Writing - Organisation

 Being organised opens opportunities. When I say that, I'm not referring to always having a plan for my stories, but a skeleton to keep you on track. Also, if you are writing a series of stories, you need to maintain continuity. 

So I use a couple of tools to maintain continuity. 

First, I write a brief summary of each chapter as I move through the story writing process. 

Secondly, I write an inventory of the equipment and vehicles being used. 

It must be said that this method worked for me, and my advice would be to find a method that works for you. 

Another method of organising/planning is to create a structure line that is like a timeline or spine that itemises actions, consequences, and next steps. This can be applied to a whole story, or to parts of a story. It provides a framework for action and options for changing direction in your story. 

Writing is quite a structured event that is, at the same time, personal and allows freedom of thought. An enigma. However, if you dare to dive into this creative pool, it will continue to draw you in. 

God Bless 

Poetry Thursday 115 - Shadowlands 2 & 3

 Continuing the theme of fear of darkness, I have written two poems this week, hence Shadowlands 2 & 3. The real reason there are two is that the first didn't fulfill what I wanted it to. At the same time, I liked the first poem, and so rather than edit until I was happy, I started again. 

Shadowland2 

 

Shadows are ubiquitous, 

shadows are friendly, 

shadows share all languages,   

but shadows are benign.  

 

Shadows are trustworthy,  

shadows are gentle,  

shadows protect,  

shadows are velvet. 

 

Shadows are energy,  

shadows can change, 

shadows are Schrödinger's cat,  

shadows have deity.  

 

Shadows collect together,  

shadows save,  

shadows capture light, 

shadows confound Cox.  

©David L Atkinson October 2025 

Having been to college I, like many students, had the time to indulge myself in some divergent thinking. This included considering Schrödinger's Cat philosophy and other similar unconventional ideas.

Tonight  

 

When the lights go dim,  

eyes adjust from electric glare,  

soft furnishings hold your form,  

open wide and lie and stare.  

 

They are awakened and watching,  

aware and checking the room,  

for hazards or threats pending,  

you're ok – safe to assume.  

 

Shapes begin to clarify,  

you can pick out a familiar thing,  

but the outlines don’t quite justify,  

shadows distort the viewing.  

  

But the shadows are there to protect,  

to detain a perceived threat,  

to scan, absorb and eject,  

so close eyes, breathe deep and forget.  

©David L Atkinson October 2025 

God Bless

Writing - Shorts - variations

When I started considering writing a short story I decided to research what is generally acceptable for such pieces of work. It seems anything between 1000 and 10000 words are usual. Less than 1000 is considered 'flash fiction '. Anything longer is a novella. Novels 50k+. 

In these days of self-publishing I don't think definitions are as important. My complete works are above. 

I see short stories as an opportunity to try alternative subjects and style. That could also include children's books 📚.  Last week I began collating the stories I have already written. The subjects are varied. 

When I began writing almost 20 years ago,  I received a piece of advice which I shared last week about writing anything and everything. The result being quite a number of pieces started on all sorts of subjects. It really doesn't matter because each piece is my creation. That's the case for all writers. It's also the opportunity to group works together so if you get the urge to write something different then go ahead. It will always be there for you to use in the future, or not  as the case may be. 

In my case I write because I enjoy the process but I also want folk to read my work. Being read is important for a couple of main reasons. 

I am not a fan of criticism, who is, but it is good to know when someone appreciates your efforts. 

I write to entertain and having that confirmed is rewarding.  

So whether new to writing or not just go where the fancy takes you. 

God Bless