Category: Blog

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 36

Day 36 – Obsessions become inspiration

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Turning an Obsession Into Art: How Watching Soap Operas Can Fuel Your Next Story or Play

Introduction

What if the very thing you can’t stop binge‑watching—whether it’s a daily soap opera, a true‑crime documentary, or an endless stream of cooking shows—could become the secret weapon behind your next compelling narrative?

Obsessions are often dismissed as distractions, but for writers, they can be information goldmines. The key is learning how to harvest the patterns, emotions, and structures that keep you glued to the screen, and then re‑engineer them into something fresh, resonant, and uniquely yours.

In this post, we’ll explore:

  1. Why obsessions work – the psychological and creative science behind them.
  2. What soap operas teach us about drama, pacing, and character.
  3. A step‑by‑step framework for turning a viewing habit into a polished story or stage play.
  4. Real‑world examples of writers who turned their fixations into masterpieces.
  5. Practical tips & pitfalls to keep you on track.

Grab a notebook (or open a fresh Google Doc) and let’s turn that guilty pleasure into a creative engine.

1. The Power of Obsession: Why It’s a Writer’s Secret Weapon

A. Cognitive Magnetism

When you repeatedly expose yourself to a particular genre or medium, your brain builds schema—mental frameworks that help you predict what will happen next. This predictive ability frees up cognitive bandwidth for higher‑order thinking: spotting the gaps, subverting expectations, and layering new ideas onto familiar structures.

B. Emotional Hook

Obsessions aren’t just intellectual; they’re emotional. The excitement you feel when a cliff‑hanger resolves, the empathy you develop for a long‑running protagonist—these feelings stick in your memory. Emotional resonance is the lifeblood of any story, and an obsession supplies a ready‑made well of feeling to draw from.

C. Knowledge Accumulation

Every episode you watch deposits data: character arcs, dialogue cadence, set dressing, pacing cues, and even the “rules” that govern the fictional world. Over weeks or months, this repository becomes a research library that you can reference without ever opening a textbook.

Bottom line: An obsession turns you into a subject‑matter specialist while simultaneously priming you to think like a storyteller.

2. Soap Operas as a Masterclass in Drama

If you’re sceptical about using soap operas—a genre sometimes dismissed as “lowbrow”—look closer. The format is a compressed drama laboratory:

ElementWhat Soap Operas Do WellHow It Translates to Writing
Character DepthLong‑term arcs let characters evolve over years.Gives you a model for layered, believable growth.
Cliff‑HangersEvery episode ends on a hook that forces the next viewing.Teaches you how to structure tension and release.
Dialogue RhythmRapid, overlapping conversations mimic real speech.Shows you how to craft snappy, realistic dialogue.
Plot InterweavingMultiple storylines intersect, diverge, and reconverge.Provides a blueprint for complex, multi‑threaded plots.
Emotional CoreStakes are amplified (family secrets, betrayals, love).Demonstrates how to raise emotional stakes without melodrama.
Production ConstraintsLimited budgets force creative staging.Inspires resourceful world‑building on a modest scale.

Even the most cynical critic can acknowledge that soap operas are engineered for maximum emotional throughput—exactly what you want when you sit down to write a story that grabs readers from the first line.

3. From Viewing to Writing: A Practical Framework

Below is a six‑step workflow that turns any obsessive viewing habit into a solid narrative foundation. Feel free to adapt the timeline to fit your schedule (the steps can be compressed into a weekend or stretched over months).

Step 1: Log the Details

  • Create a “Soap‑Log” spreadsheet with columns for episode title, air date, key conflict, main characters, and standout line of dialogue.
  • Tag recurring motifs (e.g., “secret twins,” “return from the dead,” “corporate takeover”).
  • Note personal reactions: what made you laugh, cringe, or feel a pang of sympathy?

Why? The act of recording forces you to observe rather than consume passively, training you to spot narrative mechanics.

Step 2: Identify the Core Mechanics

  • Pattern‑hunt: Which plot devices appear most often? (e.g., “misunderstood love letters”).
  • Structure analysis: Break down a typical episode into beats (inciting incident → rising action → climax → resolution). Use Dan Harmon’s Story Circle or a three‑act template as a reference.

Result: A toolbox of building blocks you can mix, match, and remix.

Step 3: Extract Universal Themes

  • Even the most outlandish storylines tap into fundamental human concerns: power, love, betrayal, and redemption.
  • Write a list of theme statements, such as “the desire for belonging can drive people to deception.”

Why it matters: Themes give your work depth beyond plot mechanics, ensuring it resonates beyond the soap fan base.

Step 4: Subvert and Re-Contextualise

  • Choose one familiar soap trope (e.g., the “evil step‑mother”) and flip it: perhaps the step‑mother is the heroic caretaker in a dystopian future.
  • Change the setting dramatically: move the drama from a small town in Texas to a floating city on a gas giant.

Goal: Keep the emotional pull of the original while delivering something fresh.

Step 5: Draft a Mini‑Pilot

  • Write a 10‑page pilot (or a one‑act play) that incorporates at least three of the identified beats, one subverted trope, and a clear thematic thread.
  • Use the soap‑log as a cheat sheet for dialogue rhythm and cliff‑hanger placement.

Tip: Aim for a tight inciting incident in the first 5 pages—this is the hook that made you binge‑watch the soap in the first place.

Step 6: Iterate with Feedback

  • Share the draft with a mix of soap fans and non‑fans. Ask: “Did the stakes feel real?” and “Did any moment feel cliché?”
  • Revise based on the overlap—what resonates with both groups is the sweet spot where niche expertise meets universal appeal.

Skeletons in the closet, and doppelgangers

A story called “Mistaken Identity”

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How many of us have skeletons in the closet that we know nothing about? The skeletons we know about generally stay there, but those we do not, well, they have a habit of coming out of left field when we least expect it.

In this case, when you see your photo on a TV screen with the accompanying text that says you are wanted by every law enforcement agency in Europe, you’re in a state of shock, only to be compounded by those same police, armed and menacing, kicking the door down.

I’d been thinking about this premise for a while after I discovered my mother had a boyfriend before she married my father, a boyfriend who was, by all accounts, the man who was the love of her life.

Then, in terms of coming up with an idea for a story, what if she had a child by him that we didn’t know about, which might mean I had a half brother or sister I knew nothing about. It’s not an uncommon occurrence from what I’ve been researching.

There are many ways of putting a spin on this story.

Then, in the back of my mind, I remembered a story an acquaintance at work was once telling us over morning tea, that a friend of a friend had a mother who had a twin sister and that each of the sisters had a son by the same father, without each knowing of the father’s actions, both growing up without the other having any knowledge of their half brother, only to meet by accident on the other side of the world.

It was an encounter that in the scheme of things might never have happened, and each would have remained oblivious of the other.

For one sister, the relationship was over before she discovered she was pregnant, and therefore had not told the man he was a father. It was no surprise the relationship foundered when she discovered he was also having a relationship with her sister, a discovery that caused her to cut all ties with both of them and never speak to either from that day.

It’s a story with more twists and turns than a country lane!

And a great idea for a story.

That story is called ‘Mistaken Identity’.

In a word: Stern

It’s what I’d always expected of my teachers, having to stand up the front of the classroom and look like they were in control.

These days, not so much, but back in my day, teachers, and particularly the men, were to be feared, and stern expressions were the features of an effective teacher.

So, in this context, it means a hardness or severity of manner.

Whilst in a sense that was frightening to us kids, another form of the word also can be used to express a forbidding or gloomy appearance.

Grandfathers also have that stern look, but it’s more forbidding, more authoritarian, more severe, more austere, well, you get the picture.  A six-year-old would be trembling in his or her boots.

There again, in facing up to either possibility above, you could stand firm with a stern resolve not to buckle under the pressure.

Of course, not a good idea if you’re facing a tank (with a stern-looking tank master)

Then…

If you’re standing at the end of the boat, not the front, but the rear, you would be standing at the stern of the boat, or ship.

Oddly, when issuing instructions to go in reverse, not something you would say if you were on the bridge, you would instead say, or possibly yell, full speed astern, because you’re about to hit an iceberg.

Or some idiot in a jet ski who likes to think he or she can beat the bullet (or 65,000 tonnes of a ship that has very little mobility).

A photograph from the inspirational bin – 22

I found this…


So near and yet so far.

What I found was the moon out in the late afternoon, a phenomenon that might happen on a regular basis, but this one of the few times I’ve seen it.

And it reminds me of something I was told a long time ago. Shoot for the moon. I never quite understood what the person meant, not until a long time later when I realised that I was being told nothing was impossible.

Had I ever achieved the impossible?

The thing is, each of us define what is possible and what is impossible ourselves, and is therefore different for every person. If you tell yourself it is impossible, then it requires a mind shift to get past that barrier.

But, the question still remains the same, did I achieve the impossible?

I never thought I’d write a book, or have it published. Some would say I still haven’t achieved that goal because I self published it on Amazon.

I think I achieved what I set out to do.

I never thought I’d get a university degree, but people had faith in me, and yes, I got it in the end.

I never thought, when I was younger, I would be a father, and sometimes I wonder whether it was worth it, but having grandchildren dispelled any perceived disappointment.

And what is on the impossible list now?

Not a lot. At my age, I don’t think it’s possible I will travel to the moon, nor afford to skirt the edge of space, as much as it would be amazing to look back at the planet.

I don’t think I’ll ever become a CEO, but then I don’t want to. Too much responsibility.

What’s left that is achievable?

Tracing my family history, and going back to where my ancestors came from, and, hopefully finding someone who was ‘famous’.

The cinema of my dreams – Was it just another surveillance job – Episode 41

I’m back home and this story has been sitting on the back burner for a few months, waiting for some more to be written.

The trouble is, there are also other stories to write, and I’m not very good at prioritizing.

But, here we are, a few minutes opened up and it didn’t take long to get back into the groove.

Chasing leads, maybe

—

I gave it about five minutes before I think I started breathing again and then headed back to Jennifer.

Or where I thought I had left her.

She wasn’t there. I think, in the end, it didn’t surprise me. She had been reluctant from the start so if I had to guess, she had done a bunk. This was not her fight, nor mine, but she had a ticket out. Why would you want to come back after being betrayed by the likes of Severin and Maury?

I hope she left the car behind.

Now that I was here there was no point leaving, so I took a few minutes to search the surrounding area, just in case she was still here, just someplace else, and when she wasn’t, I quickly and silently made my way back to the side of the house with the open door from a different direction.

There was another set of French doors, these curtained, and with an overhead light above the doorway, so I kept my distance in case there was a movement activator, another which looked to be a servant’s entrance at the back. Neither door looked to be an easy viable entrance.

The original side door was still unlocked, with no lights or movement inside.

I waited, then opened the door wide enough to slip through. Again, I waited in case there was a silent alarm, then when nothing stirred, slipped through and closed the door behind me.

On the other side of the door, it was quite dark, except now I could see, on one wall, the dying embers of a fire. Someone had been in the room earlier and most likely gone to bed.

It meant the house was occupied.

It also meant I had to be careful.

On the other side of the doors, it was a lot warmer. Again I waited a few minutes, just in case someone came, and, when they didn’t, I pulled out a small torch and turned it on.

In front of me were two chairs and a table, one I would have walked into without a light. The walls had shelves and those shelves were filled with books. Some behind glass doors, others not. There was another chair by the fire, and beside it, a stack of cooks, and a table with had an empty glass and a bottle, and a pair of reading glasses.

The downstairs reading room.

I cross the room slowly, hoping there were no squeaky floorboards, to be expected in an old house like this one. The timber flooring was exposed only at the edges of the room, the rest of the floor covered in a large, discolored, and fraying carpet square.

It was old, like everything else in the room.

I was tempted to have a look at how far the books dated back to but resisted the urge. I was looking for information on the owner.

At the doorway to what looked like a passage, I turned off the torch and peered out. It was not exactly dark, my eyes had adjusted to the low-level light from low wattage lights about a foot above the floor.

Lights to help guide the way at night.

Left, rooms, right, rooms, at the end of the passage a wide doorway leading towards the other side of the house. Larger rooms perhaps.

I turned right and headed towards the front, and they stopped at the doorway to the next room. I’d deliberately walked on the carpet runner in the middle of the passage, and just managed to catch my foot when one part of the floor creaked softly.

The room next door was almost the same as the one I’d entered by, with chairs and shelves but only on two sides. This room had a long window and no French doors.

On one side there was a writing desk, open, with papers scatted on the writing surface. I quickly crossed the room to it, switched on the light, and checked.

Bills. In the name of Mrs. Marianne Quigley. This had to be Adam Quigley’s mother, and by deduction, O’Connell’s mother.

Proof I was in the right place.

Then I heard the squeak of a floorboard followed by the clicking sound of a gun being cocked.

“Don’t move, or I’ll shoot. Hands in the air. And don’t make me ask twice.”

Hands up it was.

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© Charles Heath 2020-2022

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 35

Day 35 – Poetry

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The Paradox of Poetry: Unpacking Elizabeth Bishop’s Insight

Elizabeth Bishop, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, once astutely observed, “Writing poetry is an unnatural act. It takes great skill to make it seem natural.” This statement may seem counterintuitive, as poetry is often associated with spontaneity and emotional expression. However, Bishop’s words reveal a profound truth about the craft of poetry, one that warrants closer examination. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the complexities of writing poetry, exploring why it can be considered an unnatural act, and what it takes to make it seem natural.

The Unnatural Act of Writing Poetry

On the surface, poetry appears to be a natural extension of human language, a way to express thoughts, emotions, and experiences through words. However, the process of crafting a poem is often a deliberate and calculated one. Poets must carefully select and arrange words, considering factors like meter, rhyme, imagery, and syntax, to convey their intended meaning. This self-conscious process can feel unnatural, as it requires a level of manipulation and control that doesn’t always come easily.

Furthermore, poetry often involves distilling complex emotions and ideas into concise, precise language, which can be a challenging and artificial process. Poets must navigate the tension between authenticity and artifice, striving to capture the essence of their subject matter while also shaping it into a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing form. This balancing act can make writing poetry feel like an unnatural act, as it demands a high degree of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The Skill of Making it Seem Natural

So, how do poets overcome the unnatural aspects of writing poetry and make it seem natural? According to Bishop, it takes great skill. This skill encompasses a range of abilities, including:

  1. Mastering form and technique: Poets must develop a deep understanding of poetic forms, such as sonnets, free verse, or haikus, and learn to wield them effectively. This involves experimenting with different structures, rhythms, and language patterns to find the right fit for their message.
  2. Developing a unique voice: A poet’s voice is the distinctive tone, style, and perspective they bring to their work. Cultivating a unique voice requires a deep understanding of one’s own experiences, emotions, and observations, as well as the ability to express them in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
  3. Using language effectively: Poets must be skilled in the use of language, able to select words, images, and metaphors that evoke the desired response in the reader. This involves a keen sense of observation, a rich vocabulary, and a willingness to experiment with language.
  4. Editing and revision: The process of writing poetry is often iterative, with poets refining their work through multiple drafts and revisions. This involves being willing to cut, reshape, and rework lines, stanzas, and entire poems to achieve the desired effect.

By honing these skills, poets can create poetry that seems natural, effortless, and spontaneous, even when it’s the result of careful crafting and revision. The best poetry appears to flow from the poet’s heart and mind with ease, concealing the hard work and dedication that went into its creation.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Bishop’s observation that “writing poetry is an unnatural act” may seem paradoxical, but it highlights the complex, nuanced nature of the craft. While poetry is often associated with natural expression and spontaneity, the process of writing it can be deliberate, calculated, and artificial. However, with great skill and dedication, poets can overcome these challenges and create work that seems natural, authentic, and beautiful. By embracing the unnatural aspects of writing poetry and developing the skills necessary to master the craft, poets can produce poetry that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impression.

If I only had one day to stop over in – Copenhagen – what would I do?

The One Place to Make Your Copenhagen Stopover Unforgettable

Have you ever found yourself with just one day in a city you’ve always dreamed of exploring? That’s exactly the magic of a Copenhagen stopover. Whether you’re en route to another destination or squeezing in a quick European getaway, this Danish capital offers a taste of hygge, history, and vibrant culture—all in a compact, walkable city.

But with limited time, how do you choose just one spot to capture the essence of Copenhagen? You could wander through colourful Nyhavn, explore the historic Tivoli Gardens, or marvel at the futuristic architecture of the Opera House. Yet if you’re looking for a truly memorable experience—one that blends history, culture, and breathtaking views—there’s one place that stands above the rest: The Rundetårn (The Round Tower).

Why The Rundetårn?

Built in the 17th century as an astronomical observatory, The Round Tower is more than just a historic landmark—it’s a journey through time. Unlike most towers with steep staircases, Rundetårn features a unique, gently sloping spiral ramp that winds its way to the top. As you ascend, you’ll pass historical exhibitions, an atmospheric library hall, and even a glass floor looking down into the core of the tower.

But the real reward awaits at the summit.

The View That Steals Your Heart

When you step out onto the rooftop platform, you’re greeted with a 360-degree panoramic view of Copenhagen’s rooftops, spires, and bustling streets. From this vantage point, you can spot iconic landmarks like the Christiansborg Palace, the Church of Our Saviour, and the distant silhouette of the Øresund Bridge. It’s the perfect place to orient yourself, snap unforgettable photos, and simply soak in the city’s charm.

A Stopover Moment to Remember

What makes Rundetårn especially perfect for a one-day visit is its central location. Just a short walk from Strøget, Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian street, you can easily pair your visit with a stroll through the city’s vibrant heart, a bite of smørrebrød (Danish open-faced sandwiches), or a quick coffee in a cozy café.

Whether you visit in the morning light, under the blue afternoon sky, or during the golden hour before sunset, The Round Tower offers a moment of reflection and wonder—a chance to pause and appreciate the beauty of Copenhagen from above.

So, if you find yourself with just one day in this Nordic gem, make your way to Rundetårn. Let its spiral ramp lead you upward, and let Copenhagen unfold beneath you. It’s not just a sightseeing stop—it’s a memory in the making.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, and don’t forget to look up at night if you’re in town after dark—the tower’s observatory still opens for stellar views of the cosmos.

Happy exploring, and may your Copenhagen stopover be filled with wonder!

What I learned about writing – Why do we persist in writing?

It’s another reminder that we should never give up, despite the advice that’s sometimes given by our peers, not exactly saying it, but alluding to the fact that some do, and some don’t and that the talented should not.

But … do we know we’re talented, and even if we are, after a myriad or plethora of rejections, the temptation to walk away might be there.

Except…

If you’re like me, you’re not in it for the wealth and fame. Yes, wealth and fame would be nice; just an adequate living would be better, but most of us aren’t likely to give up our day jobs any time soon.

I write because I love writing. I like inventing characters and throwing everything, but the kitchen sink, at them. Maybe that’s where I’m going wrong. I should throw in the kitchen sink.

Kidding.

And I publish a lot of those stories on this blog, and people are reading them because I get a few comments every day, and most of them are positive, and even if they are not, yes, you can’t please everyone, I take them as constructive criticism.

So the next time someone advises you that writing just might not be your vocation, write them a story and tell them they’re wrong.

“The Devil You Don’t”, she was the girl you would not take home to your mother!

Now only $0.99 at https://amzn.to/2Xyh1ow

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John Pennington’s life is in the doldrums. Looking for new opportunities, and prevaricating about getting married, the only joy on the horizon was an upcoming visit to his grandmother in Sorrento, Italy.

Suddenly he is left at the check-in counter with a message on his phone telling him the marriage is off, and the relationship is over.

If only he hadn’t promised a friend he would do a favour for him in Rome.

At the first stop, Geneva, he has a chance encounter with Zoe, an intriguing woman who captures his imagination from the moment she boards the Savoire, and his life ventures into uncharted territory in more ways than one.

That ‘favour’ for his friend suddenly becomes a life-changing event, and when Zoe, the woman who he knows is too good to be true, reappears, danger and death follow.

Shot at, lied to, seduced, and drawn into a world where nothing is what it seems, John is dragged into an adrenaline-charged undertaking, where he may have been wiser to stay with the ‘devil you know’ rather than opt for the ‘devil you don’t’.

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If I only had one day to stop over in – Helsinki – what would I do?

One Day in Helsinki: The One Place You Must Visit for an Unforgettable Stopover

Picture this: You’ve just landed in Helsinki, Finland, with only one day to explore before catching your next flight. The city beckons with its sleek design, vibrant culture, and Nordic charm—but time is limited. So, where do you go to capture the true spirit of Helsinki in just a few hours?

While the city offers countless gems—from the striking Helsinki Cathedral to the bustling Market Square—there’s one spot that perfectly encapsulates Helsinki’s soul and ensures your short visit is nothing short of memorable.

That place is Suomenlinna Sea Fortress.

Why Suomenlinna?

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991, Suomenlinna is not just a fortress—it’s an island adventure, a historical journey, and a scenic retreat all rolled into one. Built in the 18th century, this maritime fortress sprawls across six interconnected islands and tells stories of Swedish, Russian, and Finnish history. But more than that, it offers an immersive experience you can savor even in a single day.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

Getting There:
From the heart of Helsinki, it’s just a 15–20-minute ferry ride from Kauppatori (Market Square). Ferries run regularly year-round, and the journey itself offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea and Helsinki’s coastline.

What to Do on the Island:

  1. Step Back in Time:
    Wander through tunnels, cannons, and historic barracks. Visit the Suomenlinna Museum for a compact overview of the fortress’s 270-year history.
  2. Embrace Nature and Views:
    Walk along the rugged coastal paths for breathtaking panoramas of the sea and the city skyline. In summer, the islands are lush and green; in winter, they transform into a serene, snow-dusted wonderland.
  3. Taste Finnish Flavors:
    Stop by Café Vanille or the brewery restaurant, Suomenlinnan Panimo, for a warm drink, local pastry, or even a craft beer brewed on the island.
  4. Capture the Moment:
    From the iconic King’s Gate to the tranquil shoreline, every corner is photogenic. This is a place where memories are made—and Instagram-worthy shots are guaranteed.

Why It’s Perfect for a Stopover

  • Compact Yet Complete: You can explore the highlights in 3–4 hours, leaving you plenty of time to return to the city, enjoy a meal, or even visit another quick attraction.
  • Authentic Helsinki Vibe: Suomenlinna blends history, nature, and local life in a way that feels uniquely Finnish.
  • Escape the Hustle: Despite being so close to the city, the islands offer a peaceful retreat away from urban noise—a refreshing pause during a travel day.

Before You Go

  • Check Ferry Schedules: Plan your trip around ferry times to maximize your stay.
  • Dress for the Weather: Helsinki can be breezy, even in summer. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Pack Light Snacks: While there are cafes, having a water bottle and a snack ensures you can explore uninterrupted.

One Day, One Unforgettable Experience

Your stopover in Helsinki is a gift—a chance to taste a new culture, even briefly. And Suomenlinna is the perfect bite-sized piece of Finland to savor. It’s more than a tourist attraction; it’s an experience that stays with you: the sea breeze, the whisper of history, and the serene beauty of the archipelago.

So, when you find yourself with one day in Helsinki, skip the stress of trying to see it all. Take the ferry, step onto the island, and let Suomenlinna turn your stopover into a story worth telling.

Safe travels—and may your day in Helsinki be unforgettable!

Have you visited Suomenlinna or have another Helsinki favourite? Share your experiences in the comments below!