R P Gibson
Bio
British writer of history, humour and occasional other stuff. I'll never use a semi-colon and you can't make me. More here - https://linktr.ee/rpgibson
Stories (52/0)
Overcoming A Fear Of Failure
Driving is scary Hands at 10 and 2, check your wing mirrors, adjust the car seat, ensure the air vents are pointing at a comfortable angle, maybe get out and check the pressure and treads of the tyres, flip the bonnet and check the oil levels, and while you’re in there make sure the windshield washer thing is filled, check underneath the vehicle for bombs or hanging cables that could signal your breaks being cut, then get back inside and try for the tenth time to see if your wife will drive for you, say a little prayer after she says no…
By R P Gibson2 years ago in Journal
Pull Up A Chair For The End Of The World
It was hot today, much hotter than usual for this time of the year, but that was to be expected. Frank climbed through the attic window and hauled himself, his deck chair, and his cooler on to the roof of his house. He wanted to make the most of today, and was wearing a pair of aviator sunglasses, a buttoned shirt with the top three buttons undone, and one of those brim hats that fishermen wear (whatever you call them).
By R P Gibson2 years ago in Fiction
Don't Make Me Go Back
David shot up and gasped for breath, flailing in what appeared to be a bathtub of thick water. The last he knew he was at the resort, about to step in to the pool. Julie was in there already, waiting. Had he fallen in? But this water was cold, and these lights…
By R P Gibson2 years ago in Fiction
What Are We Having Today?
It had been a long day, even though the clock said it was only 10. You found yourself too distracted to sleep last night, and whenever that happened you considered the day one long continuation from the last. The calendar said Saturday but as far as you were concerned, until you slept, Friday hadn’t ended. And you hated Fridays.
By R P Gibson2 years ago in Fiction
5 More Famous Dog Stories You Really Should Know
Really, there are too many wonderful dog stories out there to be contained to one list! So here's another. These dogs were all legends and heroes in their own time (in a way), and many are still celebrated in their home town or local regions in which they lived. But really, these dog stories should be crossing borders. While famous men and women transcend history, many of the famous dogs that stood by their side are nothing more than a footnote.
By R P Gibson2 years ago in FYI
- Top Story - November 2021
The English Language Is Weird: Use It With CareTop Story - November 2021
On the surface, English appears so simple, but look a little closer and you'll see it contains so many exceptions, variations, contradictions, and so many gosh-darn words that mean the same gosh-darn thing.
By R P Gibson2 years ago in FYI
There's No Quick Hack To Writing Success
Yes yes, I get the irony — an advice article condemning advice articles, but this needs to be said. Anyone who has made a buck in the writing game has written at least one article advising aspiring writers exactly how to do it.
By R P Gibson2 years ago in Journal
It's High Time We Ditched the Semicolon
You know when you’re writing something on your word processor of choice, and you get that little green squiggly line suggesting a formatting issue? Then you right click and the suggestion is something vague about inserting a semicolon instead? Yeah? Well I’m sick of it, personally. Since when semicolons been so important to stringing together a coherent sentence?
By R P Gibson2 years ago in Education
Not On An Empty Stomach
“Hey ma,” Tom shouted in to the kitchen from outside. “How long till supper’s up ma? We’s getting awful hungry.” “Oh, a few hours yet Tom,” a voice returned. A large woman appeared from behind the kitchen door wearing a stained apron and dripping sweat in to a pot she was stirring. “Tells ya what we needs though Tom, we needs some sugar. Grocery’s out of it this morning. To tell ya the truth its bin out of it for a while. No shipment comin’ in from the city, they reckon, hasn’t bin none a few months now.”
By R P Gibson2 years ago in Fiction