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.
“She’s not talking,” the detective who had been trying to get answers to various questions said, after coming out of the room, looking somewhat exasperated.
I’d been watching him spar with her, and her legal representative was telling her that unless the police had concrete evidence, she need not answer any questions, except with a ‘No comment’. Not once, though, did she ask to leave, which she could do at any time.
That was interesting.
“I’m not surprised. Technically, she’s done nothing wrong yet. Perhaps we need to ask some different questions.”
He sighed. “Then, by all means, do so. I’ve been told you know more about her connection to Larry Fortescue, a person we are very familiar with, but this is a connection we’re not fully across yet. You are aware we found several crates in one of her warehouses with his name on them, one of which had several blocks of C4 in it. She claims it’s not hers and has no idea who it got there, but the fact that she knows him in passing.”
Denying, as one would expect, that there was more to the relationship other than the acquaintanceship, and appropriate for so-called rival crime bosses.
“You have to admit, though, it’s not the sort of stuff your average beauty products salesperson would have lying around.”
Nominally, she called herself a beautician who runs a chain of so-called health clinics, which made the perfect front for other, more nefarious activities, allegedly. No one had yet proved without a doubt that anything else happened there.
“These days, nothing would surprise me. Some of the chemicals we also found could very easily be ingredients for bombs, but she had the permits, and it’s all accounted for. This is the first time we’ve been able to pull her in.”
“A routine check, or a tip?”
“Actually, someone called the hotline to say that men who looked like terrorists in a white van were suspiciously unloading crates. I kid you not, that was what we were told.”
Men who looked like terrorists.
“Now that Larry is implicated, we’ll be happy to share what we have. He would be a far likelier owner of the explosive, and this is a rare mistake on his part to leave his name on the crate. This is the first lead we have on how he keeps one step ahead of us, using others to hold his stuff and why we can never find it in his possession. He’ll deny it’s his and that it’s one of his enemies setting him up.”
“We’ve been trying to find him.”
“He’s in Sorrento, Italy, visiting his mother, and no doubt combining business with pleasure. It’s no coincidence she is there; he’s looking for me.”
“Then he’ll be out of luck. Thanks for the info, I’ll get our people onto tracking him down. He also has a few questions to answer.”
I looked at the screen on which I had been viewing the interview, noted the smug expression, and the body language that said she thought she was untouchable.
In a sense, she had every right to believe that. She hadn’t been on Rodby’s radar until she took up with Larry. Larry was Rodby’s obsession, which I never found out, and knew better than to ask. Both she and Larry were well known to the police, and both had managed to keep out of jail because they were careful, though Larry had been far more careless in his younger days.
And for a person who was firmly entrenched, but more or less invisible in the criminal landscape, joining with Larry was her biggest mistake.
Rodby had brought a file with him, and I read it in the car on the way here, and it was another very thorough deep dive into a woman who, for all intents and purposes, was nothing like who she portrayed in real life.
A woman with secrets she believed were still intact.
Secrets I could use to gain some leverage, not that I ever liked doing so, because often it involved innocents caught up in a world, not of their choice.
But she chose to be a criminal, and there were always consequences, unintended or otherwise.
This case has everything: red herrings, jealous brothers, femme fatales, and at the heart of it all, greed.
See below for an excerpt from the book…
Coming soon!
An excerpt from the book:
…
When Harry took the time to consider his position, a rather uncomfortable position at that, he concluded that he was somehow involved in another case that meant very little to him.
Not that it wasn’t important in some way he was yet to determine, it was just that his curiosity had got the better of him, and it had led to this: sitting in a chair, securely bound, waiting for someone, one of his captors had called Doug.
It was not the name that worried him so much; it was the evil laugh that had come after the name was spoken.
Doug what? Doug the ‘destroyer’, Doug the ‘dangerous’, Doug the ‘deadly’; there were several sinister connotations, and perhaps that was the point of the laugh, to make it more frightening than it was.
But there was no doubt about one thing in his mind right then: he’d made a mistake. A very big. and a costly mistake. Just how big the cost, no doubt, he would soon find out.
His mother and his grandmother, the wisest person he had ever known, had once told him never to eavesdrop.
At the time, he couldn’t help himself, and instead of minding his own business, listening to a one-sided conversation that ended with a time and a place. The very nature of the person receiving the call was, at the very least, sinister, and, because of the cryptic conversation, there appeared to be, or at least to Harry, criminal activity involved.
For several days, he had wrestled with the thought of whether he should go. Stay on the fringe, keep out of sight, observe and report to the police if it was a crime. Instead, he had willingly gone down the rabbit hole.
Now, sitting in an uncomfortable chair, several heat lamps hanging over his head, he was perspiring, and if perspiration could be used as a measure of fear, then Harry’s fear was at the highest level.
Another runnel of sweat rolled into his left eye, and, having his hands tied, it literally made it impossible to clear it. The burning sensation momentarily took his mind off his predicament. He cursed and then shook his head, trying to prevent a recurrence. It was to no avail.
Let the stinging sensation be a reminder of what was right and what was wrong.
It was obvious that it was the right place and the right time, but in considering his current perilous situation, it definitely was the wrong place to be, at the worst possible time.
It was meant to be his escape, an escape from the generations of lawyers, what were to Harry, dry, dusty men who had been in business since George Washington said to the first Walthenson to step foot on American soil, ‘Why don’t you become a lawyer?” when asked what he could do for the great man.
Or so it was handed down as lore, though Harry didn’t think Washington meant it literally, the Walthenson’s, then as now, were not shy of taking advice.
Except, of course, when it came to Harry.
He was, Harry’s father was prone to saying, the exception to every rule. Harry guessed his father was referring to the fact that his son wanted to be a Private Detective rather than a dry, dusty lawyer. Just the clothes were enough to turn Harry off the profession.
So, with a little of the money Harry inherited from one of his aunts, he leased an office in Gramercy Park and had it renovated to look like the Sam Spade detective agency, you know the one, Spade and Archer, and The Maltese Falcon.
There’s a movie and a book by Dashiell Hammett if you’re interested.
So, there it was, painted on the opaque glass inset of the front door, ‘Harold Walthenson, Private Detective’.
There was enough money to hire an assistant, and it took a week before the right person came along, or, more to the point, didn’t just see his business plan as something sinister. Ellen, a tall, cool woman in a long black dress, or so the words of a song in his head told him, fitted in perfectly.
She’d seen the movie, but she said with a grin, Harry was no Humphrey Bogart.
Of course not, he said, he didn’t smoke.
Three months on the job, and it had been a few calls, no ‘real’ cases, nothing but missing animals, and other miscellaneous items. What he really wanted was a missing person. Or perhaps a beguiling, sophisticated woman who was as deadly as she was charming, looking for an errant husband, perhaps one that she had already ‘dispatched’.
Or for a tall, dark and handsome foreigner who spoke in riddles and in heavily accented English, a spy, or perhaps an assassin, in town to take out the mayor. The man was such an imbecile that Harry had considered doing it himself.
Now, in a back room of a disused warehouse, that wishful thinking might be just about to come to a very abrupt end, with none of the romanticised trappings of the business befalling him. No beguiling women, no sinister criminals, no stupid policemen.
Just a nasty little man whose only concern was how quickly or how slowly Harry’s end was going to be.
I had the Princess put in one of the VIP guests’ rooms, quarters that were about four times the size of a junior officer’s room.
It was self-sufficient.
She had asked for an assistant which by her tone told me she really wanted a servant, a request I turned down because in our culture we did not believe in having servants. We had long since removed subservience, though pockets of it still existed, labelled as something more palatable.
Instead, I assigned one of the medical staff as an assistant with strict instructions that firstly she was not there to take orders, secondly, she didn’t have to do anything she didn’t want to and thirdly to observe, and by any means possible within reason, find out more about their physiology and thought processes.
I called ahead of the visit to ensure it was convenient. We had spoken briefly, but I had told her I would need to speak more comprehensively at a later time. Like the other alien, she had a considerable comprehension of us and our language.
It just reinforced how insignificant we were in the universe, contrary to a lot of thinking back home who believed we were the centre of that same universe.
It was going to be a jolt to a lot of people back yo to realise we were not a superior race of beings.
Nurse Jolene Richardson was just leaving when I arrived at the door.
“Everything going alright,” I asked.
“As well as it can. It’s still quite difficult to wrap my head around the fact there are other people, other than us, though I have to say I never believed we were the only people in the universe.”
“I’m not sure what I believed, but that’s what we’re out here for. You are one of the privileged few. So far. Done for now?”
“Time for a break. She is very polite, but I get the impression she is lost. If I was to make a guess, going home might be more stressful due to how long she had been away. She wouldn’t tell me, but I suspect there might be some difficulties.”
“Thanks.”
Jolene continued on her way and I stepped into the room and the door closed behind me.
The princess was on the far side of the room, sitting comfortably on a settee, now dressed in a borrowed uniform, reading from a computer tablet. Ancient technology to them perhaps.
“Captain.” I waited until she looked up.
“Princess.”
“I’d rather you called me Elizabeth. It’s not my real name, but it is an earth representation of it. Please sit.” She waved at a chair opposite her, and I sat. “You have questions?”
“I have an interest in where we are going, and what I might find there. So far, we’ve met with hostility, but that, I fear, was due to some of my fellow humans doing the wrong thing, and, to a certain extent, our own lack of knowledge of local customs and protocols. I hope to avoid that when we get to your home world. As with the person we dealt with on the other world, you seem to know a little about us.”
“We know a lot about every world within our sphere of space travel simply because we have to. Not all species are peaceful. Your people, for instance, have spent centuries going to war with each other, and even now, still cannot put a combined mission together for a common cause. That does not speak highly of your people.”
“We’ve come a long way in the last 50 years, but, as you say, not quite far enough. This mission’s parameters are to present a united front of many different people from our world. The other ship belongs to a more avaricious group whose ideals are not the same as ours. Unfortunately, I suspect these same traits are in your own people too.”
“We have, to use a word of yours, factions too. We are not immune to internal struggles for leadership, and division of wealth, no matter how enlightened we become.”
And that might mean they have a little human in them. In fact, I had always suspected that the human genome would be present in other galaxies like this, even if the people looked vastly different to us.
In talking to the Astro physicists and anthropologists some of whom we had on board, they quite literally couldn’t predict what we might find, but the notion some of the people would be like us had been discussed.
So had the subject of robotics and the fact we might find very lifelike robots or androids. In any case, it seemed we were predicting that the lifeforms would be far more advanced than us, and at no time have we considered they would be more primitive.
“In that, I guess we are not unlike. But one question I have, are you like the others, a consciousness in a manufactured body?”
“I am not. But we have developed a means of preserving our outer shells. For instance, I am roughly 280 of your earth years old, though, in my own world, I am very young. Our elders are roughly 1,000 of your earth years, and some of whom have transferred their consciousness mind to a more sustainable body.”
“How did you end up on the planet we rescued you from?”
“Hundreds of your years ago we were at war, not only with M but half a dozen others. I was on a communications and transit outpost with a dozen other families when an enemy ship came, killed all the adult people and kidnapped me and twenty other children, taking us back to their world to be sold. I have been gone a long time and I’m unsure if anyone related to me will still be very alive.”
“You see a princess.”
“A long time ago. I went home once and it was a place I didn’t recognise. My world had Bern conquered several times over time, and very few of my people were still alive then. I suspect there are fewer now.”
“Then this will hardly be much of a homecoming for you.”
“But I will be home, such as it is. I might have to beg your indulgence for a short time until I get settled. You might also take the opportunity to talk to other new people.”
Well, I wasn’t thinking of dumping her and running, but I had to wonder if the current leadership might be equally hostile to us as the others.
“I hope so. I can see you’re tired. We’ll pick this up later.”
This is a spot behind a group of restaurants at Victoria Point, Queensland.
But it could be anywhere, like a spot we saw on a boat trip on a river in the Daintree, in far north Queensland
So, this could be a spot, not far inland from the ocean where smugglers, or drug runners come ashore, in a place so remote they would never get caught.
Unless an enterprising federal agent comes up with a plan to track them from the ocean side using satellite images, or reported sightings of suspicious activity.
My money is on a random sighting, a vague report files in a small town police station, and a body washed up in shore, apparently the victim of a crocodile attack. Or not a crocodile.
It cold be a fishing trip gone wrong in a backwater stream, a weekend away by a dialled group of friends, who are not really friends, which all comes to a head when one of the friends go missing.
Or, I’d you like the idea of historical drama, a story about the first expedition from the bottom of Australia to the very top, for the first time, with all the hazards of rivers to cross, paths to create though the bush, the heat, the animals, the local inhabitants who have yet to see Europeans.
To be honest, I would not want to be one of those early explorers, especially those who went inland and struck desert, or died just short of their goal.
Just as an aside, we did learn about these people, Hume and Hovell, Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson, Burke and Wills, and others.
It seems, after a lot of trial and error, trying this that and the other, I’ve discovered that you only get out of social media what you put into it.
And it means that unless you are on it 24 hours a day, every day, spruiking, or whatever it is we writers are supposed to do promoting ourselves and our work, nothing happens.
Don’t get me wrong, there are those who are raging successes, and I am happy for them.
But for us living on the fringe, and there is quite a lot of us, trying valiantly to reach the public eyes, the battle is just that, a battle.
When do you get time to write?
Is it a choice between writing, or trying to garner support and a following?
The authors who are published by the large publishers will tell you that it is the only way to become an author, where all of the marketing is done by the publisher and all they have to do is put in an appearance and pocket the royalties.
I don’t think that’s necessarily true.
But when I find that happy medium between marketing and writing, I’ll let you know.
Until then, I guess there will be more days like today, and that battle going on in your head that is telling you to give up, it’s never going to get any better.
Maybe not.
But give up? Not today, nor tomorrow.
After all, we live in a world where anything is possible.
Make a Plan, Don’t Just Wing It: Why a Structured Approach Beats “Flying By the Seat of Your Pants” (and What Edgar Allan Poe Can Teach Us)
…
Introduction – The “Wing‑It” Dilemma
We’ve all been there: a deadline looms, ideas swirl, and the temptation to wing it feels like the fastest route to a finished product. Sure, improvisation can spark creativity, and sometimes a spontaneous effort does work out. But more often than not, it leads to missed details, re‑work, and un‑met expectations.
What if there was a proven method that blends the freedom of creativity with the reliability of a roadmap?
Enter the timeless insight of Edgar Allan Poe—the master of suspense, not just in his macabre tales, but also in his essay The Philosophy of Composition. Poe argued that great art is the result of meticulous planning, not chaotic inspiration. In today’s fast‑paced world, his principle is a powerful antidote to the “wing‑it” habit.
In this post you’ll learn:
Why planning trumps wing‑ing it (backed by psychology and productivity research).
How Poe’s seven‑step composition model maps onto modern project planning.
A practical, SEO‑friendly framework you can apply to any personal or professional goal.
Ready to trade luck for a solid plan? Let’s dive in.
1. The Hidden Costs of “Wing‑It”
Aspect
Wing‑It
Planned Approach
Time Management
Reactive; inevitable overtime
Predictable milestones
Quality
Inconsistent; high error rate
Consistent standards
Stress
Peaks during crunch periods
Even workload distribution
Stakeholder Trust
Fluctuates; surprises abound
Builds confidence with transparency
Scalability
Hard to replicate
Easy to teach and repeat
1.1 Psychological Evidence
Decision‑fatigue: Impromptu choices drain mental bandwidth, leading to poorer outcomes (Baumeister & Tierney, 2011).
Cognitive Load Theory: When you juggle too many unstructured ideas, working memory overload occurs, causing mistakes (Sweller, 2016).
1.2 Business Reality Check
A 2023 Harvard Business Review study found that teams that used a structured planning template completed projects 28 % faster and delivered 33 % higher quality than those that relied on ad‑hoc decision‑making.
Bottom line: improvisation might feel thrilling, but data shows planning wins the day—again and again.
2. Poe’s “Philosophy of Composition” – A 19th‑Century Blueprint
In his 1846 essay, Poe famously revealed the seven‑step process he followed to craft “The Raven.” The steps weren’t about stifling inspiration; they were about ensuring effect—the emotional impact he wanted readers to feel—was guaranteed.
Poe’s Step
Key Question
Modern Parallel
Determine the Effect
What feeling must the reader experience?
Define the goal or desired outcome.
Choose the Tone
Which mood suits the effect?
Set the project tone (formal, playful, urgent).
Select the Length
How far must the effect be carried?
Determine scope and timeline.
Draft a Plot Outline
What events will lead to the climax?
Build a roadmap (milestones & deliverables).
Choose the Setting
Where does the story occur?
Identify resources & environment (tools, teams).
Decide on Characters
Who drives the narrative?
Assign roles & responsibilities.
Write the First Draft
Execute the plan.
Implementation (execution phase).
Takeaway: Poe’s “plan first, write later” method mirrors today’s strategic planning frameworks (SMART goals, Gantt charts, agile sprints). The difference? He did it to guarantee an emotional impact; we do it to guarantee success.
3. Translating Poe into a Modern Planning System
Below is a step‑by‑step, SEO‑friendly template that adapts Poe’s seven principles to any project—blog post, product launch, personal goal, or even a novel.
3.1 Step 1 – Define the Desired Effect (Goal)
Write a one‑sentence purpose statement. Example: “Increase organic traffic by 25 % in 90 days while boosting dwell time to 3 minutes per article.”
Embed target keywords (e.g., plan vs wing it, strategic planning, productivity tips) to align with SEO goals.
3.2 Step 2 – Choose the Tone (Project Voice)
Decide whether your deliverable will be authoritative, conversational, humorous, or educational.
Document the tone guide for writers, designers, and marketers.
3.3 Step 3 – Set the Length & Timeline (Scope)
Scope
Timeframe
KPIs
Blog series (3 posts)
4 weeks
Publish 3 posts, each > 1500 words, > 500 words of LSI keywords
Product feature rollout
6 months
2 beta releases, 5 % churn reduction
3.4 Step 4 – Outline the Plot (Roadmap)
Milestone
Deliverable
Owner
Due Date
Research & keyword audit
SEO brief
SEO Lead
Day 5
Content outline
H1‑H3 structure
Content Strategist
Day 10
First draft
Draft copy
Writer
Day 15
Review & edit
SEO + FE review
Editor
Day 20
Publish & promote
Live post + social blitz
Marketing
Day 25
3.5 Step 5 – Choose the Setting (Tools & Environment)
Collaboration: Google Docs + Slack channel #project‑plan‑X
Analytics: Google Analytics 4, Ahrefs, SEMrush
3.6 Step 6 – Assign the Characters (Roles)
Role
Responsibility
Key Skills
Project Manager
Timeline & risk
PM software (Asana)
SEO Specialist
Keyword research, on‑page
Ahrefs, LSI mapping
Writer
First draft, voice
Storytelling, research
Editor
Proofreading, SEO audit
Grammarly, Hemingway
Designer
Images, infographics
Canva, Adobe Suite
Promoter
Social & outreach
Hootsuite, email marketing
3.7 Step 7 – Execute (Write, Build, Launch)
Follow the roadmap, track progress daily, and adjust only if data (not impulse) calls for it.
Avoid “analysis paralysis.” The plan is a living document—make micro‑adjustments, not wholesale overhauls.
4. Real‑World Examples: When Planning Wins
4.1 Case Study 1 – A Startup’s Blog Revamp
Scenario
Wing‑It
Planned
Goal
Double organic traffic
40 % increase in 6 months
Approach
Publish random articles
Deploy Poe‑inspired 7‑step framework
Results
12 % traffic lift; high bounce
42 % traffic lift; bounce down 18 %
What changed? The startup adopted a goal‑first mindset, built keyword‑centric outlines, and assigned clear roles. The result? a strategic traffic boost.
4.2 Case Study 2 – Personal Productivity (The “30‑Day Writing Challenge”)
Method
Outcome
Wing‑it (write when “inspired”)
8 posts, 3 incomplete drafts
Plan (weekly outline + daily 30‑minute block)
30 completed posts, 5 % increase in average word count, higher consistency
5. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Pitfall
Why It Happens
Prevention (Poe‑Style Fix)
Over‑planning → paralysis
Fear of missing something
Define a clear effect first; limit scope to what truly matters.
Ignoring data
Relying on gut feeling
Use metrics at every milestone; adjust based on evidence.
Vague roles
“Everyone does everything”
Assign characters with explicit responsibilities.
Skipping the “tone” step
Inconsistent brand voice
Write a tone deck and reference it during edits.
Forgetting the “setting”
Tool overload or mismatched tech
Pick 2‑3 core tools, master them, and integrate only when needed.
6. Quick-Start Checklist – From Idea to Execution
State the Effect – Write a one‑sentence purpose.
Select the Tone – Document voice guidelines.
Define Scope & Timeline – Set clear dates and KPIs.
Draft the Plot – Build a milestone roadmap.
Pick the Setting – Choose tools and environment.
Assign Characters – List roles and owners.
Execute & Review – Follow, measure, and iterate.
Print this checklist, pin it to your workspace, and refer to it before you ever consider “wing‑ing it.”
Conclusion – The Power of Planning, Poe‑Style
Whether you’re writing a blog post, launching a product, or tackling a personal goal, the difference between “wing‑it” and “plan‑first” is the same as the difference between chance and choice. Poe proved that a meticulously crafted plan can guarantee an intended emotional effect; modern research shows it guarantees better results, less stress, and higher ROI.
Action Step: Take your next big idea, apply the 7‑step Poe framework, and watch how a simple plan transforms chaos into a compelling, measurable success story.
FAQs
Q1. Does planning stifle creativity? No. Planning provides a safe container for creativity. By defining the effect first, you free your imagination to explore how to achieve it, not whether it’s possible.
Q2. How detailed should my plan be? Aim for just enough detail to prevent ambiguity—clear goals, milestones, roles, and tools. Over‑specifying every minute can lead to paralysis; keep it adaptable.
Q3. Can I use this framework for a one‑off task? Absolutely. Even a single‑page report benefits from a mini‑plan: define purpose, outline headings, assign a deadline, and execute.
Q4. What tools complement Poe’s method?
Project Management: Asana, Trello, Notion
SEO: Ahrefs, SEMrush, Yoast
Collaboration: Google Workspace, Slack
Q5. How often should I revisit the plan? At each milestone review (weekly for fast projects, monthly for long‑term initiatives). Adjust only when data suggests a course correction.
Beyond the Gaudi Glow: 5 Barcelona Gems Off the Beaten Path
Barcelona. The name conjures images of soaring Sagrada Familia, vibrant Las Ramblas, and the sun-drenched beaches of Barceloneta. And while these iconic sights are undeniably spectacular, there’s a whole other layer to this Catalan capital waiting to be discovered by those willing to venture a little further. If you’re tired of jostling for elbow room and crave a taste of authentic Barcelona, this list of five things to do on the road less travelled is for you.
1. Get Lost (and Found) in Gràcia’s Bohemian Labyrinth
Step away from the Gothic Quarter’s throngs and find yourself in the charming neighbourhood of Gràcia. Once a separate town, Gràcia retains its distinct village feel with a network of narrow, winding streets, hidden plazas, and a wonderfully bohemian atmosphere. Spend an afternoon simply wandering. You’ll stumble upon independent boutiques, artisan workshops, and inviting cafes where locals gather. Don’t miss Plaça del Sol or Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia – perfect spots to sip a coffee and people-watch. In the evening, Gràcia truly comes alive with its array of tapas bars and intimate restaurants, offering a more local and affordable dining experience.
2. Ascend to the Untamed Beauty of Parc del Laberint d’Horta
While Park Güell gets all the glory for its whimsical mosaics, Barcelona’s oldest garden, Parc del Laberint d’Horta, offers a more serene and romantic escape. This neoclassical gem boasts a breathtaking cypress maze that’s a delight to navigate. Beyond the labyrinth, discover neoclassical sculptures, hidden grottoes, peaceful ponds, and stunning manicured gardens. It’s a tranquil oasis far removed from the city’s hustle, perfect for a leisurely stroll, a romantic picnic, or simply a moment of quiet contemplation. Pack a book and let the gentle murmur of fountains wash over you.
3. Uncover History and Art at the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista
Often overshadowed by Gaudí’s more famous works, the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista is a UNESCO World Heritage site that deserves its own spotlight. This former hospital complex, designed in the early 20th century by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, is a masterpiece of Catalan Modernisme. Wander through its beautifully preserved pavilions, adorned with intricate tilework, stained glass, and stunning sculptures. The sheer scale and artistic detail are astounding, offering a fascinating glimpse into the era’s architectural innovation and a poignant reminder of its philanthropic past. It’s a place that inspires awe and contemplation in equal measure.
4. Immerse Yourself in Local Flavours at Mercat de Sant Antoni
While La Boqueria is a vibrant sensory overload, the Mercat de Sant Antoni offers a more authentic and less tourist-centric market experience. Recently renovated, this grand market hall is a haven for local produce, fresh seafood, and regional delicacies. Come here for breakfast, sample some empanadas, pick up ingredients for a picnic, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere as locals go about their daily shopping. On Sundays, the surrounding streets transform into a bustling book and antique market, adding another layer of discovery to your visit.
5. Hike to the Iconic Bunkers del Carmel for Panoramic Vistas
For the most breathtaking, unobstructed views of Barcelona, skip the crowded viewpoints and head to the Bunkers del Carmel. These anti-aircraft fortifications from the Spanish Civil War offer a dramatic historical backdrop to arguably the best panoramic vistas of the city. While the climb can be a bit of a trek (or a short bus ride up), the reward is immense. Watch the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues, with the entire cityscape spread out before you like a miniature wonderland. It’s a favourite spot for locals to gather with friends, enjoy a picnic, and simply admire their beloved city from above.
Barcelona is a city that rewards curiosity. By venturing beyond the well-trodden paths, you’ll uncover its hidden heart, meet its friendly locals, and create memories that are truly your own. So, next time you find yourself in this Catalan gem, dare to stray from the guidebooks and embrace the magic of the road less travelled. You won’t be disappointed.
We all know this to be an intersection of two lines like a crossroad is at a 90-degree angle
But…
It’s an angle bracket that keeps the shelf up, hopefully with books on it.
Did you know that it was something someone did in order to get something?
She began to angle for an invitation to a party that she would not normally be invited to, or he has angled his answers to the prospective employer in a bid to be more likely to be selected for the position.
It can also refer to a position, or judgement, so that someone might say, try and see it from my angle, or another angle.
Or that it refers to fishing, and the fisherman or woman is known as an angler.
It can be a position from which something is viewed, or in crime parlance, the CSI people will work out the angle of the bullet’s entry do they can locate the position of the shooter.
Angle can refer to people of Germanic origin, such as an Anglo Saxon
And, here’s something even I didn’t know, in Astrology, it is each of the four cardinal points of a chart, from which the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth houses extend anticlockwise respectively.
There was something about this one that resonated with me.
This is a novel about a world generally ruled by perception, and how people perceive what they see, what they are told, and what they want to believe.
I’ve been guilty of it myself, as I’m sure we all have at one time or another.
For the main characters, Harry and Alison, other issues are driving their relationship.
For Alison, it is a loss of self-worth through losing her job and from losing her mother and, in a sense, her sister.
For Harry, it is the fact that he has a beautiful and desirable wife, his belief that she is the object of other men’s desires, and, in particular, his immediate superior’s.
Between observation, the less-than-honest motives of his friends, a lot of jumping to conclusions based on very little fact, and you have the basis of one very interesting story.
When it all comes to a head, Alison finds herself in a desperate situation, and she realises only the truth will save their marriage.
But is it all the truth?
What would we do in similar circumstances?
Rarely does a book have me so enthralled that I could not put it down until I knew the result. They might be considered two people who should have known better, but as is often the case, they had to get past what they both thought was the truth.
And the moral of this story, if it could be said there is one, is that nothing is ever what it seems.
Uncover Bern’s Hidden Gems: 5 Offbeat Attractions for the Curious Traveller
Bern, the charming capital of Switzerland, often finds itself overshadowed by its more famous counterparts in Zurich and Geneva. However, this picturesque city has plenty to offer for the discerning traveller willing to venture off the beaten path. In this post, we’ll explore five unique attractions in Bern that cater to those seeking a more immersive and authentic experience.
The Federations Garden (Bundesgarten)
Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Federations Garden is a serene oasis that few tourists know about. This beautifully landscaped park is home to over 100 flower beds, charming walking paths, and several monuments dedicated to Swiss history and politics. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tranquillity amidst bustling Bern.
Einstein Museum
While Albert Einstein’s connection to Bern is well-documented, the dedicated museum to his life and work is often overlooked by visitors. The Einstein Museum offers an engaging and educational experience, featuring interactive exhibits, original documents, and even a reconstructed version of the patent office where Einstein worked. It’s an excellent choice for science enthusiasts and those fascinated by the life of the iconic physicist.
Gurten Hill (Gurten)
For a panoramic view of Bern and its surroundings, head to Gurten Hill, a popular local spot. This hill offers several hiking trails, a playground for kids, and a beer garden with delicious Swiss cuisine. On summer evenings, the Gurten Festival takes place, featuring live music performances and stunning sunsets over the city. Don’t miss the chance to capture breathtaking photos of Bern from this unique vantage point.
Bern Minster’s Roof Tour (Dachrundgang)
Most tourists content themselves with admiring Bern Minster’s Gothic facade from the ground. However, for a truly memorable experience, take the guided roof tour, which provides unparalleled views of the city and its surroundings. The tour leads you through the steeple’s narrow catwalks, giving you a thrilling sense of being on top of the world. Book your spot in advance, as the tour’s limited capacity ensures an exclusive experience.
Tanner Row (Tuchlauben)
Step back in time and wander along Tanner Row, a charming cobblestone street lined with half-timbered houses dating back to the 12th century. This picturesque alley, once an important textile industry hub, now hosts a variety of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and traditional Swiss restaurants. The lively atmosphere and historic charm make Tanner Row an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll or a romantic dinner date.
In conclusion, Bern offers a wealth of hidden attractions and experiences for those willing to explore beyond the city’s main tourist trails. From serene gardens to thrilling rooftop tours, and from historic streets to science museums, there’s something for every interest and curiosity in this enchanting Swiss city. So why not take the road less travelled and uncover Bern’s unique charm for yourself?
Determine the Effect
Choose the Tone
Select the Length
Draft a Plot Outline
Choose the Setting
Decide on Characters
Write the First Draft
