“Sunday in New York”, a romantic adventure that’s not a walk in the park!

“Sunday in New York” is ultimately a story about trust, and what happens when a marriage is stretched to its limits.

When Harry Steele attends a lunch with his manager, Barclay, to discuss a promotion that any junior executive would accept in a heartbeat, it is the fact his wife, Alison, who previously professed her reservations about Barclay, also agreed to attend, that casts a small element of doubt in his mind.

From that moment, his life, in the company, in deciding what to do, his marriage, his very life, spirals out of control.

There is no one big factor that can prove Harry’s worst fears, that his marriage is over, just a number of small, interconnecting events, when piled on top of each other, points to a cataclysmic end to everything he had believed in.

Trust is lost firstly in his best friend and mentor, Andy, who only hints of impending disaster, Sasha, a woman whom he saved, and who appears to have motives of her own, and then in his wife, Alison, as he discovered piece by piece damning evidence she is about to leave him for another man.

Can we trust what we see with our eyes or trust what we hear?

Haven’t we all jumped to conclusions at least once in our lives?

Can Alison, a woman whose self-belief and confidence is about to be put to the ultimate test, find a way of proving their relationship is as strong as it has ever been?

As they say in the classics, read on!

Purchase:

http://tinyurl.com/Amazon-SundayInNewYork

365 Days of writing, 2026 – My Second Story 6

More about my second novel

…

OK. So the story is about Alistair’s mother seeking revenge on Zoe for killing her son.

She’s not the only one.

Zoe is or was an assassin. She had a substantial number of kills to her credit, but she doesn’t share numbers, so we won’t find out exactly how many, and others seek revenge, too.

One is co-incidentally, the head of the intelligence service John’s friend Sebastian works for, a man by the name of Worthington, who had a twin brother whom she killed by mistake.

He has been using his position in intelligence to track the woman who executed his brother for some time, and being in Venice at the time of the Alistair affair, he catches sight of Zoe recovering in a hospital after requesting to meet Sebastian’s newest recruit.

Of course, Sebastian is playing fast and loose with the truth, as always, but the damage is done.

Zoe, aka Mary Anne, aka Chantal, is now being hunted by three different people and has just had a bounty put on her head, guaranteeing even more people searching for her.

All while heading to a meeting in Marseilles about a freelance hit.

Yes, it’s going to be the proverbial rollercoaster ride…

In a word: Maybe

This word, where I live, had taken on a new meaning. We have telephone scammers who ask your name when you answer the phone, and when you say yes, they hang up.

It doesn’t take much imagination how they can use that recording.

So, I now answer the phone with maybe, which confuses the real callers who want to know if it is you.

Of course, maybe is one of those words that have so many meaning, but the best one is to use it while you have time to think of a proper answer.

For example, did you get the potatoes? You haven’t been out, it slipped your mind, or you just plain forgot, but run with a ‘maybe’ so you can judge the reaction.

Angry face, you know no matter what, you’re in trouble.

Genial face, you know that it didn’t really matter and all is forgiven.

Then there’s the person who doesn’t know you and comes up to you in a crowded room. Are you [put name here]?

Maybe. We want to know if we’re in trouble, or if it for something good.

Using ‘maybe’ in writing probably isn’t the best word to us, but I like defying the experts. You can always find a maybe or two in any of my books.

‘What Sets Us Apart’ – A beta readers view

There’s something to be said for a story that starts like a James Bond movie, throwing you straight in the deep end, a perfect way of getting to know the main character, David, or is that Alistair?

A retired spy, well not so much a spy as a retired errand boy, David’s rather wry description of his talents, and a woman that most men would give their left arm for, not exactly the ideal couple, but there is a spark in a meeting that may or may not have been a setup.

But as the story progressed, the question I kept asking myself was why he’d bother.

And, page after unrelenting page, you find out.

Susan is exactly the sort of woman to pique his interest. Then, inexplicably, she disappears. That might have been the end to it, but Prendergast, that shadowy enigma, David’s ex-boss who loves playing games with real people, gives him an ultimatum, find her or come back to work.

Nothing like an offer that’s a double-edged sword!

A dragon for a mother, a sister he didn’t know about, Susan’s BFF who is not what she seems or a friend indeed, and Susan’s father who, up till David meets her, couldn’t be less interested, his nemesis proves to be the impossible dream, and he’s always just that one step behind.

When the rollercoaster finally came to a halt, and I could start breathing again, it was an ending that was completely unexpected.

I’ve been told there’s a sequel in the works.

Bring it on!

…

The book can be purchased here: http://amzn.to/2Eryfth

…

The cinema of my dreams – I always wanted to see the planets – Episode 5

We managed to get out of the space dock without a scratch…

…

We’re moving slowly beyond the space dock, heading through clear space.

We had seen people inside the wings of the dock, lining the passage windows watching the big ship depart. In olden days, on earth, when a ship left port, people on the dock would remain connected to the passengers by streamers, until the ship started to move away.

It was impossible to do that in space.

But, it was a notable day, the first of its type, heading out into the known, and, later, the unknown if the shakedown worked out.

The captain had decided despite the success of the trials, that he wanted to have one more trial, this time putting the crew through their paces.

I looked sideways, one eye still on the screen, now showing three possible midrange destinations, and on the Captain, also looking at the screen.

Uranus was about 2.8 billion kilometres.

Neptune, where our orders were to go, was 4.5 billion kilometres.

I had done the rough calculations on time to destination, in round numbers, basing the speed of light, what we regarded as SSPD 1,000. That was in km’s about 1.8 billion kilometres an hour, give or take.

Our first ships were under SSPD 1, and the series before this ship had a maximum of SSPD 1.25, which in understandable numbers was about 1,349,063 km per hour. Our ship was capable of SSPD 5.

So, given that our previous fastest ship could move at a maximum of SSPD 1.25, the time it would take to the first destination at SSPD 2 (no one ever travelled at maximum) was a little over 86 days, and to Neptune about 139 days.

In this ship if we were to hit SSPD 4.5, the same time frames would be 24 days and just over 38.5 days.

“Check the co-ordinates for Neptune and once we’re clear of the dock and given clearance, let’s start her out slowly on SSPD 2.

The helmsman checked the co-ordinates and set the speed. “Co-ordinates and speed set, awaiting clearance.”

“Very good. Best have a seat Number One, just in case.”

“Yes, sir.” I took a last glance at the screen, now only showing Neptune on the long-range scanner, and sat.

“Adventurer, you’re cleared for departure.” The voice of the dock master came over the speakers.

No need for further orders, the helmsman pushed the button below his screen, there was a slight lurch, and we were under way.

Next stop Neptune.

…

A photograph from the inspirational bin – 24

When I first saw it I thought it was an old country estate, converted and expanded into a golf clubhouse.

It wasn’t. It is a purpose-built clubhouse and function center for corporate seminars and wedding receptions, as well as catering to the golfer, and golf tournaments.

20200215_100153

It also has a very good outlook over the golf course.

But, in my writer’s mind, this will provide inspiration for a story that could be set in a large country house, with the central tower and lookout featuring in what might be a grisly death, and a group of guests who have gathered together to enact a mock murder that turns out to be very real.

Yes, the idea has been done to death over many many years, but I have a few new twists in mind.

Stay tuned.

The cinema of my dreams – Was it just another surveillance job – Episode 43

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

—–

“You left a paper trail, a car registration form at the flat in Bromley.”

I saw him shake his head. “I thought I’d removed any evidence.”

“Good thing then, that I found it, and not Severin who was next through the door.”

He nodded towards Jennifer. “What’s she doing here, she was one of your surveillance team.”

“She came with me. The department threw her out, I found her and asked her if she wanted to find out what was going on. Apparently, she did. Everyone can put their guns down now. We are, believe it or not, all friends here.”

Jennifer put her gun back in a pocket I hadn’t seen before.

Adam lowered his, but it was still ready to shoot if either of us made the wrong move. The old woman’s aim hadn’t changed; she was still intent on shooting me if I moved.

“Mother, give it up.”

A few seconds later she lowered the weapon, but it was still ready. To fire if I moved.

“Can we sit,” I asked. Having a gun aimed at you tended to make you feel week in the knees. I was.

There were three chairs in front of the fireplace, this room also having a fire ready but not lit, and one chair by the writing-table. We sat in the three chairs, the old woman over by the table. She put the rifle down on the desktop, within easy reach.

“My first question,” I said, “has to be, how are you still alive?”

“You left when Severin’s crew arrived to clean up. He left at the same time. Luckily. Then two of Dobbin’s agents arrived and cleaned up the cleaners, as it were, and took me to a safe place where it was discovered my injuries were not fatal.”

“You were hit by a sniper, that’s hard to believe he, or she, aimed to miss.”

“They didn’t. I think I moved slightly because of you, so I have you to thank for my life. Something else to remember, Dobbin doesn’t know I’m here, and I think the only link was that registration certificate. No one actually knows me by Adam Quigley, except, of course, my mother.

“And the USB everyone is after?”

A few seconds of silence, then, “It’s missing.”

“Were you the only one who knew where it was?”

“No, but as far as I’m aware, that person is dead, killed by the explosion you witnessed. We were due to meet there, just before the explosion which is why I was heading there.”

“You walked past it, as I recall.”

“Standard procedure. I walk past, check to see if the contact is there, then come back a few minutes later. I was running late, just got past when it went up. We would have both been in there, and dead.”

“And the USB gone with it?”

“Yes. My friend had it with him at the time. I was going there to pick it up.”

“No copies?” It was too much to expect there would be, even if it was worth more than life itself.

“No. That sort of information needs to be in as few places as possible.”

“You knew what it was about?”

“Yes.”

“And…”

“It’s above all our pay grades. But something I can tell you; I know why your Severin and Maury wanted it back.”

“It was theirs?”

“Yes. They originally stole it. I stole it from them and trying to return it to whom it belonged.”

“Nobbin?”

“God, no. I’ve since discovered he’s as crooked as all the rest. But now that it’s gone, it doesn’t matter who the owner of the information is. Just staying one step ahead of the jackals, that’s the job in hand.”

——-

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 37

Day 37 – Do writers need to be interested in everything

…

Is the Accomplished Writer Someone Who Is Interested in Everything?

Introduction

When you flip through the pages of a novel that feels almost cinematic, or when a nonfiction essay makes you see the world in a new light, you’re often witnessing the work of a writer who seems to know everything. From the delicate anatomy of a hummingbird’s wing to the gritty economics of a 19th‑century railway boom, the writer’s knowledge appears boundless.

That impression fuels a common myth: “If you want to be an accomplished writer, you must be interested in everything.”

Is this hyper‑curiosity a prerequisite for literary greatness, or merely a romantic exaggeration? In this post, we’ll unpack the myth, explore the real relationship between curiosity and craft, and give you practical takeaways for your own writing journey.

1. The Appeal of the “Jack‑of‑All‑Trades” Writer

1.1. Breadth as a Narrative Engine

A wide knowledge base gives a writer an arsenal of storytelling tools. When you can weave together disparate subjects—say, a scientist’s obsession with quantum entanglement and a chef’s pursuit of umami—you create surprising juxtapositions that keep readers hooked.

Example: Don DeLillo’s novels are peppered with references to pop culture, physics, and corporate jargon, turning his prose into a kaleidoscope of modern life.
Result: Readers feel that the author “gets” the world, and they trust the narrative to transport them across it.

1.2. Credibility and Authority

When a writer can cite accurate details, it builds legitimacy. In nonfiction, especially, expertise (or the appearance of it) can be the difference between a bestseller and a footnote.

Example: Malcolm Gladwell isn’t a psychologist, sociologist, or historian, yet he commands authority because he consistently digests research from each field and reframes it in accessible stories.

2. Why “Everything” Is a Misleading Goal

2.1. The Curse of the “Polymath‑Trap”

Trying to master everything leads to shallow knowledge, which can manifest as:

Superficiality: Dropping jargon without context, leaving readers confused.
Inconsistent Voice: Switching tones every time you switch subjects erodes narrative cohesion.

“A writer who knows a little about many things is often less effective than a writer who knows a lot about one thing.” – Haruki Murakami (paraphrased)

2.2. Depth Trumps Breadth in Most Genres

Literary Fiction: The emotional truth of a character’s inner life often outweighs how many facts you can slip in.
Genre Writing (e.g., mystery, sci‑fi): World‑building thrives on focused expertise. A detective novel benefits more from a deep dive into police procedure than from an encyclopedic survey of kitchen appliances.

2.3. The Opportunity Cost of Over‑Curiosity

Every hour you spend chasing a new hobby is an hour you could be honing your prose, revising drafts, or reading the works that inspired you. The best writers allocate their curiosity strategically, not indiscriminately.

3. What Successful Writers Actually Do

Writer	Primary Interests	How They Leverage Curiosity
Toni Morrison	African‑American history, music, mythology	Integrated cultural memory into layered narratives.
Neil Gaiman	Folklore, comics, film	Cross‑medium storytelling, creating a mythic voice.
J.K. Rowling	Classical mythology, alchemy, education	Built a richly detailed magical world anchored in real‑world concepts.
Rebecca Solnit	Geography, politics, art history	Combines seemingly unrelated topics to reveal hidden connections.
George R.R. Martin	Medieval history, anthropology, linguistics	Constructs a believable fantasy realm through meticulous research in specific fields.

Key Takeaway: Each writer has a core constellation of interests that they explore deeply, while allowing peripheral curiosities to spark fresh ideas.

4. The Science of Curiosity and Creativity

Neuroscience: Studies show that divergent thinking—the ability to generate many possible solutions—strengthens when the brain forms connections across unrelated concepts.
Psychology: The “Broaden‑and‑Build” theory (Barbara Fredrickson) posits that positive emotions, often triggered by curiosity, expand our mental repertoire, giving us more raw material for creative work.

In plain terms: Being curious does help you write better—but you don’t need to be curious about everything. You just need enough variety to keep the mental pathways open.

5. How to Cultivate a Productive Curiosity (Without Going Overboard)

Identify Your “Anchor Interests.”
- List 3–5 subjects you love (e.g., vintage photography, urban gardening, Renaissance art).
- Make a habit of reading news, books, or podcasts in these areas weekly.
Adopt a “Research‑First” Mindset for Projects.
- Before you start a story, ask: What knowledge does the world need?
- Set a research budget (e.g., 5 hours) and focus on depth, not breadth.
Cross‑Pollinate Intentionally.
- Pair two unrelated interests (e.g., marine biology + corporate law) and brainstorm story premises.
- Use the “Random Prompt” method: Write a one‑sentence logline that forces you to combine the two.
Limit Consumption, Amplify Production.
- For every hour spent watching a documentary, write at least 300 words.
- This “ratio rule” ensures curiosity fuels output rather than replaces it.
Maintain a “Curiosity Journal.”
- Jot down fleeting questions (“Why do some birds migrate at night?”).
- Review monthly; pick one that resonates and research it thoroughly.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Short Answer
Do I need a formal education in every field I write about?	No. A disciplined research process and a willingness to ask experts can substitute for a degree.
Can I become a bestselling author by focusing on a single niche?	Absolutely. Ernest Hemingway famously limited his subject matter to war, hunting, and love, yet his work is timeless.
Is it okay to write about topics I’m not an expert in?	Yes, if you do thorough research, credit your sources, and avoid misrepresentation.
How do I avoid “information overload” when I’m curious?	Set clear limits on research time per project, and prioritize depth over quantity.
Should I read only within my genre to stay “focused”?	No. Reading outside your genre fuels innovation, but keep a balance so you don’t lose sight of genre conventions.

7. Bottom Line: Curiosity, Not Everything, Makes the Accomplished Writer

Curiosity is the engine. It drives you to ask questions, seek stories, and discover connections.
Depth is the fuel. Master a few subjects enough to write with authority and nuance.
Focus is the map. Align your curiosity with the story you’re telling, rather than letting it wander aimlessly.

An accomplished writer is not a person who knows everything, but a person who knows how to learn what they need, when they need it, and then transform that knowledge into compelling prose.

Action Plan: 3 Steps to Start Today

Pick Your Anchor: Write down three topics you could talk about for hours.
Schedule a Research Sprint: Allocate a 2‑hour block this week to dig deep into one of those topics—read a scholarly article, watch a documentary, or interview an expert.
Write a Mini‑Story: Using the new knowledge, craft a 500‑word piece that integrates the information organically.

Repeat the cycle, and watch your writing evolve from “interesting” to illuminating.

Closing Thought

The next time you admire a writer who seems to have woven the universe into their pages, remember: they didn’t achieve that by trying to master everything. They mastered the art of selective curiosity—knowing what to explore, how deep to go, and, most importantly, how to turn that exploration into a story that matters.

If you adopt that mindset, you’ll be well on your way to joining the ranks of accomplished writers—without ever having to become a walking encyclopedia.

Happy writing!

If you found this post helpful, share it with fellow word‑smiths and subscribe for more insights on crafting great prose.

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

One‑Day Stopover in Ankara? Make It Unforgettable With a Single Stop at Anıtkabir

If your flight itinerary or a road‑trip detour leaves you with just 24 hours in Turkey’s capital, you’ll quickly realise that Ankara isn’t a “quick‑look‑and‑leave” city. Its blend of modern governance, Ottoman‑era streets, and ancient history can feel overwhelming when the clock is ticking.

So, what’s the one place you must visit to turn a fleeting layover into a lasting memory?

The answer: Anıtkabir – the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

The monumental complex dedicated to Turkey’s founding father is more than a tomb; it’s a masterclass in architecture, a museum of the Republic’s birth, and a panoramic viewpoint over the city’s heart. In a single, well‑planned visit, you’ll:

Feel the pulse of modern Turkish identity – Atatürk’s legacy is woven into every corner of contemporary Turkey, and Anıtkabir is the physical embodiment of that narrative.
Enjoy a compact, self‑contained experience – The site fits comfortably into a 2‑hour window, leaving you time to sip Turkish tea, wander a nearby market, or catch a late‑night flight.
Capture iconic photographs – From the grand staircases to the sprawling lawn framed by the Bosphorus‑blue sky, every angle screams “travel‑worthy.”

Below is a practical guide to make that single stop truly unforgettable.

Where Is Anıtkabir?

Address: Anıtkabir, Çankaya, 06570 Ankara, Turkey
Coordinates: 39.9250° N, 32.8624° E
Getting There:
- By Taxi / Ride‑Share: 15‑20 min from Ankara Airport (ESB) or the city centre; cost ≈ 30‑40 TL.
- By Public Transport: Take the EGO bus 301 from the airport to Ulus and then a short 10‑minute walk. The Metro (M1 line) to Kızılay, followed by a 20‑minute bus ride (bus 302) also works.

Pro tip: Purchase a “Anıtkabir 1‑Day Pass” (≈ 25 TL) which includes entry to the mausoleum, the museum, and the Atatürk and War of Independence Hall—all in one ticket.

When to Go?

Season	Weather	Best Time of Day
Spring (Mar‑May)	Mild, blossoms in the nearby Gençlik Park	Early morning – fewer crowds, sunrise light on the columns
Summer (Jun‑Aug)	Hot, but the lawns are shaded by large trees	Late afternoon – cooler temps, dramatic sunset silhouettes
Autumn (Sep‑Nov)	Crisp, golden foliage	Mid‑day – perfect for museum photography
Winter (Dec‑Feb)	Cold, occasional snow – magical on the staircase	Late morning – sunlight hits the marble beautifully

The site opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM). Plan to arrive early to beat the peak tourist wave (typically 11:00 AM‑1:00 PM).

What You’ll See – A Quick Walk‑Through

Section	Highlights	Time Needed
Ceremonial Plaza	33‑meter high towers representing the 33 years of the Turkish War of Independence.	15 min
Road of Lions	A marble avenue lined with 24 lion statues, each symbolising virtues like courage and justice.	10 min
Mausoleum Hall	The sarcophagus of Atatürk rests under a 19-metre-high copper dome; a solemn, reverent atmosphere.	10 min
Museum of Atatürk	Personal items, letters, photographs, and a timeline of his life.	30 min
War of Independence Hall	Weapons, maps, and flags displayed in a dramatic, dim‑lit space.	20 min
Terrace & Views	Panoramic sweep of Ankara’s skyline and the verdant Gençlik Park beyond.	15 min

Total: Roughly 1.5‑2 hours. Add a short coffee break at the on‑site café for a traditional Turkish tea and a bite of simit (sesame‑seed bagel).

Why Anıtkabir Beats All Other Options for a One‑Day Stop

Factor	Anıtkabir	Other Popular Spots (e.g., Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara Castle)
Time Efficiency	All‑in‑one complex; minimal transit between sections	Requires separate trips, more walking, and potentially longer queues
Cultural Significance	Central to modern Turkish identity; revered national monument	Important, but more niche to archaeology or medieval history
Scenic Value	Grand architecture + sweeping city views	Scenic, but generally lower‑profile backdrops
Accessibility	Wheelchair‑friendly ramps, audio guides in multiple languages	Some areas (castle walls) are steep and less wheelchair‑friendly
Memorability	Iconic photo‑ops (dome, lion road, burial chamber) that instantly signal “Ankara”	Beautiful, yet less instantly recognizable to a global audience

In short, Anıtkabir delivers history, architecture, and visual impact in a compact, visitor‑friendly package—exactly what a short stopover demands.

Snap‑Shot Checklist

“The Lions” Walk – Capture the line of stone lions with the sunrise or sunset casting long shadows.
Dome Detail – A low‑angle shot of the copper dome framed by the marble columns.
Atatürk’s Sarcophagus – Respectful close‑up (no flash) of the simple, dignified stone coffin.
Panorama from the Terrace – Use a wide‑angle lens for the cityscape; the park in the foreground adds depth.
Museum Artifact – A candid of you (or your travel companion) reading Atatürk’s handwritten note.

Tip: Free Wi‑Fi is available in the museum—upload instantly to your travel blog or social feed!

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

Tip	Details
Dress Code	Modest attire is required (no shorts, miniskirts, or sleeveless tops). A light scarf can be useful.
Security	Expect metal detectors; large bags are not allowed inside the mausoleum.
Audio Guide	Available in English, Arabic, Russian, and French; rent for 10 TL.
Photography	Allowed in the exterior areas; flash prohibited inside the mausoleum hall.
Food & Drink	No eating inside the complex; there’s a small café just outside offering tea, fresh juice, and light snacks.
Nearby Quick Bite	Walk 5 minutes to Beypazarı Şarküteri for a traditional Turkish kebab or Baklava if you have extra time.

After Your Visit – Making the Most of the Rest of the Day

If you have a few hours left: Stroll through Gençlik Park (just south of Anıtkabir). The lake, flower beds, and mini‑cable car offer a pleasant breather.
For a taste of local life: Head to Kızılay Square (the city’s bustling hub) for a quick coffee at Café Diyar, then browse the nearby boutiques for souvenirs.
Last‑minute transport: Return to the airport via the EGO bus 302 (direct to Esenboğa). The ride takes about 30 minutes and runs every 20‑30 minutes.

Wrap‑Up: One Stop, One Memory

When the clock is ticking, you need a destination that summarises the soul of the city while staying logistically friendly. Anıtkabir does exactly that. It offers a profound glimpse into Turkey’s modern birth, striking architectural grandeur, and photo‑ready vistas—all within a compact venue that respects your limited schedule.

So next time your itinerary hands you a single day in Ankara, skip the maze of museums and head straight for the lion‑lined road. Walk the steps, stand beneath the dome, and let the spirit of Atatürk’s vision linger long after you’ve boarded your next flight.

Enjoy the journey, and may your stopover become a story you’ll share for years to come!

What I learned about writing – Check your work

By any and all means possible, because if you are using the English language, then you’re going to be tripped up.

For instance, just the use of simple words like then, and than, there, and their, and many others. Just the very simplest of words have many meanings, some of them obscure, some of them, well, you get my drift.

ESL students often tear what little hair they have left out over the words. We English users, we are different again, being American English, English English, and a dozen other variations.

There’s centre and centre, just to name one, when it comes to American and English.

It depends on what spell checker you use to check the spelling, and what grammar checker you use, and generally not 100 per cent effective.

I let Microsoft Editor have fun with my writing, and then tend to ignore a lot of the suggestions. They just sound weird.

I have a basic Grammarly, but it doesn’t do a whole lot, and it costs a lot of money to get the so-called good one.

You have to decide the way you want to go, but you will have to have your work checked for grammar, spelling and facts.

And probably read a dozen grammar texts to get the best way to write your sentences. Mine often start out somewhat strange, but we get there in the end.

…

As a case in point: the word Line

The English language has some marvellous words that can be used to have any number of meanings

For instance,

Draw a line in the sand

We would all like to do this with our children, our jobs, and our relationships, but for some reason, the idea sounds really good in our heads, yet it never quite works out. What does it mean, whatever it is, this I’d where it ends or changes because it can’t keep going the way it is.

Inevitably, it leads to,

You’ve crossed the line

Which, at some point in our lives, and particularly when we were children, we all do a few times until, if we’re lucky, we learn where that line is. It’s usually considered 8n tandem with pushing boundaries.

Of course, there is

A line you should never cross

And I like to think we all know where that is. Unfortunately, some do not and often find their seemingly idyllic life totally shattered beyond repair. An affair from either side of a marriage or relationship can do that.

You couldn’t walk a straight line if you tried

While we might debate what straight might mean in this context, for this adaptation, it means staying on the right side of legality. Some people find a life of crime more appealing than doing honest day’s work.

This goes hand in hand with,

You’re spinning me a line

This means you are being somewhat loose with the truth, perhaps in explaining where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing. I think sometimes liars forget they need to have good memories.

Then there are the more practical uses of the word, such as

I have a new line of products

Is that a new fishing line?

Those, I think, most of us get, but it’s the more ambiguous ones that we have trouble with. Still, ambiguity is a writer’s best friend, and we can make up a lot of stuff from just using one word.

Thrills, Spills, and just a dash of Romance

One writer's experiences, and battles with words

Category: Creative Writing