel back as the series progresses.
Make It Inhospitable (At Least a Little Bit)
Comfort breeds stagnation; struggle breeds dynasties. Whether it’s harsh winters, political corruption, economic depression, or literal monsters at the gates, your location should present ongoing obstacles. A dynasty is forged in the forge, after all.
4. The Location Evolves With You
One of the greatest joys of writing a series is watching the home base change over time.
In Book 1, your characters might be shivering in a leaky shack on the edge of town, dreaming of something better. By Book 5, that same shack might be replaced by a sprawling estate, or serve as the historic foundation of a massive corporate or political empire.
Because the location stays the same while the characters change, the setting becomes a measuring stick for time and ambition. Readers love nothing more than recognising a street corner, a building, or a landmark that appeared in the first book, but seeing it entirely transformed through the lens of the characters’ success (or downfall).
Final Thoughts: Plant Your Flag
If you’re staring at a blank document, paralysed by the sheer scope of the series you want to write, stop trying to plot the ending. Stop trying to introduce every character.
Instead, look for the place.
Find the town, the planet, the estate, or the street corner that feels like the epicentre of your imagination. Plant your flag there. Make it messy, make it real, and make it home. Because once you find the right location, the dynasty will build itself.
50 photographs, 50 stories, of which there is one of the 50 below.
They all start with –
A picture paints … well, as many words as you like. For instance:
And, the story:
Have you ever watched your hopes and dreams simply fly away?
Everything I thought I wanted and needed had just left in an aeroplane, and although I said I was not going to, I came to the airport to see the plane leave. Not the person on it, that would have been far too difficult and emotional, but perhaps it was symbolic, the end of one life and the start of another.
But no matter what I thought or felt, we had both come to the right decision. She needed the opportunity to spread her wings. It was probably not the best idea for her to apply for the job without telling me, but I understood her reasons.
She was in a rut. Though her job was a very good one, it was not as demanding as she had expected, particularly after the last promotion, but with it came resentment from others on her level that she, the youngest of the group, would get the position.
It was something that had been weighing her down for the last three months, and if she noticed it, the late nights, the moodiness, sometimes a flash of temper. I knew she had one; no one could have such red hair and not, but she had always kept it in check.
And then there was us, together, and after seven years, it felt like we were going nowhere. Perhaps that was down to my lack of ambition, and though she never said it, lack of sophistication. It hadn’t been an issue, well, not until her last promotion, and the fact that she had to entertain more, and frankly, I felt like an embarrassment to her.
So, there it was, three days ago, the beginning of the weekend, and we had planned to go away for a few days and take stock. We both acknowledged we needed to talk, but it never seemed the right time.
It was then that she said she had quit her job and found a new one. Starting the following Monday.
Ok, that took me by surprise, not so much that it was something I sort of guessed might happen, but that she would just blurt it out.
I think that right then, at that moment, I could feel her frustration with everything around her.
What surprised her was my reaction. None.
I simply asked who, where, and when.
A world-class newspaper in New York, and she had to be there in a week.
A week.
It was all the time I had left with her.
I remember just shrugging and asking if the planned weekend away was off.
She stood on the other side of the kitchen counter, hands around a cup of coffee she had just poured, and that one thing I remembered was the lone tear that ran down her cheek.
Is that all you want to know?
I did, yes, but we had lost the intimacy we used to have, where she would have told me what was happening, and we would have brainstormed solutions. I might be a cabinet maker, but I still had a brain, was what I overheard her tell a friend once.
There’s not much to ask, I said. You’ve been desperately unhappy and haven’t been able to hide it all that well, you have been under a lot of pressure trying to deal with a group of troglodytes, and you’ve been leaning on Bentley’s shoulder instead of mine, and I get it, he’s got more experience in that place, and the politics that go with it, and is still an ally.
Her immediate superior was instrumental in her getting the position, but unlike some men in his position, he had not taken advantage of the situation like some might. And even if she had made a move, which I doubted, that was not the sort of woman she was, he would have politely declined.
One of the very few happily married men in that organisation, so I heard.
So, she said, you’re not just a pretty face.
Par for the course for a cabinet maker whose university degree is in psychology. It doesn’t take rocket science to see what was happening to you. I just didn’t think it was my place to jump in unless you asked me, and when you didn’t, well, that told me everything I needed to know.
Yes, our relationship had a use-by date, and it was in the next few days.
I was thinking, she said, that you might come with me; you can make cabinets anywhere.
I could, but I think the real problem wasn’t just the job. It was everything around her and going with her that would just be a constant reminder of what had been holding her back. I didn’t want that for her and said so.
Then the only question left was, what do we do now?
Go shopping for suitcases. Bags to pack, and places to go.
Getting on the roller coaster is easy. At the beginning, it’s a slow, easy ride, followed by the slow climb to the top. It’s much like some relationships; they start out easy, they require a little work to get to the next level, followed by the adrenaline rush when it all comes together.
What most people forget is that what comes down must go back up, and life is pretty much a roller coaster with highs and lows.
Our roller coaster had just come out of the final turn, and we were braking so that it would stop at the station.
There was no question of going with her to New York. Yes, I promised I’d come over and visit her, but that was a promise with crossed fingers behind my back. After a few months in the new job, the last thing she’d want was a reminder of what she left behind. New friends, new life.
We packed her bags, threw out everything she didn’t want, a free trip to the op shop with stuff she knew others would like to have, and basically, by the time she was ready to go, there was nothing left of her in the apartment, or anywhere.
Her friends would be seeing her off at the airport, and that’s when I told her I was not coming; that moment, the taxi arrived to take her away forever. I remember standing there, watching the taxi go. It was going to be, and was, as hard as it was to watch the plane leave.
So, there I was, finally staring at the blank sky, around me a dozen other plane spotters, a rather motley crew of plane enthusiasts.
Already that morning, there had been 6 different types of planes departing, and I could hear another winding up its engines for take-off.
People coming, people going.
Maybe I would go to New York in a couple of months, not to see her, but just to see what the attraction was. Or maybe I would drop in, just to see how she was.
As one of my friends told me when I gave him the news, the future is never written in stone, and it’s about time you broadened your horizons.
Thrills, Spills, and just a dash of Romance 