We ate at the wharves, and a place called Mures, which has sit-down eating.
Originally we were going to get lunch at Flippers, or one of three choices along the wharf.
The only problem was nowhere to sit and eat.
This means you have to hope the food at Mures tastes any good.
So, we order a curried scallop pie with chips and potato salad, a serving of battered flathead, and crumbed prawns.
While we were waiting I got a bottle of Tasmanian champagne.
Then it arrives. The battered flathead also has a mountain of chips and we are going to be struggling to eat all of them.
The battered flathead was, as the saying goes, to die for. It’s the best-battered fish I’ve had in a long time.
The curried scallop pie brought back a lot of bad memories of my mother’s curried sausages. It’s the same curry taste, and I used to hate it
It was also similar to the four and twenty curried meat pies I used to have 50 years ago as a teen, with exactly the same taste.
Sadly it was not a pleasant experience, but the flathead more than made up for it. The potato salad was delicious too, but for something so simple, so many people manage to stuff it up. This was exactly how I like it.
The champagne was very good too, so the whole experience was above average. Pity about the scallop pie. More scallops and less curry would make it a more pleasant experience.
The Call of the Weird: When an Oddball Writing Offer Knocks
As professional writers, we tend to operate within established lanes. Maybe you dominate B2B white papers, or you’re the wizard of lifestyle blogs, or perhaps your niche is technical documentation for the aerospace industry.
Then, one day, it happens.
The email arrives that makes your eyebrow twitch. It’s an offer to write something completely outside your experience—a script for a puppet show about quantum physics, a historical fiction piece told entirely from the perspective of moss, or maybe the manifesto for a highly niche, possibly fictitious, startup focused on sustainable moon mining.
This is the Oddball Offer. It’s wildly different, maybe a little intimidating, and possibly way “out there.”
The critical question immediately surfaces: What do you do? Do you politely decline and stick to what you know, or do you take the leap into the creative unknown?
Before you hit ‘archive’ or ‘accept,’ here is your professional roadmap for assessing and navigating those delightfully bizarre writing briefs.
1. Defining “Oddball”: The Initial Assessment
The first step is to categorize the offer. Not all unusual requests are equal.
A. The Niche Stretch
This type of offer is bizarre in subject matter but standard in format. (Example: Writing case studies about specialized farming equipment.) This is usually a safe bet. You apply your existing writing skill set to new content.
B. The Format Fluke
This is an offer that requires a totally new skill or output. (Example: You’re a blogger, and they want you to write a 12-act stage play.) This requires significant new learning and a pricing adjustment.
C. The Truly Out There (The “What Is This?”)
This is the offer that carries a real whiff of the bizarre, potentially involving questionable ethics, unknown legal territory, or simply a concept that seems too fringe to be real.
When you receive the email, strip away the novelty and ask yourself three key questions:
Is the client legitimate? (Look up their company. Does it exist? Do they have a clear mission, even if that mission is strange?)
Is the request morally or legally sound? (If the material is hateful, deceitful, or involves breaking laws, the answer is an immediate, firm “no.”)
Does it require a time commitment I can afford to risk? (If it’s a massive project, the risk is higher.)
2. Addressing the Elephant: Is the Client Just Fishing for Ideas?
This is the most common fear when dealing with vague or highly creative briefs: the client wants free brainstorming, hoping you’ll deliver the “Aha!” concept they can then execute in-house or give to a cheaper writer.
If the client is vague, overly enthusiastic about “vision,” and hesitant to talk budget or milestones, this risk is high.
Strategy 1: Institute a Paid Discovery Phase
Never, under any circumstance, provide detailed concepts, outlines, or proprietary strategies for free. If the project requires heavy ideation, frame the initial engagement as a Paid Discovery Phase.
This might look like a single, fixed-rate consultation that includes:
A 60-minute strategy call.
One brief, non-transferable conceptual outline (200 words max).
A formal pricing structure for the full project.
If they won’t pay for the idea stage, they were almost certainly just fishing. If they balk, you’ve saved yourself hours of unpaid labour.
Strategy 2: Get an NDA Signed Immediately
If the project involves genuinely novel or proprietary concepts, protect yourself. Request a simple, standard Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before you start sharing specific ideas on execution.
A serious client with a serious idea will not hesitate to sign an NDA. A client wary of intellectual property protection is likely trying to gather free resources.
3. The Professional Reckoning: Weighing the Risk vs. Reward
Assuming the offer is legitimate and you have protective measures in place, the decision comes down to the upside.
The Arguments FOR Taking the Oddball Offer
1. Portfolio Differentiation
This is perhaps the biggest win. A truly unique project provides “secret sauce” for your portfolio. If you’re trying to pivot or stand out from a crowded market, having a sample that no one else has—like a successful, funded Kickstarter campaign narrative for a wearable tech startup that monitors pigeon health—will get attention.
2. Higher Rates
Weird work often commands premium rates. Clients who need highly specialised or conceptual work know they can’t get it from a generalist. Their need is high, and your unusual ability to step up is valuable. Price the novelty, the complexity, and the risk appropriately.
3. Creative Expansion
Getting outside your comfort zone is good for your professional brain. It breaks up routine and prevents burnout. If you feel stale writing the same three types of articles, tackling the manifesto for a collective of subterranean mycologists might be the recharge you need.
The Arguments AGAINST Taking the Oddball Offer
1. Scope Creep and Ambiguity
Oddball projects, by their nature, lack standard precedents. The client may not know what they want, leading to endless revisions and a constantly shifting goalpost (Scope Creep). Before accepting, demand an ironclad Scope of Work (SOW) that clearly defines the deliverables, rounds of revision, and what “success” looks like.
2. Reputation Risk
If the project is deeply unconventional or touches on controversial elements (even if legitimate), consider if it could negatively impact your appeal to your core client base. If you primarily write for reputable financial institutions, perhaps writing the text for a speculative cryptocurrency art project might need careful consideration.
3. The Time Sink
Unique projects often require disproportionate research time. You may need to learn a new lexicon, a new industry, or a new format from scratch. Factor this extra research time into your pricing model.
4. Securing the Deal: Practical Steps for Proceeding
If you decide the reward outweighs the risk, proceed professionally and firmly:
Define the SOW (Again, and in Detail): List exactly what you are writing (e.g., “5 blog posts, 800 words each, 2 rounds of revisions”). State what you are not doing (e.g., “Not responsible for graphic design or legal compliance review”).
Demand a Deposit: For unique or speculative projects, a 50% upfront deposit is standard and non-negotiable. This protects you against the client disappearing after the first conceptual submission.
Set Clear Boundaries: Communicate your communication style and availability clearly. Because the project is already unusual, managing expectations on process is vital.
Embrace the Learning: Treat the research and concept generation as professional development. Even if the project fails, the knowledge you gain (e.g., how to format a technical comic book script) is now part of your toolkit.
Conclusion: Strategic Risk-Taking is the Writer’s Edge
The oddball offer is often not a distraction; it’s a test. It asks if you are adaptable, creatively courageous, and professional enough to manage complexity.
Don’t dismiss the weird simply because it’s unfamiliar. Instead, screen rigorously, protect your intellectual property fiercely, and if the client and concept pass the professional sniff test, take the leap.
Stepping way ‘out there’ is sometimes the only way to find your next, most lucrative, and most fascinating niche. Happy writing!
The Simple Secret to Compelling Fiction: Give Your Characters a Glass of Water
In the world of creative writing, there is a tendency to mistake “complexity” for “grandeur.” We feel that to write a compelling story, our protagonists must be saving the galaxy, solving a decade-old murder, or undergoing a sprawling, life-altering metamorphosis.
But the late, great Kurt Vonnegut offered a piece of advice that serves as a necessary reality check for every writer, from the novice to the novelist:
“Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water.”
It’s a deceptively simple rule, but it cuts to the very heart of human motivation and narrative drive. Here is why this principle is the backbone of any story worth reading.
Desire is the Engine of Story
Think about your own life. You are never truly “at rest.” Even when you are sitting on the couch, you are likely wanting something—a snack, to check your phone, to be done with work, to feel relaxed, or to be somewhere else.
If a character has no desire, they have no movement. If they have no movement, they have no agency. Without agency, the story becomes a series of things that happen to a person, rather than a sequence of choices made by a person.
Desire is the engine. Whether the goal is to conquer a kingdom or simply to reach the kitchen for a glass of water, the desire creates a trajectory.
Scale Doesn’t Equal Stakes
Vonnegut’s specific mention of “a glass of water” is brilliant because it reminds us that the scale of the goal matters less than the intensity of the need.
If a character is trapped in a desert, that glass of water is a matter of life and death. If a character is in a tense, uncomfortable social situation and needs a glass of water just to escape the conversation and compose themselves, it is a matter of psychological survival.
The reader doesn’t need the world to be ending to care about the outcome. They need to believe that the character needs what they are chasing. If the character wants it, we start to want it for them.
Defining Your Characters Through Want
What a character wants tells us everything we need to know about who they are.
A character who wants a promotion tells us they are ambitious.
A character who wants to be left alone tells us they are guarded.
A character who wants a glass of water in the middle of a heated argument tells us they are looking for a way to regain control or avoid confrontation.
By defining these wants, you move away from static, cardboard descriptions and toward dynamic characterisation. You show the reader their soul through their actions.
The “Glass of Water” Test
The next time you are stuck in a scene and feel the momentum stalling, ask yourself: What does my character want right now?
If your character is just standing around, waiting for the plot to happen, you need to give them a “glass of water.” Maybe they need to find their lost keys. Maybe they need to keep a secret from being revealed. Maybe they just need to say something they’ve been holding inside for years.
Once your character has a goal—no matter how small—they have a reason to move. And once they move, the reader will inevitably follow.
The Takeaway: Great fiction doesn’t always require epic quests or world-shattering stakes. It requires a human being who is striving for something. Give your characters a goal, give them an obstacle, and watch as your story begins to breathe on its own.
What is your character reaching for today? Even if it’s just a glass of water, make sure they’re thirsty.
Beyond the Cable Car: 5 Hidden Gems on Gibraltar’s Road Less Travelled
Gibraltar. The name conjures images of majestic apes, historic sieges, and a giant limestone Rock rising dramatically from the sea. And while every visitor should absolutely ride the cable car and say hello to the famous Barbary Macaques, the true magic of the peninsula lies just slightly off the beaten path.
If you’ve taken the scenic route and arrived in Gibraltar ready for deeper exploration—the kind that moves beyond the immediate tourist hotspots—you are in luck.
For the adventurous traveller hitting the “road less travelled,” here are five exceptional experiences in Gibraltar that offer history, nature, and true local flavour.
1. Conquer the Mediterranean Steps
Most tourists ascend the Rock via the cable car or a minibus tour. The road less travelled? The Mediterranean Steps (or “Med Steps”). This is not a casual stroll; it is a challenging, historic, and utterly breathtaking climb.
Starting near Jew’s Gate at the southern end of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, this 1,800-meter-long cliffside path winds along the eastern flank, utilizing old military communication lines. You will navigate steep, rugged trails, carved stone steps, and winding tunnels.
Why it’s a hidden gem: The Med Steps provide unparalleled views of the Strait of Gibraltar, the Spanish Costa del Sol, and the coast of North Africa. Because it is physically demanding, you will share the route primarily with dedicated hikers, offering moments of profound solitude far above the crowds. It’s a truly immersive historical and natural experience that bypasses the busiest attractions.
Pro Tip:Start early in the morning before the sun gets too high, and carry plenty of water. Access to the Upper Rock requires a Nature Reserve ticket.
2. Escape to the Alameda Botanic Gardens
After the intensity of climbing the Rock or navigating the bustling Main Street, every traveller needs an oasis of calm. The Alameda Botanic Gardens, situated just below the southern entrance to the city centre, is Gibraltar’s quiet, verdant answer.
Established in 1816 by the then Governor of Gibraltar, General Sir George Don, these gardens are a meticulously maintained subtropical paradise featuring exotic plants, ancient trees, and stunning water features. The atmosphere here is entirely different from the rest of Gibraltar—it’s peaceful, shady, and deeply romantic.
Why it’s a hidden gem: It’s often overlooked in favour of faster-paced attractions. Locals frequent the gardens, but few tourists allocate enough time to wander its many paths, discover the historic cannon displays, or simply listen to the fountains. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, sit beneath a giant dragon tree, and reflect on the history surrounding you.
3. Delve into the Depths of the WWII Tunnels
Everyone knows about the Great Siege Tunnels—an incredible feat of 18th-century engineering. But Gibraltar’s subterranean world expanded exponentially during World War II, and exploring the lesser-known WWII Tunnels offers a deeper, grittier historical perspective.
This extensive network, built to house an entire garrison and store massive amounts of supplies, tells the story of how the Rock served as a crucial nerve centre for Allied operations. These tunnels are a stark, fascinating maze where you can truly appreciate the strategic importance of Gibraltar.
Why it’s a hidden gem: While the Great Siege Tunnels are easier to access, the WWII tunnels provide a more immersive and less crowded experience. They vividly illustrate the scale of human effort needed to defend this small territory during global conflict. Look out for the old hospital wards and control centres—it feels like stepping into a preserved time capsule.
4. Experience the Local Charm of Catalan Bay (La Caleta)
Tucked away on the eastern side of the Rock, sheltered from the westerly winds and the main port activity, lies the vibrant, pastel-hued fishing village of Catalan Bay (La Caleta).
This beautiful cove is distinctly different from the rest of Gibraltar. Historically settled by Genoese fishermen in the 18th century, it has retained a unique, tight-knit community feel. The beach is wonderfully accessible, offering soft sand and clear waters, while the handful of traditional seafood restaurants provide some of the best, most authentic dining experiences on the peninsula.
Why it’s a hidden gem: It requires a short drive or bus journey away from the hustle of Main Street, meaning many day-trippers miss it entirely. If you want to sample fresh catch-of-the-day while enjoying a tranquil seaside atmosphere and watching the local families gather, this is your spot. It feels more Mediterranean resort than busy military outpost.
5. Take a Dolphin Safari in the Bay
While the Rock is Gibraltar’s defining geographical feature, its surrounding waters are rich with life. For a truly memorable and natural experience that moves the focus from the land to the sea, book a Dolphin Safari in the Bay of Gibraltar.
The Bay is one of the best locations in the world for spotting wild dolphins. Companies operate safe, ethical tours where you have an excellent chance of encountering large pods of Common, Striped, and Bottlenose dolphins feeding and playing near the Strait.
Why it’s a hidden gem: It offers a completely different perspective of Gibraltar—viewed from the water. More importantly, it’s a pure wildlife experience that connects you with the vibrant marine ecosystem of the Strait. Watching dozens of dolphins leaping and riding the wake of the boat is a breathtaking natural spectacle often overshadowed by the terrestrial attractions.
Ready to Trace the Road Less Travelled?
Gibraltar offers so much more than its famous profile suggests. By venturing beyond the immediate tourist circuit, you unlock layers of military history, natural beauty, and local charm that define this unique territory.
So pack your walking shoes, grab your camera, and prepare to discover the Gibraltar that many miss. Which hidden gem will you seek out first?
What are your favourite spots beyond the Apes? Share your Gibraltar hidden gems in the comments below!
Well, I know a lot about long haul because, living in Australia, it’s a long, long way to anywhere in the northern hemisphere on what is known as a long-haul airline.
For the rest, haul means to pull a load along with effort or force.
Or a haul can be the plunder of a thief, stolen goods. It can be something different, though, but generally lots of something taken away, such as fish.
You can haul yourself up the side of a hill or up a cliff face
And for those who are nautically minded and love sailing boats, you’ll know how to haul offshore
If you’re an Olympian, you’ll know that a seven-medal haul was always going to be an uphill task.
This is not to be confused with a hall, which is what you walk down in a building heading to a particular room.
Or it can be the name of a stately residence or building, for instance, Toad Hall.
It can also be a university room where students are housed.
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.
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.
The Simple Secret to Compelling Fiction: Give Your Characters a Glass of Water
In the world of creative writing, there is a tendency to mistake “complexity” for “grandeur.” We feel that to write a compelling story, our protagonists must be saving the galaxy, solving a decade-old murder, or undergoing a sprawling, life-altering metamorphosis.
But the late, great Kurt Vonnegut offered a piece of advice that serves as a necessary reality check for every writer, from the novice to the novelist:
“Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water.”
It’s a deceptively simple rule, but it cuts to the very heart of human motivation and narrative drive. Here is why this principle is the backbone of any story worth reading.
Desire is the Engine of Story
Think about your own life. You are never truly “at rest.” Even when you are sitting on the couch, you are likely wanting something—a snack, to check your phone, to be done with work, to feel relaxed, or to be somewhere else.
If a character has no desire, they have no movement. If they have no movement, they have no agency. Without agency, the story becomes a series of things that happen to a person, rather than a sequence of choices made by a person.
Desire is the engine. Whether the goal is to conquer a kingdom or simply to reach the kitchen for a glass of water, the desire creates a trajectory.
Scale Doesn’t Equal Stakes
Vonnegut’s specific mention of “a glass of water” is brilliant because it reminds us that the scale of the goal matters less than the intensity of the need.
If a character is trapped in a desert, that glass of water is a matter of life and death. If a character is in a tense, uncomfortable social situation and needs a glass of water just to escape the conversation and compose themselves, it is a matter of psychological survival.
The reader doesn’t need the world to be ending to care about the outcome. They need to believe that the character needs what they are chasing. If the character wants it, we start to want it for them.
Defining Your Characters Through Want
What a character wants tells us everything we need to know about who they are.
A character who wants a promotion tells us they are ambitious.
A character who wants to be left alone tells us they are guarded.
A character who wants a glass of water in the middle of a heated argument tells us they are looking for a way to regain control or avoid confrontation.
By defining these wants, you move away from static, cardboard descriptions and toward dynamic characterisation. You show the reader their soul through their actions.
The “Glass of Water” Test
The next time you are stuck in a scene and feel the momentum stalling, ask yourself: What does my character want right now?
If your character is just standing around, waiting for the plot to happen, you need to give them a “glass of water.” Maybe they need to find their lost keys. Maybe they need to keep a secret from being revealed. Maybe they just need to say something they’ve been holding inside for years.
Once your character has a goal—no matter how small—they have a reason to move. And once they move, the reader will inevitably follow.
The Takeaway: Great fiction doesn’t always require epic quests or world-shattering stakes. It requires a human being who is striving for something. Give your characters a goal, give them an obstacle, and watch as your story begins to breathe on its own.
What is your character reaching for today? Even if it’s just a glass of water, make sure they’re thirsty.
It could be said that of all the women one could meet, whether contrived or by sheer luck, what are the odds it would turn out to be the woman who was being paid a very large sum to kill you?
John Pennington is a man who may be lucky in business, but not so lucky in love. He has just broken up with Phillipa Sternhaven, the woman he thought was the one, but relatives and circumstances, and perhaps because she was a ‘princess’, may also have contributed to the end result.
So, what do you do when you are heartbroken?
That is a story that slowly unfolds, from the first meeting with his nemesis on Lake Geneva, all the way to a hotel room in Sorrento, where he learns the shattering truth.
What should have been solace after disappointment turns out to be something else entirely, and from that point, everything goes to hell in a handbasket.
He suddenly realises his so-called friend Sebastian has not exactly told him the truth about a small job he asked him to do, the woman he is falling in love with is not quite who she says she is, and he is caught in the middle of a war between two men who consider people becoming collateral damage as part of their business.
The story paints the characters, cleverly displaying all their flaws and weaknesses. The locations add to the story at times, taking me back down memory lane, especially to Venice, where, in those back streets, I confess it’s not all that hard to get lost.
All in all, a thoroughly entertaining story with, for once, a satisfying end.
For a story that was conceived during those long boring hours flying in a steel cocoon, striving to keep away the thoughts that the plane and everyone in it could just simply disappear as planes have in the past, it has come a long way.
Whilst I have always had a fascination in what happened during the second worlds war, not the battles or fighting, but in the more obscure events that took place, I decided to pen my own little sidebar to what was a long and bitter war.
And, so, it continues…
…
I remained on the spot, not moving, for at least five minutes before I let out a sigh of relief. It would be relatively safe because I had heard them walk off, following the river, and Jack, as my eyes and ears, had been out and had come back,. tail wagging slightly.
I was hoping he was not in league with Jackerby.
“So,” I said quietly to him, “you think it is safe out there?” To be honest, I was not sure why I was asking the dog, or, for that matter, if he understood a word I was saying.
I took tail wagging as a good sign.
Until, all of a sudden he went quiet and very still again, ears up and listening.
Then, I heard what he had heard. The cracking sound of a foot on a twig or dry branch.
From behind me.
We both turned slowly.
An Italian man, about mid 30’s with a dated rifle in his hands, aimed at my head, not twenty feet away. I was not going to take the chance he couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn.
“Who are you?” He started with schoolboy German, obviously not his first language.
The problem I had was deciding whether he was the traitor, or with the resistance that hadn’t been betrayed.
“Not a German for starters,” I said.
I noticed Jack was standing very still with teeth bared. He didn’t like this man. Perhaps he too didn’t like the odds of rushing the man with the gun.
“Englander?”
The way a German would call an Englishman.
“In a manner of speaking.”
“Are you from the castle?”
That was a trick question if I say no, he wouldn’t believe me, and if I said yes, I’d be tarred with the German brush.
“I escaped from there, so in a manner of speaking, yes I am from the castle.”
“Name?”
It couldn’t hurt to tell him. “Sam Atherton.”
He let the gun drop, but it was still in a position to shoot me if I tried anything.
“Are you from the resistance? I mean the group that hasn’t been compromised by a traitor?”
“I don’t know anything about the resistance if there is one. I’m a farmer, trying to go about his business in the middle of a war. What are you doing here?”
It might seem to anyone rather odd to be standing around in the woods. “Hiding from two men who have come from the castle to follow me.”
He looked around. “Where are they now?”
“Supposedly following me into the village, in that direction,” I pointed to where I thought the village was, “where I’m supposed to be leading them to the resistance, which, you said, doesn’t exist.”
“I didn’t say it didn’t exist, only that I don’t know anything about it. What makes you think there is a resistance unit in these parts?”
Good question. And, depending on what side he was on, still to be determined, I was not going to give them away. “I’m acting on some sketchy intelligence we got in London, along with the possibility that the men in the castle, who are supposed to be Englanders, as you call them, but who are actually working with the Germans. Seems they were right on one count, because they caught me and put me in a cell, and possibly wrong, according to you, on the other.”
“How did you manage to get away, if you were in a cell.”
So, here comes the part that sounds totally improbable. “One of the two men following me broke me out.”
Yes, the look on his face said it all.
I shrugged. “Ask the dog. He’ll tell you. His name is Jack by the way, but I’m not sure if he understands English.”
The dog went still again and turned his head.
Another crack, another person in the undergrowth, coming from the other side of the bushes. My first thought, my two pursuers, realizing they’d lost me, had circled back to find me.
The man in front didn’t raise his gun, so it was someone he knew.
“Who is he?”
A woman’s voice. I turned my head slightly. She was older, perhaps this man’s mother. She had a pistol in her left hand.
“Claims he escaped from the castle.”
“They all do.”
I heard a soft bang, and then something in my back, like a needle.
Seconds later my heard started spinning, and few more seconds later my legs gave out, and darkness followed.
Thrills, Spills, and just a dash of Romance 