Writing - Themes

If you are serious about writing and intend to produce more than one story, you are allowing yourself to develop ongoing themes running throughout your work. 

 

 

The type of theme you decide upon determines in some degree the flavour of your work. In the Steele novels, one of my important themes was the link to Japan. This was important because it went towards the development of the hero's personality and skills. So the supporting details of the Yakuza and it's history is reiterated in parts across all of the Steele stories. 

The Japan connection is important, but there are other, less important but almost as continuous throughout the books. I have used other strands to establish relationships and to change the direction in which the story is moving. 

Early in Patrick Steele's adventures, I decided that a relationship with the local police could add a little spice to the progress of each adventure. On top of that, a personal relationship worms its way into the fabric of the tale while Steele is between Japanese girlfriends. There are also hints towards police dishonesty that flit around one of the stories. 

A final example is that of the mother figure for the hero. This is important due to Steele's unfortunate upbringing, but that introduces a level of stability in all of the stories. 

The examples given are a brief taste of what stories contain but they demonstrate the way Steele is structured. 

God Bless 

Poetry Thursday 152 - I Swear

 My father was a very principled man, and if he was with my mum and someone was swearing in their vicinity, he would ask them to stop, stating that there was a lady present. 

I swear

 

Cursing is a common thing

it’s linked to the emotions

it comes out when you stub your toe

or suffer other abrasions.

 

When your team does it’s best but then still loses,

or when the lights go out at home and you have no fuses,

then your language discipline goes south,

and all sorts of expletives escape your mouth.

 

 There are times when usual words don’t just cut the mustard,

you need embellished ones like apple pie with the custard,

you remember forbidden words dredged up from your youth,

that mam said made you sound vulgar and uncouth.

 

Sometimes letting rip a barrage of invective,

can, as a de-stressing tool, be remarkably effective,

but casual swearing as part of normal conversation,

is negative socialisation.

 

It happens with younger people on ego trip,

seen as an alpha sign when you let rip,

too much of the swearing makes it hard to detect,

whether or not they deserve any respect.

©David L Atkinson July 2026 

God Bless 

Writing - Teams

 In many genres, the stories have groups of protagonists rather than single people. Even superheroes have some backup people. Batman had Robin, Lone Ranger had Tonto, Superman had his girlfriend, and Tarzan had Jane. Teams! When I created Steele, I created a larger team that I felt enriched the action with human interactions.

By having a group, skills were introduced without making Steele seem too far-fetched. My aim was to maintain a level of realism in the main character. I also included a love interest and a pseudo-parental role that introduced the possibility of moral dilemmas in the actions in which Steele became involved. All of these possibilities for enriching your writing can introduce surprise elements or hidden plot twists. 

Relationships can be tricky; they can become more significant than the storyline that followers of a particular genre may find diluting. It can mar the experience. There are elements of teams that are educating, supportive of modern life, and of interest in the 21st century. However, you need to be true to your style and genre. For me, the antics of the teams should embellish the story, not control what is happening. 

In short, writing close to real life, if you are a police drama author, should not detract from the drama. 

God Bless 

Poetry Thursday 151 - My Precious

 The following has often been said by older humans, probably in every language in the world. However, I'm saying it again as we bid farewell to another much-loved performer, Penelope Keith. Each death reminds us older folk of our own fragile humanity. 

My Precious

 

Whoever said life is precious stated the obvious,

must’ve be running short of time,

watching grandchildren play oblivious,

observing some political pantomime,

the fact is there is only one chance in life

and every moment of it is precious.

 

Turning down opportunities is a sin,

take every chance to wear out your smile,

begin every new day with a grin,

and ensure all your activities are worthwhile.

 

Marvel at the endless beauty of nature,

do all in your power to offer it protection,

wallow in pathetic human efforts of recapture,

then look on its truth with reflection.

 

Prepare your children and extend your life,

you can’t make happiness but can provide the chance,

cut through their naughty problems as a knife,

bask in the contentment of their advance.

©David L Atkinson July 2026 

God Bless 

Writing - Be Brave

 I have frequently suggested that our writings can be kept current by including issues of the day. It doesn't matter which party or group you belong to personally; in the era of free speech, you have the right to discuss all sides of political arguments. Obviously, there are countries where there is no such freedom of speech. The slightly worrying signs that situations are changing can be identified through the pronouncements made by governments in reaction to anti-government action. 

Actor Robert Lindsay starred as Citizen Smith in 'Power to the People' in a comedy series that ran from 1977 to 1980. In the series, he saw himself as the leader of a small group - Tooting Popular Front - with an aim to introduce communism. May seem a little far-fetched but consider the language of your governments. 

In the UK, it is considered radical to support the people of Gaza who, as we are all aware, have been mercilessly persecuted in acts of genocide by Israel. The government described such protests as radical. (Freedom of speech!) Just one pointer that brings into question political attitudes towards freedom of speech. 

Some commentators have suggested that when this sort of action is carried out by governments, politics needs to be changed. We can see the influence of powerful groups and people demanding that their position be supported and protected by governments because they feel that they have purchased that right. 

The situations described above have occurred in dictatorships and non-democratic countries, but when you see it happening in self-congratulatory democracies, then there is something seriously wrong with the system in those countries. 

So when you write, whether it be in an article, a letter to an editor or a novel, highlight the things that are going on that you feel are wrong. 

God Bless 

Poetry Thursday 150 - World Cup's back

 It's back and with accompanying controversy - World Cup. Taking place across Mexico, USA and Canada in a number of different cities across the continent. 

World Cup Woes

 

In ’66 the world was ours,

nations tried to do their worst,

to defeat England using all their powers,

but they never reckoned on striker Hurst.

 

Then I was 16 the Beatles were great,

pizza, a new addition to your plate,

curry was not yet an option,

yoghurt a liquidy, puddingy concoction.

 

But at football we soared on eagles’ wings,

defeating countries with amazing skills,

enjoying what success brings,

giving supporters tangible thrills.

 

Since then there’s been ups and downs,

some promise but more flops,

fans faces full of frowns,

new players, many drops.

 

Here we are 60 years on

overcoming weaker teams again,

after barren years matches won,

is the cup ours to regain?

 

Knockout stage an undoubted lottery,

only one chance to win,

nerves definitely jittery,

who will Tuchel pick to begin?

 

The key is in our own hands,

our lads must believe,

relying on their own brand,

the dazzling crown to receive.

 

Now at 70+ music is strange,

Quinoa apparently is good food,

phones - no wires - with huge range,

winning again would be good.

©David L Atkinson June 2026 

God Bless 

Writing - Special Events

 When we're writing stories, quite often it can be more interesting for our readers to attach the events of a story to a specific date or a series of dates. For example, yesterday was Father’s Day, which could be a key data set off with a particular tale about fathers' relationships etc.

Today, June 22, is a special day because it is Windrush Day, which commemorates the British Caribbean community, as well as World Rainforest Day, which highlights the importance of protecting tropical ecosystems. 

I have just finished a short story based in Moscow on May 9th, which is their Victory Day, and provided targets for assassination!

Somehow I missed this beauty below!

It is also National Chocolate Éclairs Day and National Onion Rings Day.  The mind boggles. However, each of these special days offers a myriad of opportunities to entertain our readers, although at the moment I can’t think of anything to do with onion rings that would make a good story.

It may be that one of these days is particularly relevant for you. Why not make the end of the story as enjoyable for you as it is for your readers? We all deserve some pleasure, even in the production of the work, not just in the number of sales it brings. 

God Bless