Tag: Books

The story behind the story – Echoes from the Past

The novel ‘Echoes from the past’ started out as a short story I wrote about 30 years ago, titled ‘The birthday’.

My idea was to take a normal person out of their comfort zone and led on a short but very frightening journey to a place where a surprise birthday party had been arranged.

Thus the very large man with a scar and a red tie was created.

So was the friend with the limousine who worked as a pilot.

So were the two women, Wendy and Angelina, who were Flight Attendants that the pilot friend asked to join the conspiracy.

I was going to rework the short story, then about ten pages long, into something a little more.

And like all re-writes, especially those I have anything to do with, it turned into a novel.

There was motivation.  I had told some colleagues at the place where I worked at the time that I liked writing, and they wanted a sample.  I was going to give them the re-worked short story.  Instead, I gave them ‘Echoes from the past’

Originally it was not set anywhere in particular.

But when considering a location, I had, at the time, recently been to New York in December, and visited Brooklyn and Queens, as well as a lot of New York itself.  We were there for New Years, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

One evening we were out late, and finished up in Brooklyn Heights, near the waterfront, and there was rain and snow, it was cold and wet, and there were apartment buildings shimmering in the street light, and I thought, this is the place where my main character will live.

It had a very spooky atmosphere, the sort where ghosts would not be unexpected.  I felt more than one shiver go up and down my spine in the few minutes I was there.

I had taken notes, as I always do, of everywhere we went so I had a ready supply of locations I could use, changing the names in some cases.

Fifth Avenue near the Rockefeller center is amazing at first light, and late at night with the Seasonal decorations and lights.

The original main character was a shy and man of few friends, hence not expecting the surprise party.  I enhanced that shyness into purposely lonely because of an issue from his past that leaves him always looking over his shoulder and ready to move on at the slightest hint of trouble.  No friends, no relationships, just a very low profile.

Then I thought, what if he breaks the cardinal rule, and begins a relationship?

But it is also as much an exploration of a damaged soul, as it is the search for a normal life, without having any idea what normal was, and how the understanding of one person can sometimes make all the difference in what we may think or feel.

And, of course, I wanted a happy ending.

Except for the bad guys.

Get it here:  https://amzn.to/2CYKxu4

newechocover5rs

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 23

Day 23 – The subtle art of getting a message across

…

The Subtle Art of Getting a Message Across

(And Why You Should Stop Preaching to the Converted)

If you’ve ever read a post, an op‑ed, or a social‑media thread that felt more like a sermon than a conversation, you know the feeling: the message lands in a vacuum, heard only by those who already agree, while everyone else scrolls past, rolls their eyes, or—worst of all—writes back with a snarky “thanks, Captain Obvious.”

It’s a common trap for writers, marketers, and anyone trying to influence opinions: preaching to the converted. You assume your audience already shares your worldview, and you end up sounding like a church bulletin rather than a compelling storyteller. The result? Your ideas get stuck in an echo chamber, your reach stalls, and the people who could benefit most from your insight remain untouched.

In this post, we’ll explore:

  1. Why preaching to the converted is a dead‑end.
  2. How to spot the symptoms in your own writing.
  3. Practical techniques for widening your net without diluting your voice.
  4. A quick checklist to keep you honest.

Let’s turn that echo chamber into a lively town square.

1. The Hidden Cost of Talking to the Choir

What It Looks LikeWhy It Fails
“All true leaders know X, Y, and Z. If you’re still doing A, you’re obviously clueless.”Assumes agreement – readers who don’t already see themselves as “leaders” feel dismissed.
“As we all know, climate change is real, and we must act now.”No invitation – skeptics are met with a wall of affirmation, not a door to dialogue.
“If you love productivity hacks, you’ll love this new framework.”Self‑selection bias – you’re preaching to an audience that already bought into the premise.

The core problem is audience mismatch. When you talk only to those who already nod along, you:

  • Limit impact – only a fraction of the potential readers engage.
  • Reinforce tribalism – echo chambers tighten, making it harder to bridge divides.
  • Waste energy – perfecting a sermon for a crowd that’s already convinced feels like polishing a trophy you’ll never win.

The antidote? Write as if you’re inviting a stranger into a conversation, not delivering a lecture to a congregation.

2. Diagnose Your Own Writing: Are You Preaching?

a. The “We All Know” Test

If you can replace “we all know” with “some people think,” you’ve probably slipped into preaching.

Original: “We all know that the best way to boost ROI is by cutting costs.”
Revised: “Many marketers believe that cutting costs can boost ROI, but there are other angles worth exploring.”

b. The “Assumed Identity” Check

Ask yourself: Does my reader already identify as X? If the answer is “no,” you need to re‑frame.

Original: “If you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, you already understand the power of pivoting.”
Revised: “Even if you’re just starting out, the concept of pivoting can be a game‑changer.”

c. The “Zero‑Tolerant” Scale

Do you use absolutes like “always,” “never,” “must,” or “should” without qualification? Absolutes tend to alienate.

Original: “You must stop using email for lead generation.”
Revised: “Consider whether email is the best tool for your current lead‑generation goals.”

If any of these red flags light up, you’re on the preaching‑to‑the‑converted track.

3. How to Speak to the Unconverted (Without Selling Out)

1. Start With Curiosity, Not Conviction

Instead of stating the conclusion first, pose a question that acknowledges the reader’s perspective.

Preachy: “The truth is, remote work kills collaboration.”
Curious: “What impact does remote work have on collaboration, and how can teams preserve synergy?”

2. Use Stories as Bridges

Stories are the universal language. Show, don’t tell. A personal anecdote or a case study with relatable characters invites empathy, even from sceptics.

Example: “When I first tried the Pomodoro technique, I was skeptical. After three weeks, I realized it helped me finish my thesis without the usual midnight panic. Here’s how you can adapt it for any project.”

3. Offer Evidence, Not Edicts

Give data, cite sources, and explain the reasoning behind your claim. Let the reader see the logic rather than being handed a verdict.

Instead of: “SEO is dead.”
Try: “Recent studies from Moz and Ahrefs show a 30% decline in organic traffic for sites that ignore user intent. Here’s what that means for your SEO strategy.”

4. Invite the Reader to Test the Idea

A call to experiment rather than a command lowers defensiveness.

“Try swapping your usual morning coffee for a 10‑minute walk. Track your focus for a week and see if you notice any difference.”

5. Acknowledge Counterarguments

Show that you understand the other side. A brief, respectful nod to opposing views builds credibility.

“Some argue that rapid iteration leads to sloppy products. While that’s a valid concern, incorporating a lightweight QA step can keep quality high without sacrificing speed.”

6. Use Inclusive Language

Words like “we,” “us,” and “together” can be powerful—but only when they truly include the reader. Pair them with clarifying qualifiers.

“We—whether you’re a freelancer or part of a large corporation—face the same challenge of balancing creativity with deadlines.”

4. The One‑Minute Checklist Before Publishing

✅ CheckWhat to Look For
Audience GapHave I assumed the reader already agrees?
Open‑Ended IntroDoes the opening pose a question or scenario?
Story > StatementIs there at least one anecdote or case study?
EvidenceDo I cite data, sources, or personal experiments?
InvitationHave I encouraged the reader to try something?
CounterpointHave I respectfully acknowledged an opposing view?
Inclusive LanguageDoes “we” really include them, not just me?

If you can answer “yes” to every line, you’ve likely avoided preaching to the choir.

5. A Mini‑Exercise: Rewrite a Preachy Paragraph

Original (Preachy):

“If you’re serious about personal finance, you must start budgeting today. Anyone who doesn’t track every dollar is basically throwing money away.”

Revised (Conversational):

“Wondering how to get a better handle on your money? Many people find that tracking their spending—whether through a simple spreadsheet or an app—offers surprising insights. Give it a try for a week and see where your dollars actually go; you might be surprised by the small changes that add up.”

Notice the shift from imperative to suggestion, the inclusion of a low‑bar entry point, and the invitation to experiment.

6. Closing Thought: Influence Is a Conversation, Not a Sermon

The most persuasive writing feels less like a lecture hall and more like a coffee‑shop chat where both parties leave a little wiser. By recognising the echo chamber, checking our assumptions, and crafting content that invites curiosity, we can reach new audiences without compromising our core message.

Next time you sit down to write, ask yourself: Am I preaching, or am I inviting? The answer will determine whether your words echo in a closed room or ripple across a broader community.

Happy writing—and may your messages travel farther than the choir they were meant for.

Preaching to the converted limits reach and reinforces echo chambers.

  • Spot the habit with “we all know,” assumed identities, and absolutes.
  • Replace them with curiosity, stories, evidence, experiments, and respectful counterpoints.
  • Use the one‑minute checklist before you hit “publish.”

Your audience is waiting—just open the door.

What I learned about writing – Reference books

Today, we’re tackling the subject of reference books for writers, the sort that teach us the rudiments of grammar, style, how-to, and how not to write.

Short of getting a complete idiot’s guide, which may or may not help, the sort of books that tell you how to write a novel in a week, month, or year may be equally amusing. It may have worked for the author, but when it comes to another individual, I’m not so sure it helps.

For me, I collected a wide range of how-to and references to aid in writing and read a great many articles in magazines, all of which helped in small ways. I kept my own references, and out of those notes are bits and pieces I add to my blog for people to read or ignore as they wish.

No one ever likes the idea of being told what to do, except when it comes to a publisher’s editor, because in the end, we all want our book published and to hold that final product in our hands and say, I did that.

As a magazine, I find Writer’s Digest is quite good if it is still published. I used to get it, but the subscription lapsed a few years back. Others are Poets and Writers, and The Paris Review.

Books that I found useful: A Style Manual, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, A Compendium of Good Writing, the Oxford Essential Guide to Writing, and quite a collection of dictionaries and thesauruses, the best of which is the Oxford Shorter Dictionary, though how the word shot got in the title is beyond me.

And then there are the obligatory books on writing by famous authors such as Stephen King and Patricia Highsmith, just to name two.

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 23

Day 23 – The subtle art of getting a message across

…

The Subtle Art of Getting a Message Across

(And Why You Should Stop Preaching to the Converted)

If you’ve ever read a post, an op‑ed, or a social‑media thread that felt more like a sermon than a conversation, you know the feeling: the message lands in a vacuum, heard only by those who already agree, while everyone else scrolls past, rolls their eyes, or—worst of all—writes back with a snarky “thanks, Captain Obvious.”

It’s a common trap for writers, marketers, and anyone trying to influence opinions: preaching to the converted. You assume your audience already shares your worldview, and you end up sounding like a church bulletin rather than a compelling storyteller. The result? Your ideas get stuck in an echo chamber, your reach stalls, and the people who could benefit most from your insight remain untouched.

In this post, we’ll explore:

  1. Why preaching to the converted is a dead‑end.
  2. How to spot the symptoms in your own writing.
  3. Practical techniques for widening your net without diluting your voice.
  4. A quick checklist to keep you honest.

Let’s turn that echo chamber into a lively town square.

1. The Hidden Cost of Talking to the Choir

What It Looks LikeWhy It Fails
“All true leaders know X, Y, and Z. If you’re still doing A, you’re obviously clueless.”Assumes agreement – readers who don’t already see themselves as “leaders” feel dismissed.
“As we all know, climate change is real, and we must act now.”No invitation – skeptics are met with a wall of affirmation, not a door to dialogue.
“If you love productivity hacks, you’ll love this new framework.”Self‑selection bias – you’re preaching to an audience that already bought into the premise.

The core problem is audience mismatch. When you talk only to those who already nod along, you:

  • Limit impact – only a fraction of the potential readers engage.
  • Reinforce tribalism – echo chambers tighten, making it harder to bridge divides.
  • Waste energy – perfecting a sermon for a crowd that’s already convinced feels like polishing a trophy you’ll never win.

The antidote? Write as if you’re inviting a stranger into a conversation, not delivering a lecture to a congregation.

2. Diagnose Your Own Writing: Are You Preaching?

a. The “We All Know” Test

If you can replace “we all know” with “some people think,” you’ve probably slipped into preaching.

Original: “We all know that the best way to boost ROI is by cutting costs.”
Revised: “Many marketers believe that cutting costs can boost ROI, but there are other angles worth exploring.”

b. The “Assumed Identity” Check

Ask yourself: Does my reader already identify as X? If the answer is “no,” you need to re‑frame.

Original: “If you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, you already understand the power of pivoting.”
Revised: “Even if you’re just starting out, the concept of pivoting can be a game‑changer.”

c. The “Zero‑Tolerant” Scale

Do you use absolutes like “always,” “never,” “must,” or “should” without qualification? Absolutes tend to alienate.

Original: “You must stop using email for lead generation.”
Revised: “Consider whether email is the best tool for your current lead‑generation goals.”

If any of these red flags light up, you’re on the preaching‑to‑the‑converted track.

3. How to Speak to the Unconverted (Without Selling Out)

1. Start With Curiosity, Not Conviction

Instead of stating the conclusion first, pose a question that acknowledges the reader’s perspective.

Preachy: “The truth is, remote work kills collaboration.”
Curious: “What impact does remote work have on collaboration, and how can teams preserve synergy?”

2. Use Stories as Bridges

Stories are the universal language. Show, don’t tell. A personal anecdote or a case study with relatable characters invites empathy, even from sceptics.

Example: “When I first tried the Pomodoro technique, I was skeptical. After three weeks, I realized it helped me finish my thesis without the usual midnight panic. Here’s how you can adapt it for any project.”

3. Offer Evidence, Not Edicts

Give data, cite sources, and explain the reasoning behind your claim. Let the reader see the logic rather than being handed a verdict.

Instead of: “SEO is dead.”
Try: “Recent studies from Moz and Ahrefs show a 30% decline in organic traffic for sites that ignore user intent. Here’s what that means for your SEO strategy.”

4. Invite the Reader to Test the Idea

A call to experiment rather than a command lowers defensiveness.

“Try swapping your usual morning coffee for a 10‑minute walk. Track your focus for a week and see if you notice any difference.”

5. Acknowledge Counterarguments

Show that you understand the other side. A brief, respectful nod to opposing views builds credibility.

“Some argue that rapid iteration leads to sloppy products. While that’s a valid concern, incorporating a lightweight QA step can keep quality high without sacrificing speed.”

6. Use Inclusive Language

Words like “we,” “us,” and “together” can be powerful—but only when they truly include the reader. Pair them with clarifying qualifiers.

“We—whether you’re a freelancer or part of a large corporation—face the same challenge of balancing creativity with deadlines.”

4. The One‑Minute Checklist Before Publishing

✅ CheckWhat to Look For
Audience GapHave I assumed the reader already agrees?
Open‑Ended IntroDoes the opening pose a question or scenario?
Story > StatementIs there at least one anecdote or case study?
EvidenceDo I cite data, sources, or personal experiments?
InvitationHave I encouraged the reader to try something?
CounterpointHave I respectfully acknowledged an opposing view?
Inclusive LanguageDoes “we” really include them, not just me?

If you can answer “yes” to every line, you’ve likely avoided preaching to the choir.

5. A Mini‑Exercise: Rewrite a Preachy Paragraph

Original (Preachy):

“If you’re serious about personal finance, you must start budgeting today. Anyone who doesn’t track every dollar is basically throwing money away.”

Revised (Conversational):

“Wondering how to get a better handle on your money? Many people find that tracking their spending—whether through a simple spreadsheet or an app—offers surprising insights. Give it a try for a week and see where your dollars actually go; you might be surprised by the small changes that add up.”

Notice the shift from imperative to suggestion, the inclusion of a low‑bar entry point, and the invitation to experiment.

6. Closing Thought: Influence Is a Conversation, Not a Sermon

The most persuasive writing feels less like a lecture hall and more like a coffee‑shop chat where both parties leave a little wiser. By recognising the echo chamber, checking our assumptions, and crafting content that invites curiosity, we can reach new audiences without compromising our core message.

Next time you sit down to write, ask yourself: Am I preaching, or am I inviting? The answer will determine whether your words echo in a closed room or ripple across a broader community.

Happy writing—and may your messages travel farther than the choir they were meant for.

Preaching to the converted limits reach and reinforces echo chambers.

  • Spot the habit with “we all know,” assumed identities, and absolutes.
  • Replace them with curiosity, stories, evidence, experiments, and respectful counterpoints.
  • Use the one‑minute checklist before you hit “publish.”

Your audience is waiting—just open the door.

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 22

Day 22 – Using better words

…

Elevate Your Writing: Replacing Overused Words With Purpose (Without Sounding Like You’re Trying Too Hard)

Introduction:
Let’s face it: words like “good,” “bad,” “very,” and “thing” are writing crutches. We use them when our mental thesaurus hits a roadblock. But overused words don’t just make your prose feel lazy—they can also turn a compelling idea into a bland blur. The secret to engaging writing isn’t about stringing together the most obscure vocabulary (though a sprinkle of that can help). It’s about choosing words that work harder for you. This isn’t about sounding clever—just clearer, more vivid, and authentically thoughtful.

Why We Fall into the “Word Rut”

We all do it. When we’re tired, stressed, or simply in a hurry, our brains default to the most familiar tools at hand. But just like using “very” to spice up a basic adjective, slapping a thesaurus-derived word onto a sentence for the sake of it doesn’t elevate your message. In fact, it can backfire. Ever read a sentence that feels like someone dressed their words up for a party, but the content wasn’t invited to? That’s what happens when you prioritise sound over meaning.

5 Common Words to Upgrade (With Examples That Don’t Sound Forced)

  1. “Good” → Be Specific
    • Overused: “This was a good movie.”
    • Better: “The film was hauntingly atmospheric, with a plot that lingered long after the credits rolled.”
      Why it works: Instead of using a vague adjective, focus on sensory details or emotional impact. Replace “good” with descriptors like “compelling,” “nuanced,” or “luminous.”
  2. “Bad” → Explain How or Why
    • Overused: “The policy is bad for the environment.”
    • Better: “The policy exacerbates deforestation by relaxing critical regulatory safeguards.”
      Why it works: Specificity shows you’ve analysed the issue, not just thrown out an opinion. Words like “harmful,” “detrimental,” or “counterproductive” can anchor your argument.
  3. “Very” → Use Stronger Adjectives
    • Overused: “I was very frustrated by the delay.”
    • Better: “The delay left me seething with irritation.”
      Why it works: Adverbs like “very” often highlight weak adjectives. Replace the pair with a punchier verb or descriptor: “absurd,” “exasperating,” or “unacceptable.”
  4. “Thing” → Know What You Mean
    • Overused: “There are a few things to consider here.”
    • Better: “Several key factors demand attention: budget constraints, team capacity, and timeline realism.”
      Why it works: “Thing” is a placeholder for ideas you haven’t fully fleshed out yet. Replace it by naming what’s actually important.
  5. “Stuff” → Be Exact
    • Overused: “I’ve got a lot of stuff to do.”
    • Better: “I need to finalise the report, schedule client calls, and prepare for tomorrow’s presentation.”
      Why it works: Specificity builds credibility. If “stuff” is unavoidably casual, try “tasks,” “materials,” or “details,” depending on context.

How to Use Better Words Without Falling into the “Try-Hard” Trap

  1. Know Your Audience: A research paper deserves technical precision; a text to your friend calling off lunch doesn’t.
  2. Write First, Polish Later: Let your ideas flow in the first draft. Use more precise language during revisions.
  3. Read Aloud, Then Edit: Awkward phrasing sticks out when you hear it. Trim any word that feels like it’s showing off.
  4. Learn Through Context: Read authors whose style you admire. Notice how they balance simplicity and flair.

The Final Word

Using better words isn’t about impressing anyone—just about expressing yourself more clearly, honestly, and vividly. It’s about caring enough to let your voice be distinct, not generic. So the next time you catch yourself typing “good,” “bad,” or “stuff,” pause. Ask: What am I really trying to say? Then choose a word that does the heavy lifting. Your readers—and your writing—will thank you.

P.S. Need a quick fix? Keep a list of go-to replacements handy (think: exceptional, nuanced, detrimental, nuanced, pragmatic). But remember: the best word is still the one that feels right for the moment.

What I learned about writing – How to Keep Your Readers Hooked

How to Keep Your Readers Hooked: Proven Concepts and Methods to Maintain Attention

In today’s fast-paced digital world, capturing—and keeping—a reader’s attention is one of the greatest challenges for any writer. With endless distractions, shrinking attention spans, and an ocean of competing content, even the most insightful ideas can get lost if they don’t grab interest from the first sentence.

As a professional blogger, your success depends not just on what you say, but on how you present it. In this post, we’ll explore key concepts and actionable methods to help you captivate your audience from the headline to the final line.

1. Start with a Strong Hook

Your first sentence is your make-or-break moment. Think of it like a movie’s opening scene: if it doesn’t intrigue, people will click away.

Methods to hook readers:

  • Ask a compelling question: “What if you could double your productivity in just one week?”
  • Share a surprising fact or statistic: “Studies show the average reader decides whether to keep reading within 15 seconds.”
  • Tell a relatable story: Begin with a brief anecdote that mirrors the reader’s experience.

The goal? Evoke curiosity or emotion so powerful that scrolling past becomes unthinkable.

2. Know Your Audience Deeply

You can’t keep someone’s attention if you’re not speaking their language. Understanding your audience’s pain points, goals, tone preferences, and reading habits is essential.

How to apply this:

  • Use language and examples that reflect their world.
  • Address their frustrations directly—“Tired of writing blogs that get zero engagement?”
  • Personalise your tone: a tech-savvy crowd might appreciate jargon, while beginners need clarity and simplicity.

When readers feel seen, they stay engaged.

3. Structure for Scannability

Most readers don’t read every word—they skim. A wall of text is a skimmer’s worst enemy.

Effective structural techniques:

  • Use subheadings to break content into digestible sections.
  • Short paragraphs (1-3 sentences) improve readability.
  • Bullet points and numbered lists highlight key takeaways.
  • Bold or italicise key phrases for emphasis.

Logical flow is key. Guide readers smoothly from one idea to the next using clear transitions.

4. Embrace Storytelling

The human brain is wired for stories. Facts inform, but stories engage, resonate, and linger.

Ways to weave storytelling into your blog:

  • Open with a personal experience.
  • Use case studies or client stories to illustrate points.
  • Build narrative tension—present a problem, then walk through the solution.

Even in educational content, a touch of narrative makes your message memorable.

5. Engage with Rhetorical Devices

Vary your sentence structure and use engaging language techniques to maintain rhythm and interest.

Examples:

  • Rhetorical questions: “But what if there was a better way?”
  • Rule of three: “Simple, powerful, effective.”
  • Contrast: “Most blogs fade into silence. Yours can spark a movement.”

These subtle devices keep the voice dynamic and the reader attentive.

6. Deliver Value Early and Often

Don’t make readers wait for the “good part.” Give them useful takeaways upfront, then continue rewarding them as they progress.

Best practices:

  • Share a quick win in the first few paragraphs.
  • Use actionable tips throughout.
  • End sections with mini-conclusions or reflections.

When readers feel they’re gaining value, they’re more likely to stick around.

7. Use Visuals and White Space

A blog isn’t just words—it’s an experience. Strategic visuals and layout choices enhance engagement.

Tips:

  • Insert relevant images, infographics, or charts to break up text.
  • Use ample white space to prevent visual clutter.
  • Include pull quotes or callout boxes for emphasis.

Remember: what the eye sees influences how long the mind stays.

8. End with a Call to Action

Never let a reader reach the end wondering, “Now what?” A strong conclusion with a clear next step keeps the conversation going.

Examples:

  • “Try this tip today and see the difference.”
  • “Leave a comment: What’s your biggest blogging challenge?”
  • “Share this post with someone who needs to read it.”

This closes the loop and invites further engagement.

Conclusion: Attention Is Earned, Not Given

Capturing attention isn’t about tricks—it’s about respect. Respect your reader’s time, intelligence, and curiosity. Use these methods not to manipulate, but to connect: to make your content easy to read, meaningful to experience, and impossible to ignore.

The most powerful tool you have? Authenticity. When your passion shines through, attention follows naturally.

So the next time you sit down to write, ask yourself: “Is this something I’d want to read?” If the answer is yes—and you’ve applied these principles—your readers will say yes too.

Your Turn: What’s one technique you use to keep your readers engaged? Share in the comments below—we’re all learning together.

First Dig Two Graves

A sequel to “The Devil You Don’t”

…

Revenge is a dish best served cold – or preferably so when everything goes right

Of course, it rarely does, as Alistair, Zoe’s handler, discovers to his peril. Enter a wildcard, John, and whatever Alistair’s plan for dealing with Zoe was dies with him.

It leaves Zoe in completely unfamiliar territory.

…

John’s idyllic romance with a woman who is utterly out of his comfort zone is on borrowed time. She is still trying to reconcile her ambivalence, after being so indifferent for so long.

They agree to take a break, during which she disappears. John, thinking she has left without saying goodbye, refuses to accept the inevitable, calls on an old friend for help in finding her.

After the mayhem and being briefly reunited, she recognises an inevitable truth: there is a price to pay for taking out Alistair; she must leave and find them first, and he would be wise to keep a low profile.

But keeping a low profile just isn’t possible, and enlisting another friend, a private detective and his sister, a deft computer hacker, they track her to the border between Austria and Hungary.

What John doesn’t realise is that another enemy is tracking him to find her too. It could have been a grand tour of Europe. Instead, it becomes a race against time before enemies old and new converge for what will be an inevitable showdown.

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 22

Day 22 – Using better words

…

Elevate Your Writing: Replacing Overused Words With Purpose (Without Sounding Like You’re Trying Too Hard)

Introduction:
Let’s face it: words like “good,” “bad,” “very,” and “thing” are writing crutches. We use them when our mental thesaurus hits a roadblock. But overused words don’t just make your prose feel lazy—they can also turn a compelling idea into a bland blur. The secret to engaging writing isn’t about stringing together the most obscure vocabulary (though a sprinkle of that can help). It’s about choosing words that work harder for you. This isn’t about sounding clever—just clearer, more vivid, and authentically thoughtful.

Why We Fall into the “Word Rut”

We all do it. When we’re tired, stressed, or simply in a hurry, our brains default to the most familiar tools at hand. But just like using “very” to spice up a basic adjective, slapping a thesaurus-derived word onto a sentence for the sake of it doesn’t elevate your message. In fact, it can backfire. Ever read a sentence that feels like someone dressed their words up for a party, but the content wasn’t invited to? That’s what happens when you prioritise sound over meaning.

5 Common Words to Upgrade (With Examples That Don’t Sound Forced)

  1. “Good” → Be Specific
    • Overused: “This was a good movie.”
    • Better: “The film was hauntingly atmospheric, with a plot that lingered long after the credits rolled.”
      Why it works: Instead of using a vague adjective, focus on sensory details or emotional impact. Replace “good” with descriptors like “compelling,” “nuanced,” or “luminous.”
  2. “Bad” → Explain How or Why
    • Overused: “The policy is bad for the environment.”
    • Better: “The policy exacerbates deforestation by relaxing critical regulatory safeguards.”
      Why it works: Specificity shows you’ve analysed the issue, not just thrown out an opinion. Words like “harmful,” “detrimental,” or “counterproductive” can anchor your argument.
  3. “Very” → Use Stronger Adjectives
    • Overused: “I was very frustrated by the delay.”
    • Better: “The delay left me seething with irritation.”
      Why it works: Adverbs like “very” often highlight weak adjectives. Replace the pair with a punchier verb or descriptor: “absurd,” “exasperating,” or “unacceptable.”
  4. “Thing” → Know What You Mean
    • Overused: “There are a few things to consider here.”
    • Better: “Several key factors demand attention: budget constraints, team capacity, and timeline realism.”
      Why it works: “Thing” is a placeholder for ideas you haven’t fully fleshed out yet. Replace it by naming what’s actually important.
  5. “Stuff” → Be Exact
    • Overused: “I’ve got a lot of stuff to do.”
    • Better: “I need to finalise the report, schedule client calls, and prepare for tomorrow’s presentation.”
      Why it works: Specificity builds credibility. If “stuff” is unavoidably casual, try “tasks,” “materials,” or “details,” depending on context.

How to Use Better Words Without Falling into the “Try-Hard” Trap

  1. Know Your Audience: A research paper deserves technical precision; a text to your friend calling off lunch doesn’t.
  2. Write First, Polish Later: Let your ideas flow in the first draft. Use more precise language during revisions.
  3. Read Aloud, Then Edit: Awkward phrasing sticks out when you hear it. Trim any word that feels like it’s showing off.
  4. Learn Through Context: Read authors whose style you admire. Notice how they balance simplicity and flair.

The Final Word

Using better words isn’t about impressing anyone—just about expressing yourself more clearly, honestly, and vividly. It’s about caring enough to let your voice be distinct, not generic. So the next time you catch yourself typing “good,” “bad,” or “stuff,” pause. Ask: What am I really trying to say? Then choose a word that does the heavy lifting. Your readers—and your writing—will thank you.

P.S. Need a quick fix? Keep a list of go-to replacements handy (think: exceptional, nuanced, detrimental, nuanced, pragmatic). But remember: the best word is still the one that feels right for the moment.

Another excerpt from ‘Betrayal’; a work in progress

…

My next destination in the quest was the hotel we believed Anne Merriweather had stayed at.

I was, in a sense, flying blind because we had no concrete evidence she had been there, and the message she had left behind didn’t quite name the hotel or where Vladimir was going to take her.

Mindful of the fact that someone might have been following me, I checked to see if the person I’d assumed had followed me to Elizabeth’s apartment was still in place, but I couldn’t see him. Next, I made a mental note of seven different candidates and committed them to memory.

Then I set off to the hotel, hailing a taxi. There was the possibility the cab driver was one of them, but perhaps I was slightly more paranoid than I should be. I’d been watching the queue, and there were two others before me.

The journey took about an hour, during which time I kept an eye out the back to see if anyone had been following us. If anyone was, I couldn’t see them.

I had the cab drop me off a block from the hotel and then spent the next hour doing a complete circuit of the block the hotel was on, checking the front and rear entrances, the cameras in place, and the siting of the driveway into the underground carpark. There was a camera over the entrance, and one we hadn’t checked for footage. I sent a text message to Fritz to look into it.

The hotel lobby was large and busy, which was exactly what you’d want if you wanted to come and go without standing out. It would be different later at night, but I could see her arriving about mid-afternoon, and anonymous among the type of clientele the hotel attracted.

I spent an hour sitting in various positions in the lobby simply observing. I had already ascertained where the elevator lobby for the rooms was, and the elevator down to the car park. Fortunately, it was not ‘guarded’ but there was a steady stream of concierge staff coming and going to the lower levels, and, just from time to time, guests.

Then, when there was a commotion at the front door, what seemed to be a collision of guests and free-wheeling bags, I saw one of the seven potential taggers sitting by the front door. Waiting for me to leave? Or were they wondering why I was spending so much time there?

Taking advantage of that confusion, I picked my moment to head for the elevators that went down to the car park, pressed the down button, and waited.

The was no car on the ground level, so I had to wait, watching, like several others, the guests untangling themselves at the entrance, and an eye on my potential surveillance, still absorbed in the confusion.

The doors to the left car opened, and a concierge stepped out, gave me a quick look, then headed back to his desk. I stepped into the car, pressed the first level down, the level I expected cars to arrive on, and waited what seemed like a long time for the doors to close.

As they did, I was expecting to see a hand poke through the gap, a latecomer. Nothing happened, and I put it down to a television moment.

There were three basement levels, and for a moment, I let my imagination run wild and considered the possibility that there were more levels. Of course, there was no indication on the control panel that there were any other floors, and I’d yet to see anything like it in reality.

With a shake of my head to return to reality, the car arrived, the doors opened, and I stepped out.

A car pulled up, and the driver stepped out, went around to the rear of his car, and pulled out a case. I half expected him to throw me the keys, but the instant glance he gave me told him was not the concierge, and instead brushed past me like I wasn’t there.

He bashed the up button several times impatiently and cursed when the doors didn’t open immediately. Not a happy man.

Another car drove past on its way down to a lower level.

I looked up and saw the CCTV camera, pointing towards the entrance, visible in the distance. A gate that lifted up was just about back in position and then made a clunk when it finally closed. The footage from the camera would not prove much, even if it had been working, because it didn’t cover the life lobby, only in the direction of the car entrance.

The doors to the other elevator car opened, and a man in a suit stepped out.

“Can I help you, sir? You seem lost.”

Security, or something else. “It seems that way. I went to the elevator lobby, got in, and it went down rather than up. I must have been in the wrong place.”

“Lost it is, then, sir.” I could hear the contempt for Americans in his tone. “If you will accompany me, please.”

He put out a hand ready to guide me back into the elevator. I was only too happy to oblige him. There had been a sign near the button panel that said the basement levels were only to be accessed by the guests.

Once inside, he turned a key and pressed the lobby button. The doors closed, and we went up. He stood, facing the door, not speaking. A few seconds later, he was ushering me out to the lobby.

“Now, sir, if you are a guest…”

“Actually, I’m looking for one. She called me and said she would be staying in this hotel and to come down and visit her. I was trying to get to the sixth floor.”

“Good. Let’s go over the the desk and see what we can do for you.”

I followed him over to the reception desk, where he signalled one of the clerks, a young woman who looked and acted very efficiently, and told her of my request, but then remained to oversee the proceeding.

“Name of guest, sir?”

“Merriweather, Anne. I’m her brother, Alexander.” I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out my passport to prove that I was who I said I was. She glanced cursorily at it.

She typed the name into the computer, and then we waited a few seconds while it considered what to output. Then, she said, “That lady is not in the hotel, sir.”

Time to put on my best-confused look. “But she said she would be staying here for the week. I made a special trip to come here to see her.”

Another puzzled look from the clerk, then, “When did she call you?”

An interesting question to ask, and it set off a warning bell in my head. I couldn’t say today, it would have to be the day she was supposedly taken.

“Last Saturday, about four in the afternoon.”

Another look at the screen, then, “It appears she checked out Sunday morning. I’m afraid you have made a trip in vain.”

Indeed, I had. “Was she staying with anyone?”

I just managed to see the warning pass from the suited man to the clerk. I thought he had shown an interest when I mentioned the name, and now I had confirmation. He knew something about her disappearance. The trouble was, he wasn’t going to volunteer any information because he was more than just hotel security.

“No.”

“Odd,” I muttered. “I thought she told me she was staying with a man named Vladimir something or other. I’m not too good at pronouncing those Russian names. Are you sure?”

She didn’t look back at the screen. “Yes.”

“OK, now one thing I do know about staying in hotels is that you are required to ask guests with foreign passports their next destination, just in case they need to be found. Did she say where she was going next?” It was a long shot, but I thought I’d ask.

“Moscow. As I understand it, she lives in Moscow. That was the only address she gave us.”

I smiled. “Thank you. I know where that is. I probably should have gone there first.”

She didn’t answer; she didn’t have to, her expression did that perfectly.

The suited man spoke again, looking at the clerk. “Thank you.” He swivelled back to me. “I’m sorry we can’t help you.”

“No. You have more than you can know.”

“What was your name again, sir, just in case you still cannot find her?”

“Alexander Merriweather. Her brother. And if she is still missing, I will be posting a very large reward. At the moment, you can best contact me via the American Embassy.”

Money is always a great motivator, and that thoughtful expression on his face suggested he gave a moment’s thought to it.

I left him with that offer and left. If anything, the people who were holding her would know she had a brother, that her brother was looking for her, and equally that brother had money.

…

© Charles Heath – 2018-2025

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 21

Day 21 – The nuts and bolts of grammar

…

Master English Grammar Without the Headache: Simplified Rules for Real-World Success

English grammar can feel like a labyrinth of rules, exceptions, and quirks. But what if you could cut through the complexity and focus on just the essentials? Whether you’re a language learner, a writer, or someone who wants to communicate with confidence, this post will simplify grammar basics into actionable, easy-to-remember tips. Let’s turn “how-tos” into “how-easies.”

Why Grammar Feels Overwhelming (and How to Fix It)

English grammar isn’t inherently impossible, but its irregularities and exceptions can trip anyone up. The key to mastering it lies in simplifying the basics and practising consistently. Here’s how to tackle the most critical areas with confidence.

1. Subject-Verb Agreement: Match Like Clockwork

Rule: A singular subject needs a singular verb; a plural subject needs a plural verb.

  • Singular: The cat paws at the door.
  • Plural: The cats paw at the door.

Common Mistake: Forgetting to adjust the verb when the subject is plural.

  • ❌ The team are late.
  • ✅ The team is late. (Collective nouns like team often take singular verbs.)

2. Tenses: Stay in Your Time Zone

Rule: Use the correct verb form to show when an action happened.

  • Present: I write every day.
  • Past: I wrote yesterday.
  • Future: I will write tomorrow.

Pro Tip: Tenses shift in conditionals and habitual actions.

  • Present Continuous for Future Plans: I am writing a blog post tonight.

3. Articles: “A,” “An,” and “The” Made Simple

Rule:

  • Use “a” before words starting with consonants (a book).
  • Use “an” before vowels (an apple).
  • Use “the” when referring to a specific noun (the sun).

Common Mistake: Overusing or omitting articles.

  • ❌ “I want to study history.” → ✅ “I want to study the history of art.”

4. Prepositions: Follow the Verb, Not Your Brain

Prepositions (e.g., on, in, at) often tie directly to verbs. Learn common pairs instead of second-guessing.

  • Depend on someone.
  • Wait for me.

Memory Hack: Watch movies, read books, or listen to songs to internalise how native speakers pair verbs and prepositions.

5. Punctuation: Keep It Clean

Rule of Thumb: Use commas to separate items in a list or in compound sentences.

  • “I bought bread, eggs, and milk.”
  • “I love coffee, but I hate tea.”

Quick Fix: Drop the comma before and in a list unless ending with a conjunction.

6. Commonly Confused Words: Know Your “Its” from “It’s”

Rule:

  • “It’s” = it + is (contraction: It’s raining).
  • “Its” = possession (The cat licked its paws).
  • “Your” vs. “You’re: Your book vs. You’re welcome.

Pro Tip: Replace contractions with full words to double-check.

BONUS: Practice Strategies to Build Confidence

  • Read Daily: Novels, articles, and even social media expose you to natural grammar patterns.
  • Write and Revise: Journal for 10 minutes a day; review and correct your own work.
  • Leverage Tools: Use grammar-check apps (like Grammarly) as a starting point, not a crutch.
  • Embrace Mistakes: Every error is a chance to learn. Ask for feedback or use free online tools like Grammar Blogs.

Final Thoughts: Grammar is a Tool, Not a Chainsaw

English grammar isn’t here to trip you up—it’s a tool to express your ideas clearly. Focus on the core rules and gradually expand your skills. With practice, what once felt complex will become second nature.

Remember: Native speakers make mistakes too! Confidence and clarity matter more than perfection. So write boldly, speak freely, and keep simplifying.

Got a grammar question? Drop it in the comments—we’ll tackle it together!

This blog post blends actionable advice with a lighthearted tone, making grammar less intimidating and more approachable. By focusing on practical rules and common pitfalls, readers can apply these tips immediately—no labyrinth required!