If you are not surrounded by people who have adopted certain practices as a child, it can be difficult to incorporate those activities into your life. The act of writing was like that for me. Fortunately, over time, I was able to discover the happiness it brings and realise that I could create one for myself even if the people around me did not have certain talents in terms of enthusiasm. But because I’m a perfectionist, I’ve always struggled with personal development and I r

No matter when you decide to start your writing journey, it’s always the right time. There are times when I find myself lacking the motivation to write (and read), and it is during these times that I seek inspiration from my favourite authors to improve my craft. Among the authors who have had a profound influence on my writing, Ray Bradbury and Stephen King stand out. I highly recommend delving into their books on writing, which are not only guides but also compelling mem

Once upon a time, in the enchanting realm of music, a captivating form of storytelling emerged . Have you ever thought that songs are actually musical poems that includes tales of love, heartbreak, triumph, satire and despair . With every verse, chorus, and melody, artists have the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, and ignite our imaginations. Enter the world of rock and metal bands, where storytelling takes on a whole new level of grandeur and fanta

It is said that it takes 21 days to establish a habit in your life. While this timeframe may vary from person to person, there’s no reason not to adopt positive habits. Creating and sticking to habits can greatly improve our lives and bring us closer to our goals. In today’s world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, often keeping us glued to our screens for long periods of time. This is a natural consequence of the times we live in, and there’s no nee

In mystery stories, readers are drawn into thrilling tales of deception, clues and suspense. A clever technique used by skilled mystery writers is the “red herring”. This literary device misleads the reader, distracting them from the real clues and the real culprit. It adds surprise and suspense to the story. As readers delve into the stories, they encounter well-crafted red herrings that keep them guessing until the final reveal. Photo by Kat Canavan on Unsplash Agatha Ch

Writing letters may seem like an old-fashioned activity to many, but it holds a special charm for those who enjoy the art of sending and receiving heartfelt messages. Whether you’re someone who finds excitement in this tradition or simply appreciate the nostalgia of the past, there’s a unique way to surprise yourself: write letters to your future self. Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash Back in 2014, I stumbled across “FutureMe” , a platform that allows you to send an emai

Inspiration is the magical spark that ignites our creativity, propels us to explore uncharted territories and breathe new life into our routines . It lurks in the corners of our daily lives, waiting to be discovered through simple yet transformative actions. Engaging in activities we haven’t experienced or tried before can serve as a powerful tool to renew our brains and open the door to endless possibilities. Consider your daily chores , those mundane yet essential tasks tha

Cleaning is an activity I truly enjoy, but only when the mood strikes me . However, when that moment comes, I go all in, sometimes even overdoing it. Surprisingly, I don’t mind this at all because witnessing the beds neatly made, counters and floors shining, trash cleared, and clothes neatly folded brings me immense relief . The summertime, in particular, enhances my passion for cleaning, despite the heat. The satisfaction of a clean and organized space justifies the effort f

Although it may seem challenging, immersing yourself in a new language is an exciting journey. Whether you manage to master it or encounter difficulties along the way, the joy of immersing yourself in a new linguistic world and culture is undeniable. However, learning a new language doesn’t come easily to everyone, and that’s perfectly normal. Don’t worry about it! There are different techniques to suit different learning styles. Let me introduce you to a method that I believ

Recently I was researching the elements of literature to brush up on my storytelling skills for my book of stories. I came across this article and thought I could make better use of it. Having read it, I thought I would summarise some of the useful points for you. Have you ever wondered what makes a speech convincing or a piece of writing persuasive? The answer lies in the clever use of rhetorical devices . But what exactly is a rhetorical device? Simply put, it’s a techniq

Children have a knack for asking strange and thought-provoking questions. While some of these questions may seem nonsensical to adults, they can spark a unique train of thought. As we grow older, our minds become preoccupied with the practicalities of life, leaving little room for such questions. But what if we took a minute or two to think about these quirky questions? Would our thoughts be like a child’s? Probably not. Our perspective changes as we get older, and our thinki

Have you ever felt as if the characters in a story were speaking directly to you? As if they could see through the screen or the pages and acknowledge your presence. That’s the magic of breaking the fourth wall . It’s a technique that blurs the line between fiction and reality, inviting the audience to become active participants in the narrative. One of the earliest and most iconic examples of breaking the fourth wall can be found in William Shakespeare ’s famous play “A Mids

Writing is not just a source of fun, it is a responsibility that challenges and teaches. However, there are times when I feel exhausted and drained. At such times, I have discovered various meditative activities that help me regain my focus and intention to write. Sometimes you find them out of the blue, and sometimes you realise they have been there for you all along. Engaging in Chores Contrary to popular belief, I do find comfort in doing chores, as long as I choose to do

Spread across the globe, the multitude of languages and dialects serve as a testament to the immense diversity and cultural richness of humanity. From ancient traditions to modern expressions, each language carries within it a unique set of words that encapsulate the essence of its speakers’ experiences and emotions. These untranslatable words , often deeply rooted in cultural contexts, provide a glimpse into the intricacies and nuances of different societies. Language is mor

The “Big Three” refers to three influential science fiction writers who made significant contributions to the genre. These writers, often regarded as the pillars of science fiction literature, are Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke and Robert A. Heinlein. Each has had a lasting impact on the genre and has a rich body of work that has shaped the way we think about science fiction. Photo by NASA on Unsplash Isaac Asimov Considered one of the fathers of science fiction, he is bel

Sometimes the films we watch or the books we read leave a lasting impression on us. It’s the little details, unexpected elements, clever analogies and vivid descriptions that make these stories truly memorable and beloved. To achieve this effect, storytellers use specific techniques to capture our imagination and help us better understand and connect with the narrative. In the realm of storytelling, there is an important element that can take a narrative to new heights: veris

Once upon a time in a small town, there lived a composer named Alexander. He had dedicated his entire life to music, spending countless hours perfecting his craft. Alexander’s dream was to create a composition that would be his magnum opus (masterwork) , a work that would be considered his ultimate masterpiece. For years, Alexander immersed himself in the world of music theory, studying the works of the great composers who had come before him. He practiced diligently, experim

Humanity has always wanted to record what it considered to be important rules in an absolute framework, from the past to the present. The reason could be a knowledge, a teaching, a memory or a story that they wanted to pass on to future generations. They must have had great hopes in creating them. For it is the incomprehensible flow of life that determines the lifespan of these treasures left by humanity. It should not be forgotten that time can be merciless. Combined with hu

No matter how old you are, there are some “things” you’ve collected before, or maybe still collect. Have you ever wondered why people collect things? What is it about owning a set of carefully curated items that brings so much joy and satisfaction? The truth is, collecting goes far beyond simply accumulating objects — it’s a deeply personal and rewarding endeavour that allows us to express our passions, preserve memories and connect with the world around us. The reasons for

When people speak a foreign language, they take on a different persona. They have to change the way they think, the way they use words and adapt to the culture of the person they are speaking to. The same applies to singing. Interestingly, some singers have a different voice when they speak, a different voice when they sing, and it takes on a whole new dimension when they do it in a foreign language. Is this due to our sense of alienation from a structure we know is not our