‘The shoes we wear’

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Topher

Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.

There are three types of novelists: the plotter, pantser, and plantser. These could also be applied to writers in general. While studying, I was strictly a plotter. I used mind maps and outlined my essays and articles to the detail. I’d jot down all my ideas on paper. Connect the dots, scan for errors, before encoding them. Presto, ensayo! By the way, I borrowed this week’s title from a past winner of the Ramon Magsaysay essay competition. The author correlated shoes with one’s mission.

The evolved pantser

I’ve transitioned into a pantser more and more. Yes, you could still plan on an iPad or Mac. No need to be a ‘preop transhander’. Of course, I still jot down my ideas. I’ve filled notebooks with my thoughts. Transcribing is one thing. Organising and structuring them, is another. I arrange my ideas on the word processor. I’m good at creating order from my musings. This reminds me of Doug Collins, an NBA analyst and former coach. He’s really adept at interjecting a recent play while talking about something else. It’s called making order out of chaos.

Literary heavyweights like John Grisham, JK Rowling, and James Patterson adhere to this style. They cannot commence drafting without addressing the beginning, middle, and end. Each chapter is already mapped out. Every character, major or minor, has their place.

Doug Collins and Jordan

Spontaneity

In the silver screen, Eleanor Young is an outliner. She has planned her son’s life: his school, his love and social lives, pursuits, even meals. She’s already pictured his wife and their perfect nuptials. More than a tiger mom, she’s controlling. Deep down, Eleanor only wants the best for Nick. Her affection smothers him and he rebels by choosing Rachel. Good thing Crazy Rich Asians is getting a sequel. I saw the first one in Bondi with a friend. It mostly stuck to the book and was a worthwhile watch. I read the whole trilogy and blogged about it. While mediocre on Goodreads, I found them surprisingly easy to read.

Pantsers just go with the flow. They let their imagination run wild. Spur of the moment, spontaneous, and devil may care are their descriptors. In basketball, they let the game come to them. As they fast write, it’s feast or famine. They live and die by the sword. The word processor is their apple. Once they find the concepts, they subsist for another night. A writer satisfied today comes back tomorrow.

JK Rowling
James Patterson
Awkwafina in Crazy Rich Asians

Yin and yang

Both types has pros and cons. A plotter or outliner will most likely have less writer’s block. They know their project like the back of their hand. Plotters understand the ins and outs, hats and rabbits. They’ve done their research and laid the groundwork. Possess the scaffolding and materials. Headlong into this swim, nothing could stop them.

A pantser allows more freedom and ingenuity. Like a ball game without rules. No 3 in the key. You are free to hand check. You could use six players on the court. Or score a five pointer from five feet.

‘No thinking. You write the first draft with your heart, you rewrite with your head. The first key to writing is…to write not to think!’ – Sean Connery

A pantser writes more and thinks less. Conversely, plotters think more and writes less. For the former, the story takes shape during the writing. For the latter, the plot appears prior to the encoding.

A plantser is a hybrid. They fuse elements of an outliner and a pantser. Their plans are not to the letter. They research some themes, not the whole nine yards. They do not improvise everything. They leave some quandaries for later.

Mad Flayer

Which type of writer are you? Are you a mad player? Someone who calls plays and demands the keys to the kingdom? An alpha male/female who needs to be in control?

Are you a mad scientist? You’ve got the moves and ideas. You just need to crystallise them. You write as you go, hoping it’ll all make sense later. You edit like a madman. Your final draft is nothing like your first draft.

Or are you both? You don’t need total control. You research some but leave room for doubt. You outline a bit but don’t work out everything. Whichever player you are, picking the most suitable pair of shoes is what matters.

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Wellington the road thus far

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Topher

If there were a biography about you, what would the title be?

I’ve already published my own memoir. Titled ‘Topher Wins’, it clocks in at 297 pages. Spread over twelve chapters, my most substantial work to date. I’ve posted about it and quoted from it frequently. There’s no need to rehash. A second biography could ensue, one that would be written in the distant future. I chose the title above as I still plan on releasing more books.

By the way, today, I got rid of my receipts, old drafts and papers, letters, price tags, and other crap. Chinese New Year is coming up so you gotta declutter.

Note: you can purchase the Musings eBook (PDF version) here:

Musings Poems Selected and New

‘Tomorrow never dies’

The title works as it considers the future. You must prepare for the coming dawn.

‘Goodbye, end of story, the end.’

Even Michael Jordan wouldn’t say that he’s 100 percent done. I have three books under my belt in three different categories. I look forward to adding to my body of work.

Writer’s impasse

The bio would highlight how I can write in adverse conditions. What I mean is NOT writer’s block. Rather, a paucity of ideas. When the words trickle, you must brave the near-bankrupt tank and will those locutions out. I showed this after taking five drafts for my recent poetry collection. Ineffective writers would crumble when their resources are taken away. Efficient authors generate stories with minimal to no references.

Writer’s block

When I wrote my recent collection, I was offline most of the time. Rarely, I’d check this and that on my phone. The rhymes were mostly mine, not googled. I stuck with drafting my poetry and brainstorming. Ideas, not money, make the world go around. While cash is useful in publishing, having the finest ideas remains the literary world’s invaluable currency. If you manage your supply carefully, there’s no reason to fear tomorrow.

A few people have commented that I possess a unique writing style. Among them are my former classmate and aunt. I try to avoid the banal word. Selecting the right phrase adds more time but I prefer to use the appropriate words.

Best shot

I’m an author who always gives his best. Whether MS Word or Scrivener, Pages or Storyist, my dedication transcends any platform. I’ve written as a teen and have sustained this as an adult. I’ve penned an honours thesis, articles, lengthy essays, blog posts, poetry, and the memoir.

Road should also impress that I am highly adaptable. As mentioned, I’m adept at fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. I churn out stanzas and paint vignettes. I employ humour and drama. I am minimalist and maximalist, produce haikus and mini-epics. Whether essays, verses or story scenes, I can paint vivid microcosms. My full-bodied characters are varied and lifelike.

Wellington, NZ

Proactive

I’d like to be portrayed as proactive. I can figure things out and sustain the momentum. You can look for answers online. You won’t always find them. Sometimes you’ll have to wing it. There are lessons to be learned in a soloist’s path. See also: nba coaches. When veterans are in a funk, their helmer does not call a timeout. Let them figure it out on their own. You can’t solve problems with half a brain.

Wide reader

I’m a wide reader. Since childhood, I’ve buried my nose in books. You familiarise yourself with others’ styles. Once you learn a new word, they’re yours. You take note of their pacing and plot. Dialogue and description. Turns of phrase and scenes. Character and themes. You unveil new concepts and jokes. Of course, you still have to enjoy the read. When you’ve become an author yourself, you notice these tendencies. I’d like to align myself with Kurt Vonnegut. As per my memoir, ‘He was a a writer of immense versatility.’

He wrote novels, story collections, nonfiction, and even plays.

Pip in Great Expectations
The Voyeurs

Upcoming

My current project is a pastiche of a novel. I’ve put up around twenty chapters. I’m about 25% away from my word target. I’m shooting for 200 pages, the minimum for a novel. Anything less and it becomes a novella or short story. Of course, there’s a lot of editing to be done. If it were a movie, I’m still far from postproduction. At least I’m done with preproduction. We’re on location now.

To be honest, I’ve got lots of ideas from past friendships. Most of the material is loosely based on real events. Just like The Voyeurs or Charles Dickens’ character, Pip.

I recall my classmate telling me how they used this big-ass mirror as they removed his stubborn pet. Yeah, I guess we’re on that stretch. Past the getting to know you stage.

Recent times

I’ve covered quite a bit of my youth in Topher Wins. If there’s a second bio, it’ll focus on recent material. Like the poetry book and upcoming novel. You can buy my self help/memoir for $7 from this website.

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On WordPress

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Topher
Daily writing prompt
The most important invention in your lifetime is…
View all responses

I got this week’s title from Stephen King’s memoir, On Writing. At first look, WordPress is not Facebook or IG. While it powers myriads of sites, there are other options. Meta is definitely king of the jungle. WordPress though changed my life. It gave me a platform to express my ideas. Made me believe that I could conquer mountains. It engendered hope that people would read my posts. Emboldens me to keep writing.

Cover of 'On Writing: A Memoir' by Stephen King, featuring a vintage typewriter and an image of King.

Rewarding

While I share my posts on social media, WordPress proffered a more rewarding audience. I could garner the attention of fellow bloggers. This is my kind of community. I am inspired when they appreciate my work. WP enabled me to sell my material as ebooks. When others write consistently, I feel nudged to do likewise. The reactions from my peers push me to keep fighting.

c. 2013

I may not have thousands of followers. When there’s a new fan, I am thrilled. Nice to know that my work is appreciated. I’ve come a long way since starting in 2013. My posts have evolved from movies and books to nostalgia and a medley of others. The devices may have changed from iPads to a Mac back to iPads then on to an M4 Air. To date, I’m close to having 500 posts. I’ve celebrated Father’s and Mother’s Day. Long Weekends and Australian Opens. Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Boxing Day and Quotes of the week. Shared my last two books. I’ve dissected Covid lockdowns. Posted heaps of new poetry. Answered questions while asking some, too. Many are humorous.

I’ve been flying with WP for 12.5 years. I used but three headers for my site. I’ve stuck with Mot Juste. The tagline remains: ‘The endgame of meticulous word hatching.’

WordPress dashboard displaying a welcome message and options for customizing the site, creating new pages, and accessing plugin settings.
Two Apple laptops positioned on a white surface, one closed with the logo visible and the other open displaying a colorful screen.
A laptop displaying a dashboard overview of WordPress page builders, featuring various icons and data visualizations against a gradient blue background.

My site functions like a diary. Or Ellie’s scrapbook in Up (2009). A quiet peek into my life over the past decade. There’s no hocus pocus or jiggery pokery. No hidden meaning either.

No frills

With WP, you only need a device with internet or mobile data. You could write, edit, and upload your blog post straight off your phone. Generally, a tablet or laptop is preferrable. Before WordPress, it was hard to imagine blogging. Perhaps, closer to the typewriter in the fifties.

Most importantly, WP offers growth. By writing regularly, we notice our shortcomings and address them. We become more competent storytellers and proofreaders. We budget our time accordingly. We can then apply this knowledge to other literary forms.

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Seeing our old articles is a trip down memory lane. Some give a ‘watermelon sugar high’ while others are as forgettable as a mayfly. The WP app is a great way to check updates and notifications.

‘I like pictures’

Each week, it isn’t just about words. Curating the most relevant photos is an art per se. You can’t stick a Munchesque shot and hope your readers will follow. It can’t be a hanging quote either. It must suit your purpose as every image matters. As they say, ‘A picture paints a thousand words’.

After hundreds of posts, being short on ideas is common. How will your thirst be slaked? What will your contribution be? Other bloggers are more prolific. Some focus on books, others on food, and yet others on travel. I’m more of a jack of many interests, master of none. These days, I read less books as I’m picky. I prefer penning my own fiction than perusing others’.

Site of dreams

WP is not as ostentatious or trendy as FB or IG. It did not popularise hashtags, stories, or reels. It ain’t Oz’s biggest marketplace like eBay nor does it plummet prices like on Prime Day. Not buy now pay later either like Afterpay. I’ve tried all of those, from FB to IG, Ebay Plus to Amazon Prime, even AP. At one point, I had two FB accounts and 400+ friends. I just kept one of them. Yes, we’ve also been paid subscribers with Coles, Woolworths, and Uber Eats.

In short, WP may not have all the bells and whistles. One crucial thing though: it promotes your authorial dreams. While Afterpay and Amazon may get you the tools, WP offers the locus. The groceries are the colours but WP is the canvas. If you find that place, take nothing for granted.

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Our deepest fears: two quotes

Posted on January 31, 2026 by Topher
Daily writing prompt
What’s the thing you’re most scared to do? What would it take to get you to do it?
View all responses

I was gonna answer the question straight-up but thought of a more creative way. I’ll refer to two older basketball films, Coach Carter and Finding Forrester. Both are my personal favourites. I’ve explored the latter in my thick memoir. Before he conks out, the reclusive writer, William Forrester, pens his understudy a letter. Jamal reads it while mourning his sempai. Since I’ve seen the picture a few times, I can remember William’s note almost word for word. Here it is:

Dear Jamal,

Someone I once knew wrote that we walk away from our dreams, afraid we may fail. Or, worse yet, afraid we may succeed. While I knew so very early on that you will realise your dreams, I never imagined that I would once again realise my own. Seasons change, young man. While I may have waited until the winter of my life to see the things I’ve seen this past year, there is no doubt that I would’ve waited too long had it not been for you.

Carter quote

I Googled the Carter quote as I only saw the DVD once, ages ago.

‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. You playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. – Marianne Williamson, ‘Our Deepest Fear’

Fear Strait

Both passages foreground how you should ‘face your fears’. In order to overcome our challenges, we must tackle them head-on. Unto every person some adversity will present itself. We must not shirk from our weaknesses but best our hurdles. Coach Carter asked his guard, ‘what is your deepest fear?’

A smiling young woman and a young man sit at a table in a casual dining setting, looking at a small pair of shoes. The woman is wearing a letterman jacket, and the man has his jacket draped over his shoulders.
A quote by Sean Connery stating, 'The key to a woman's heart is an unexpected gift at an unexpected time,' displayed beside a black and white portrait of Connery.
Movie poster for 'Coach Carter' featuring Samuel L. Jackson in a suit, standing with a focused expression, with an orange background and basketball players in motion.
A colorful scene featuring cartoon characters in an office setting. Prominent characters include a tall, pink monster with one eye and multiple tentacle-like arms, a green monster with one eye, and a large blue furry monster in the background.
A group of young basketball players standing in a gym, listening attentively to a coach or mentor, who is speaking to them. The players are holding basketballs and appear to be in practice attire.

The dude was lost for words. He thought it was a simple question, but realised Carter ran deep. There was much more to it than meets the eye. Carter wanted his team to do well academically. He willed them to understand that the present in hoops may be nice, but a bright future is what matters more. He suspends his undefeated squad after they took their studies for granted. This causes an outrage across the country but Carter held his ground. His team was better off after they listened to him. He found them studying instead of joking around. His concern for their welfare made a real difference.

Incidentally, Rob Brown is in both movies. He played Jamal in Forrester and Kenyon in Coach Carter. In the former, he’s paired with Anna Paquin. In the latter, Ashanti is his love interest. Forrester, directed by Gus van Sant, was his movie debut. He had no prior acting experience. He learned about the film from a flier in his high school. Samuel L Jackson is the titular coach. Channing Tatum makes his screen debut.

Sempai

Conquering your fears does not mean summiting Everest, though you could do that if you so choose. William had become agoraphobic. He wore a disguise when Jamal took him to a Knicks game. He spent a lifetime bottling up his emotions and hiding his manuscripts. In his last years, he let Jamal into his world. He proofread his essays and taught him how to really write. While William educates Jamal, the latter allows him to appreciate life’s energies more. Jamal shows William that being spontaneous and vibrant aren’t unhealthy. Forrester imparted his process and revealed how to woo a girl. He signs a copy of his book, which Jamal proffers to Claire (Paquin). ‘The key to a woman’s heart is an unexpected gift at an unexpected time.’

A basketball coach cheering with raised hands while standing on the sidelines, surrounded by excited players and fans in a packed gymnasium.
Aerial view of the New York City skyline featuring the Empire State Building surrounded by other skyscrapers and urban architecture.
Rockefeller Centre

Epiphany

Sharing one’s wealth can bring you happiness and good vibes. In the 1800s, George Rockefeller was 53 and his days were numbered. As the world’s richest man, he had built an oil empire. He decided to donate his wealth to good causes and scientific research. Because of his philantropy, he lived till age 97. In Monsters Inc, Mike K learned that humour is a better endgame than scaring the kids.

Meanwhile, the entire roster was against perusing their textbooks and preparing for exams. It took failure and Coach’s forfeiting of games for the lesson to finally sink in. Previously, their most dreaded nightmare was being unable to play ball. They neeeded the games for an ego boost. Not just to win but to embarass their opponents. Yes, they were unbeatable but not in the right manner, Next on the dubious catalogue was being stuck in a classroom. They’d be surprised to learn that, with a little dedication, reading ain’t so bad. Sometimes, it takes navigating your worst nightmare to bring out the best in you. The sooner you battle your worries, the more rewarding it would be.

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Summer Bay

Posted on January 24, 2026 by Topher
Daily writing prompt
Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.
View all responses

Easy: Palm Beach in Sydney’s northern beaches. This lies on a headland, the Pacific Ocean on one side. Apart from Manly, I haven’t explored this area. Noted for their beaches, it is mostly accessible by bus and ferry. I have a friend, Cassie, who grew up in the area. She once dated a Pinay. She has a twin sister and a cat. For me, Palm Beach represents the days of yore. Back when I still followed Home and Away. The soapie is set in Palm Beach (Summer Bay). When I returned to Sydney as a teener, it was must-see viewing for Topher. 

Topher Wins

I talked about this show on my 2022 memoir. Allow me to quote it:

Throughout my university days, watching the soap opera Home and Away was a constant. I was on the couch weeknights at seven. Tuesdays of my first year were unsuitable as the lecture with Scoot finished at five-thirty pm. By the time I got home, half the episode was gone. The long-running series is notable for having the freshest faces and a strong youth movement. Instituted in 1988, the production represents an iconic Australian program, with stunning views of Palm Beach (Summer Bay).

Lincoln Lewis played Geoff Campbell, the “Bible boy”. This couldn’t be further from his ladies’ man persona in real life. There was also Maddie, portrayed by the gorgeous Indiana Evans. Aden (Todd Lasance) and Belle (Jessica Tovey) made a cute couple. Celeste Dodwell was convincing as Melody. The show foregrounded important issues such as gender identity, trauma, and foster homes. To this day, to soap continues to underscore key social tropes. The program has become a launch pad to Hollywood for aspiring Aussie actors. Notable alumni include Guy Pearce, Abby Cornish, the late Heath Ledger, Simon Baker (The Mentalist), and Chris Hemsworth. No doubt, the soap opera has been showcasing homegrown talent to the world. To some extent, being a fanatic was reminiscent of Spike Lee’s zeal for the New York Knicks. 

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    the late Heath Ledger
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    Simon Baker
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    Celeste Dodwell (Melody)

Distant

The distance between my area and Summer Bay is the main reason I haven’t rocked up. Furthermore, I am not fond of sunbathing and swimming. For all its beauty, Palm Beach doesn’t have clear water. The show’s set and the chance to meet up and coming thespians is the main attraction. 

Awards Magnet

Home and Away is one of the nation’s most decorated shows. When it premiered in 1988, Bob Hawke was our Prime Minister. Michael Jordan hadn’t won an NBA chip. I wasn’t even born yet. The shops closed at four pm. Myer was known as Grace Brothers. Aldi hadn’t made it to our shores. Franklins and Woolies battled it out for supermarket supremacy. The metro and light rail were but whimsical fantasies. Novak Djokovic, who would own Melbourne Park, was a year old.

They’ve outlasted Neighbours, the original Hollywood factory. The former has become international, with syndication in New Zealand, the UK, and other markets. Almost forty years since it hit our screens, the production remains very relevant. It continues to bag Logies, our version of the Emmy’s. 

I was hooked for years, until uni commitments made me watch the show less. By the time I was finishing my course, I had outgrown the soapie. Home and Away is a picture into Australia. They showcase the battlers and the surfers, the Aussie Dream and teenage angst. It’s about the pains of growing up. Whether you’re rich or struggling, young or young at heart, boy or girl, they all have their crosses to bear. Being attractive or smart doesn’t make you immune to life’s ups and downs. Ray Meagher’s phrases have become part of Aussie slang. See also: ya flamin’ galah and ya’ flamin’ mongrel

Lasting Bonds

It isn’t just about romantic relationships but enduring friendships. The characters may not even be related by blood. This doesn’t stop them from forming lasting bonds. 

Apart from surfing, rugby league is another sport touched on. Geoff excels as a five-eighth. He refuses to be a pawn in Aden’s match fixing. The show highlights integrity, how we are wise enough to stand for something.

Two students in school uniforms stand near lockers, one looking at the other. They both carry backpacks.
Indiana Evans
An elderly man wearing a straw hat and a plaid shirt, looking thoughtfully while seated on a porch surrounded by greenery.
Ray Meagher, an original cast member
A smiling couple posing together outdoors, with one wearing a dark suit and the other in a wedding dress, surrounded by greenery.
Belle and Aden

The Crew

The show, in typical soapie fashion, has a large cast of characters. It’s like being a jack of all actors, master of none. In spite of this galaxy of stars, they are able to shine. Lincoln Lewis won a Logie for Best New Talent. Kate Richie (Sally) bagged the Gold Logie. Lynn Collingwood was loveable as the town gossiper. She reminded me of my great aunt Bea, if only she were white. Both of them are 90 this year. I’ll share another excerpt from my memoir:

Once in grade one, my pedagogue asked us to bring clay things to class. I was lucky that my great aunt gave my sister and me a clay moneybox the month before. Unfortunately, the clay fish was of poor quality and broke easily. Regardless, I trooped to class with the ornament, When my turn came to show my homework, I went to the front and revealed the item.

“Very good”, said my science teacher. “One hundred percent.”

Upon presenting my work, the moneybox immediately gave way. I tried my best to avoid being too obvious, but eagle-eyed Adrian had to laugh at the mess. It took everything in me to avoid cracking up; lesson learned.

A slice of history

Will it be around for another forty years? Streaming services, which are more convenient, has curtailed the soap’s dominance. People just have little patience to give up half an hour (or more) each weeknight. The boob tube is a dying medium, just like bricks and mortar shopping. We have been going online more and more. Not just for streaming and shopping, but for food delivery, correspondence, banking and even groceries. Regardless, Summer Bay has carved its place atop Aussie telly history. Through it all, Palm Beach has been along for the ride.

Three people discussing documents in a casual, beach-themed setting.
Lleyton Hewitt

I recently published my debut collection, Musings. With a healthy serving of narrative poetry, it offers more stories. I’d be delighted if you check it out.

Musings (2025)
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Quote of the Week

Posted on January 17, 2026 by Topher
Daily writing prompt
Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?
View all responses

‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres.’ – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Text graphic stating 'Quote of the Week' over a sunset background.

I wrote that passage, just like Denzel appropriating the 23rd Psalm in The Book of Eli. Many moons ago, we saw that at the cinemas. Kidding aside, I included that biblical verse in my recently published poetry collection. To get a clearer picture, we will dissect each phrase. At uni, we called that decontextualising. Picking the discourse apart, bit by bit.

‘Love is patient, love is kind.‘

This shows that love endures. It can wait for decades and can last generations. Love is timeless and benevolent. It has no expiry or best before date. It is far from transcient and not ephemeral. It could potentially last longer than a thousand mayflies. It can cross timelines and oceans. It can even conquer language barriers or ‘launch a thousand battleships’.

Friendships and dates come and go. Classmates, colleagues, and gurus a dime a dozen. Novels are read and forgotten. Love, whether romantic or familial, never fades. Whether you’re Romeo and Juliet or an aging grandfather, ‘Age is just a number’.

Love is the universal langauge.

‘It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.’

The green-eyed monster has no space in amour. Neither does braggadocio. In this case, ‘Actions speak louder than words.’

It is more than alma mater spirit or team colours. Bigger than the Beatles and sturdier than the Great Wall.

The world doesn’t have to hear about your affection. If someone feels and recognises your love, grand gestures are only the cherry on top.

Regardless, songs have been penned by artists like Billy Joel, Paramore, and Vance Joy. They unveiled about their emotions and passions. Jose Rizal immortalised his great love, Leonor Rivera, in Noli. Da Vinci painted his muse in La Jaconde (Mona Lisa). In the past, did Topher do the same?

‘It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.’

Love is not selfish. It is not volatile like the stock market. Nor temperamental like a dog’s runny tummy. It does not demand complete submission. Not easily derailed nor cowed. It does not discriminate. It keeps no running tally like a tennis match or basketball game. Nor a scoreboard of infractions. It is unashamed and unegostitical. It does not embarass or knowingly hurt you.

‘Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ‘

Doing evil is independent of love. The latter douses wrongdoing and offsets hurt. It finds no joy in wrongdoing but bloooms in righteousness. Amour is never a lie. Deceit holds no place in its realm. There is never a day when malfeasance coexists with love.

These are not platitudes. This biblical excerpt may have been deployed through the centuries. Like its message, many will find a connection among those wise words.

I’ve recently published my first poetry collection, titled Musings. It can be purchased via this link:

Musings Poems Selected and New

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Kylo

Posted on January 10, 2026 by Topher

It’s not his real name but it’s close enough. I met him at Saturday class years ago, where the teacher remarked that ‘he seems like a really cool guy’. He was one of the few whites taking this course. We finally shared a conversation in week 3, where I probed the baddest villain in the galaxy (a la Star Wars) hehe. 

Kylo saw my ham and cheese crossaint, bought from the cafeteria. Upon discerning the price, he told me it was a bargain as he sipped his latte. I found out that we had the same alma mater. Later, upon further research, I realised that he did two degrees. Kylo looked a little like Paul Rudd. 

Xiamen, China


Travels
I found out that he travelled extensively, even giving me advice on his ‘excursions’. He said Italy was overrated. ‘I know they have old buildings and stuff, but it’s hyped up. Their government is in tatters, just like the French.’ ‘So you’re anti Sarkozy?’

‘The skeletons are out,’ he said. Germany, he admitted, was nice. Good governance, welcoming people, nice atmosphere. I’ll later learn that he was of German descent. No surprises there. 

Suddenly, we bantered about South America.

He was against Colombia and the resurgent socialist movement across the continent. ‘Most former Spanish colonies are corrupt and going backward,’ I offered. ‘Well Chile is doing very well. Argentina is just out of control’, he confessed. 

So in short, they’re not progressive, I thought. One country out of twenty is not a good result.

The bus tragedy
‘The Philippines is getting better’, he opined.’They have the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank there, ay?’

‘I think so.’

‘In Mandaluyong’, he announced. ‘Remember the bus tragedy? I was in Hong Kong when it happened.’

‘Heard they were really pissed off.’

‘You can’t imagine. They were bloody incensed, especially at how the situation was handled. They believed the coppers should’ve shot the gunman, not just standing around there.’

‘Do you understand Cantonese?’ I almost interjected. ‘How’d you gauge what they were thinking. You’re not psychic are you?’

The ghost
There may be more to this conversation, but that was the last I saw of Kylo. After all, this chat was many moons ago, so you could forgive me for omitting some of it. I have a slim chance of ever running into him ‘in a galaxy far, far away’. Meanwhile, I’ve been updated. From his Facebook, I saw him enjoying a hot pot in Sichuan together with some buddies. Another time I saw him taking shots of the war zone outside Syria. I’ve learned that he’s taken up managerial and consultant positions for huge companies in mainland China. You could say he’s adapted to the culture quite well. 

Szechuan hot pot


And me? I hope to one day visit his current city, one of the most liveable in the world. He may not be there any more when I find the chance, but I’ll glean his reasons for bolting rather than billing hours at JP Morgan in downtown Sydney.

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A Memo in Time

Posted on January 3, 2026 by Topher

What colleges have you attended?

Recently, I checked out this old memo, a uni remnant. I used it for homework. As part of my class, we wrote a note for three weeks. Here they are:

Friday 6 August

The big decision today was whether or not I would do my readings for next week. I was supposed to do the CUL220 readings for next week’s tutorial but found it a bit too dense for my own liking and decided not to go further. Meanwhile, for lunch I was torn between choosing junk food or healthy food. My inner self decided on taking pizza for lunch.

Our new lib

Saturday 14 August

Today I attended an inter uni event for one of the student groups of which I am a member. On any other Saturday afternoon, I would usually play basketball at a local court. However, I decided against doing that this time since the event occurs only once a year plus I’d like to represent my uni. However, we came in at last place, making me ask why the hell did I attend in the first place.

Wednesday 18 August

I finished my only class for the day at 1pm. Having lunch afterward, I decided to go to faith sharing. Catholics on campus gather to dissect Bible verses and reconcile it with our lived experience. I managed to get off at around 3. Given that I live far from uni, this spelled doom as I wasn’t able to finish my readings. Unsurprisingly, I did not contribute much to the discussion in the tute the next day.

Faith sharing
Uni lecture

Syntax

The lengthy sentences are the first thing I notice. My writing has evolved into simpler, sounder sentences. These days, I aim for succinct but strong sentences. Some of the above have a run on style. Five thoughts crammed in one long block. Almost like stream of consciousness. 

The above memos has adverbs as in able to and managed to. In case you’re wondering, usually has no place as well. At present, I could spot those unnecessary words from a mile away. When deciding between junk and healthy food, there’s no need to duplicate the word food.

However, what stands out is the absence of erasures. Even as a uni student, I was confident. Give me a memo and there will be no mistakes. Hand me a sheet and you won’t find any cross outs or typos. 

Debate

Debate

In groups of three, we had a debate in this class. My group was pro life, a tough stance as westerners have long embraced choice. The guy from the other group was a dickhead. He sounded so confident with his raised voice. Please. 

I did not like some of my classmates. We were a small class, maybe ten students. The white girls, with their plunging necklines, were obnoxious. The Chinese dudes were nice to me. So was Gabby, Lebanese, who was my group mate. Our third group mate didn’t show up for the debate. In our next class, he had prepared lots of material. He worked something out with our tutor.

A touch of nostalgia

Reading these memos brings back memories. The train and bus rides where I’d do the readings. The repository, where I’d study and research my essays. The chaplaincy and jamming with my clubmates. Picking out my tutorials during enrolment, done online. Fierce basketball battles and ball hogs. Lunches at the library and the canteen. Mass on campus. Movies with Nick, Peter, Kenneth, and Dave. Hanging out with Joe, Scott, and Yuta. Listening to music on my iPod Touch. The suspense before knowing my results. Getting Credits and Distinctions in essays.

Our uni’s metro station
Our lib

Sitting in and appreciating humour during lectures. Watching clips and feature films in the theatre. Brainstorming with my group mates. Preparing presentations. Long jaunts around the grounds and getting fresh air. Spotting brown bunnies hopping at night. Checking my student email and Facebook. Reading Macbeth, Arcadia, Galileo, and other plays. Catching eps of Home and Away during weeknights. Texting with my friends. Buying new duds at DFO and Burwood. Attending birthdays and other events.

Clothes are overrated

I mentioned before that I had little fascination with clothes. I went to Burwood often to take in movies. I spent lots of time catching up with friends after lunch but almost no time looking at duds. Of course that has changed. When I went to class, I wasn’t fussed about what I wore. I was at uni three to four days per week. My aim: to do well regardless of my garb.

Books and food interested me more. Sports mattered: basketball, tennis, and football. I knew the news. 

I’ve had this recurrent dream where I still haven’t returned books to the library. Somehow, it slipped my mind and I must make the long trip to offload my items. This is paradoxical since I wouldn’t have graduated if I still owed the library. Yet in the dreamland anything goes. We cannot unlearn the past but we can be prudent for our future.

I recently published my debut poetry collection. You can purchase it here: https://topherong.net/product/musings-poems-selected-and-new

From my poetry collection
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John Grisham quote: The Tan Lu Swindler

Posted on December 27, 2025 by Topher

‘Netty was correct – Appletree had long since disappeared after having been bought or merged with a regional brokerage firm from Florida, which had then flamed out in bankruptcy and indictments only to be scooped up by a large California discount broker who sold it to a private equity firm in New York who loaded it with debt, almost causing another bankruptcy, before it was sold to a bank in Texas that then sold it to a bank in Atlanta. After numerous name changes and different addresses, it, whatever it was, was now back home. There was no sign of anyone named Buddy.’

Since The Litigators, John Grisham has become funnier. The Widow, his latest, marks his first ever whodunit. The story centres on Netty, the titular widow, who makes Simon, the protagonist believe that she’s hiding a massive fortune. Many millions are tied up in Coke and Wal-Mart stocks. She inherited this from her deceased second husband. Wally, another local lawyer, made her an earlier will. Simon saw this as opportunistic and a money grab. The small town attorney likewise falls for the oldie’s lies and they wine and dine in the area’s finest restaurants. Netty particularly adores Tan Lu’s cookies. She never offers to pay the bill. Her spartan lifestyle doesn’t reconcile with her supposed bank balance. She lives frugally and drives an antique car. She wears no designer clothes nor has a huge wad of dollar bills. Her home ain’t fancy, certainly not a millionaire’s lair.

Shots of Virginia, where Widow was set

Will

Simon creates a new will, the estate’s sole executor. This gives him carte blanche on Ms Netty’s affairs. Netty has two stepsons via her late husbands. They are nothing but troublemakers. Meanwhile, Simon works in a quiet office on Main Street, together with Matilda, his assistant. Though divorcing, Simon lives decently. Netty’s millions make him imagine a wardrobe makeover.

He drafts and types the new will, keeping it a secret. Not even Matilda knows of his lunchtime excursions. He hides his potential windfall from the wifey, lest it gets juicy. Simon keeps his impending jackpot under wraps. He knows all too well how others can spoil the surprise.

‘The fuzzies’

He spends thousands on sports betting and is in debt. Netty’s stories have many gaps. When he tries to find proof of investment, she is always evasive. She often feigns ignorance whenever he probes into her finances. As if she’s got ‘the fuzzies’.This is reminiscent of an earlier Grisham novel, The Confession. In both books, the main characters pretend to be afflicted with memory loss as they dodge tough questions.

Simon got duped because of Netty’s stature. Ageing, then eighty five, she appeared like a meek llama. She stressed that she had no one: no friends or family that cared, no book club, and no debt. So calm and believable, Simon never suspected that he was being played.

Death by Tan Lu

Netty gets involved in a car accident and is rushed to hospital. She was never a careful driver. Her condition gradually improves until Matilda brings her Tan Lu’s finest. Suspected of pneumonia, Simon takes the lead. Ultimately, the hospital staff pulls the plug. When Netty conks out, he asks for a quick cremation, which others find suspicious. The authorities, working with a lawyer, paused the procedure at the last moment. The autopsy revealed that it wasnt pnuemonia that killed Netty. Simon is then implicated in her demise, now connected to the hideous cookies. Us readers and Simon know that he didn’t do the deed. If anybody silenced Netty, it certainly wasn’t him.

Slam Dunk!

Soon, the hounds were released. Simon is sued for Netty’s death, and for what? They find out that the widow lied about the whole fortune. There was no twenty million, all lost in her hubby’s bad business deals. Netty was a cunning and compulsive liar. She talked a big game and savoured fine dining but in no universe was wealthy. Simon is sent to prison, though all evidence is circumstantial. The stepsons smelled blood and wanted a piece of the cake. Turns out the son orchestrated this, as he was dating Matilda. The jury bites on the fake. Slam dunk! There goes Simon’s gulliver. Here I’d like to quote an excerpt from my second book:

‘Once, Gretel, one of my section mates, went to the board to solve a problem. While her output was imprecise, she changed her answer and was adamant that she got it right. Mrs Guyabano was livid.

“You’re a liar! I hate liars.”

Shai, the current league and Finals MVP

Basket case

This fictional tale is cautionary. Before putting all your eggs in one basket, verify. The last thing you want is to be accused and sentenced for a wrongful transgression. There are no brownie points in the wheels of justice. Though Simon was no matador, the jury didn’t see it that way. They may not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he terminated Ms Netty. His actions were exploitative and the cremation, dodgy. These were not the moves of a grieving client.

Good thing Simon had friends that he could count on. Like Chub, the local club owner. Their smooth relations provided Simon some light in a dark tunnel. His former flame, Landy, was likewise there for him. Now an FBI agent, she gave him a much needed boost as he tried to clear his name. His lawyer, Raymond, moved heaven and earth to save him. He even worked pro bono. His extensive courtroom hours though weren’t enough to save Simon’s skin, nor his office or house. In this case, the novel parallels House of Sand and Fog. The adaptation starred a younger Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley.

House of Sand and Fog

Grisham fan

There’s much to like in Grisham’s latest offering. Suspense, humour, an easy flow, and likeable characters. The middle America setting will also win hearts. Another bestseller, Grisham’s read once again debuted on the top of the list. I can see why this one is well-rated on Goodreads. Find that space in your home and pick up Grisham. Accept no substitutes.

Rating: 5/5

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Saturday Stroll

Posted on December 20, 2025 by Topher

What was the last thing you did for play or fun?

Earlier today, a friend and I went to Chatswood and Bondi. I picked up my David Jones orders. Gotta use those two Christmas vouchers. Before heading to DJ in revamped Chatswood Chase, we passed by festival stores. They were around for the whole weekend. We bought cane lemon, basically lemonade made with sugar cane. They had a queue. My friend purchased the lot gozleme while I got chicken and calamari paella. The suburb was bustling with people, especially with the start of school holidays. We had no time to duck in to TK Maxx.

Mr Tee

The Ralph Lauren tee was colour block in a classic fit. This is their most generous one, with longer sleeves and a looser cut. Go for a size down from your usual. I also have a blue classic fit fleece jumper, also in S. The rest are custom slim fit. Based on the online guide, the next size was nightgown territory. I got the right one. My fourth blue tee, I wonder if it was the right choice. A classic case of buyer’s remorse. Maybe downsizing my wardrobe was better.

Most of my RL stuff is from DJ. Only this green bear jumper was off The Iconic. RL is a dad brand, their preppy vibe appealing to a more mature market. You could say the same of Tommy, Superdry, and Country Road. They are all my faves.

The logo

RL uses high quality cotton and their garments wash well. My top also has a contrast pocket with the polo logo. This was on the pricey side but makes me look younger. Their designs are minimalist. A unicoloured tee or polo or jumper with a small logo. Then, you’re on the hook for over $100. Minus the branding, it’s a $10 garment. Thankfully, none of my RL outfits has that minute logo. I’d lose more weight if that were the case.

Bondi Buhay

After DJ, we didn’t browse any other stores and took the metro to Martin Place. We changed for a train to Bondi Junction. It was mid afternoon when we reached Westfield. I collected the second order, a black G-Star Raw tee with a burger print. I tried it on in store and medium was spot on. They used organic cotton in a nod to sustainability. I did not bother browsing at either DJ as they were hawking only 20 to 25 percent off. Besides, I’m swamped with summer stuff. The hot weather only lasts from November to February. There’s no need to shop up a storm.

Martin Place metro
Castle Towers
Martin Place

Both of these were discounted, meaning more savings for Topher. Business wasn’t good for Chatswood and Bondi retailers. The bookstore was ignored, people seeing bestsellers as luxuries. Small and medium clothing stores were evaded. Strandbags had no one browsing their leather items. People have bigger issues than shopping for clothes. Why bother when you can get gold at Temu.

Vale, Castle Hill

Two days ago, DJ announced the closing of two branches, including Castle Hill. They’ve traded there for 3 decades. In a month, these will be history. They likewise downsized their Burwood store. We visited Castle Hill recently, where we skipped DJ. Seems like they’re following Myer’s path. Lately, their rival has shuttered in Hornsby and Blacktown. Their Eastgarden outlet should be next on the chopping block. Online shopping might spell the end of window shopping. It’s just more convenient and practical. Loads of options too.

Bondi Beach
Bondi Junction
Westfield Bondi

Online Shopper

Even with 30 or 40% off, these department stores cannot compete with online retailers. No overhead costs will always win. Case in point: Black Friday. The offers were bad and the crowds just weren’t there.

The food court seems like the shopping apocalypse’s last holdout. However, both Bondi and Chatswood are posh areas. Their meal deals wouldn’t feed the masses. Dining would sink along with the small businesses. In the end, a mall couldn’t escape Doomsday if only the food court is serviceable. People desire good value. Even food stalls would close if they don’t offer this.

Remembering

At JB HiFi, I topped up on supplies. Granted, it was mid afternoon but the clientele was thin. Finally, I headed to Coles where I shopped for fresh produce, beef, and essentials. I bought bananas for potassium. My Kazakh mates need them. See also: Borat.

A humid Saturday, I wore a Levi’s tee and green linen pants. Bondi was quite airy though Chatswood wasn’t as breezy. Today was sunny, perfect for beachgoers and ice cream. In spite of the recent tragedy, Bondi beach was the hottest ticket in town.

26/12

Boxing Day would be interesting. Typically the year’s busiest shopping day, our version of Black Friday. Will DJ slice their prices? What can we expect when they open before dawn? I remember turning up at 9am in their CBD store. There were lots of shoppers, not all of them toting DJ bags. How much reductions will Myer offer? Anyhow, I couldn’t picture myself going in at five am. One, I have loads of stuff. Two, there’s so much more these days than bricks and mortar stores.

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