It takes a lot of spine and stomach to make yourself into something when no one gives you a foundation.
He was one of the many toads you have to go through to find the prince.
Every writer needs an editor. I don't care how good you are or think you are.
Why are you always smiling? What do you know?
Retirement wasn't a reward at the end of a well-run career ... it was a void surrounded by endless dull hours, haunted by memories of work.
You're going to blow his socks off!