Writing - Conflict

 Seems simplistic to talk about conflict in a blog about creative writing. Conflict, with all its elements, is an inevitable part of story writing. Even the most sugary love stories will have moments of disagreement – conflict. Superhero tales are packed with conflict; disaster movies have it; Christmas stories have conflict and resolution. 

So what is conflict? It is defined as –

a disagreement or argument about something important

 

In all examples, there are at least two opposing positions. Emotions, people, countries, and so on. There are stages in conflict, which I am not an expert in, but like education, we all have some experience of the processes involved in conflict.

For example, there is usually an initial low-level issue, not always, but often.  This is followed by some negotiation, but quite often it is inadequate in arriving at a solution. This may be because the levels of emotion and attention may not be fully invested. The cycle is a descending situation. It may happen in this way because the antagonists are jockeying for dominance. Eventually,  the situation may descend into violence of the tongue, or even physical violence.  At every stage there are opportunities to break into the process and effect change.

 

So conflict, to some degree, is flexible even though protagonists are apparently intransigent. These facts are an indication of openings for communication. As such, opportunities for dialogue, from the writers’ point of view, are useful in the production of stories. 

God Bless 

Poetry Thursday 158 - Did God Paint You?

 Another nudge in the direction of global survival. An earworm in the lugholes of big pharma, big corporations, big business, and all those who believe that they are bigger than the rest of us. 

Did God Paint You?

 

Your green is so green and petals that bright,

I wonder if I’m getting it right, 

surely cannot be an accident - did I misconstrue,

did God paint you? 

 

With wings so fine and white,

working efficiently in haphazard flight,

darting, soaring, riding thermals into the blue,

did God make you?

 

So many creatures in the world to see,

from enormous leviathan to tiniest flea,

each with an encyclopedia of behaviours to accrue,

did God design you?

 

Yet there’s one that struts upon the earth,

displaying a myriad of talents from the moment of birth,

claiming a planet stewardship they may some day rue,

should God take the blame for you?

©David L Atkinson August 2026 

God Bless 

 

Writing - Observation and Atmosphere

 If you have read any of my work before, you will have observed that I believe in serendipity. Happy accidents, in short. Probably an oversimplification, but adequate for today. Such occurrences can supply moments that may be useful in your writing. If you have your power of observation fully activated as you go about, such moments will present themselves.

 

At the time of writing it is August, school holidays in the UK, which influences traffic flow in our towns and cities. I had to journey into Bradford, something I do perhaps 2 or 3 times a year. Well, today was different. The motorway and major roads were as busy as ever, but when I arrived at my destination, it was as if Armageddon had occurred. Streets were deserted of traffic and pedestrians; there were parking places, and some businesses were boarded up. Really unusual but logical, as some businesses close during August. But the atmosphere was bleak. 10.45 in the morning, and it was quite chilling.

 

This type of experience lends itself to imaginative descriptive writing and may fit into a story you’re writing.  It could simply be a period of the day when deserted streets are usual, or something more fanciful. I remember deserted places during Covid in 2019. What use you put it to is up to you, but following my mother’s advice – don’t go about with your eyes shut! 

God Bless

Poetry Thursday 157 - Brain Fizz

 There has always been plenty of examples of older generations whining about changes that have occurred in their lifetime. It will probably always be the same. It seems this time with technology and in particular AI. 

Brain Fizz

 

It seems to me since 2023 and possibly for some time before

there is a greater incidence of brain fog and possibly much more.

It seems to me this may come from over stimulations

the need to make quick choices and more rapid accommodations.

 

It seems to me like driving a car and arriving at a junction

 not allowing oneself adequate time to make the correct decision.

It seems to me like coke shaken violently in a bottle,

brown bubbles charged ready to burst forth at full throttle.

 

It seems to me what we really need is time for thoughtful reflection,

time to weigh up pros and cons and make the right selection.

time to carefully consider the reason for our choices,

time for someone to listen to the older ones voices.

©David L Atkinson August 2026 

God Bless 

Writing - Elders

 When I used to think of 'elders' I would have a default picture in my head of a little old guy sat in the shade of a tree, dispensing wisdom to anyone willing to listen. A scenario that may be true in a small number of places in the world these days. More frequently, elders are shuffled away somewhere quiet so they can do little harm. 

When creating the team that is at the centre of the Steele novels, I felt that the sagacity of years needed representation. I introduced a couple of older people there to dispense wisdom and moral standpoints where relevant. 

When writing stories, the inclusion of wise counsel can add depth to the story and engage more readers. It allows people to empathise with the actions that are included in your writing. To agree or otherwise with the actions taking place. 

The characters you introduce to play this role will come from your own life experiences. We have all known of or met this type of sage person and how we embody them into stories can be a fun exercise in itself. 

God Bless 

Poetry Thursday 156 - Poor Kids

 It's August already. In the UK, the month that spews forth exam results mostly for 16 and 18 year olds. I remember receiving a brown envelope. I was home alone, and the dry-mouth feeling on reading that my results were inadequate for my initial applications to college. I was ok in the end. This is not an uncommon scenario and will be re-lived time and again. It still creates stress. Seven years ago Covid was an additional problem. 

Poor Kids

 

At least seven long years inside,

booby traps being part of the ride,

working as hard as you feel you can,

towards the goals that will make you a man.

 

The bully sharks are hunting intake prey,

the playground a tarmac sea of grey,

adults enormous hurdles to negotiate,

groups with whom you should not associate.

 

Subject to a myriad of others’ opinions,

just one of a tranche of newer minions,

where to fit to succeed in this place,

and become a full member of the human race.

 

Through the years one finds a slot,

it may be uncomfortable in life’s plot,

but short-lived discomfort leads to progress,

based on your examination finesse.

 

However, in 2020 along comes a virus,

catching it is in no way desirous,

school on hold for an extended period,

number of after effects a significant myriad.

 

Exams come round with every year,

regular as clockwork instilling fear,

in many of the teenage reluctant takers,

and controlled by national question writers.

Not this year due to virus attack,

children at home - efforts are slack,

but next steps in the future still there,

 will the exam establishment be aware.

 

Results Thursday came and went,

the children were sad or perhaps content,

an algorithm was applied to predicted scores,

grades were reduced causing great uproars.

 

The establishment had scored another own goal,

Ofqual regulator had failed in its role,

assuming that their solution had been correct,

resulting in many young futures wrecked. 

 

Where are the shoulders to take responsibility,

who will resign due to lack of capability?

Suddenly the talking heads spouting wise,

are no longer available irrespective of prize.

© David L Atkinson August 2020 

God Bless 

Writing - Scenarios

 Writing allows you to explore the imagination as well as your personal experiences. In fact, you can grab many opportunities to flex your writing muscle. The idea below was manufactured and is good practice for a variety of scenarios.

TWILIGHT

 

There’s something quite magical sitting outside on a warm summer's evening at the end of the day. Hearing the occasional car taking someone home after a long day,  and a train uttering its mechanical litany through the valley on a journey to wherever.

The air is still and cool but comfortable.  Solar-powered garden lights glow gently amongst dark flowers that will burst out bright in tomorrow's sunlight.

There is little that moves. A dark flitting shadow streaking across the eyeline  - a hunting bat. 

Although I didn't always write a paragraph describing every scenario I've used in the creation of the Steele novels, I have very detailed memories that I'm fortunate enough to be able to recall. It might be that some writers create a database of such snippets, and it could be useful for stories and articles. 

This exercise also provides me with spines for some of the poetry that I write. 

God Bless