If you are writing an article for the peer-reviewed section of an RCNi journal, you will want the reader to journey through your article from start to finish with as few obstacles, forks in the road and dead ends as possible. You therefore need an abstract, which acts as a guide to this journey – it explains what lies ahead, highlights important features and describes the end point. A well written abstract can make the difference between readers reflecting or acting on your article, and abandoning the journey before it begins.