Writing - Conflict 2

Following on from last week, I've been thinking about the can of worms that is conflict. It ranges from toddlers nipping at each other to all-out war. 

 Like all processes, there are beginnings, developments and outcomes. The beginnings are virtually anything because conflict arises from reactions of individuals, which in turn are dependent on personality and learned personal preferences. When we write conflict into our stories, these are factors that can bring about a flashpoint. So there is an initial stimulus, which can vary according to who is the recipient of that stimulus. 

Then there is some type of reaction, which, once again, can take almost any form and doesn't have to be extreme, but for the players is significant. The fighting toddlers may cry and shout, young adults may indulge in a fist fight, or gangs may carry out more serious crimes. The explosion can take a myriad of forms. Within the explosive behaviour, there are opportunities to explore how such conflicts develop and then are resolved. 

Then the resolution may be a handshake, a hug, or a social gathering. Again, almost anything, depending on those involved. 

When we are developing situations for the entertainment of our readers, there is no limit to what we can imagine and include. At the same time, you can use real events that have occurred, like 9/11, an accident, and so on. The process is under the influence of the protagonists and the resulting narrative needs to be consistant. 

God Bless 

Poetry Thursday 159 - Brain Power

 A simple question with a plethora of answers, few of which are wrong. How do they con people into voting for them? (Fill in the names from your own experience).

Lucy

 

If we could use more of the power

of our brains, increasingly by the hour,

would our lives be any easier,

or would existence be a little trickier?

 

Some would pay to use that much!

Their ‘off’ behaviours demonstrate such.

Knowing there is more use to be had

suggests they’re perhaps not doing too bad.

 

But then living on the Earth are those

whose brain activity is set at doze,

and allowing them to engage with us

is risky if not dangerous.

 

We all go through our lives hoping

that our bustling brains are great at coping,

and if we strive to keep them busy

we may end up as bright as Lucy.

© David L Atkinson September 2014 

God Bless

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 

Poetry Thursday 155 - Twilight Zone

 As I age, I see a difference in the way people look at you and treat you. I'm not talking 'with respect' or 'contempt' it is actually closer to suspicion. They seem to be suspicious that you are going to do or say something that will require support. 

The Twilight Zone

 

Used to be tales of mystery and imagination,

 designed to thrill causing the heart to flutter,

now it’s more about causes for exclusion,

and hazards making steps that stutter.

 

Disturbing bumps in the night,

inexplicable sounds cutting through sleep,

another reason to turn on the light, 

watching the hands of the clock creep.

 

Hardly surprising when you don’t work anymore,

that sleep is no longer a priority,

  need other purposes to dip into the energy store,

while searching for life's clarity.

 

Seems sleeping light encourages dreaming,

strange dreams of people and past,

the brain not just reflecting life and living,

creating new visions on which nothing to hang fast.

 

So having moved from working situation,

to a grey transitional state,

partly evidenced by friend and relation,

we are now in some place to wait.

©David L Atkinson July 2026 

God Bless 

Writing - Levels of Thought

  

When you actually begin to write your book or your story, and you look at your plan and begin to put things down on paper or on the computer, you'll find yourself thinking at different levels.

 

Research done character set the situation described, and now you've got to actually bring together all of those ideas in some kind of case if narrative that is that will entertain your readership.  This involves thinking, which may seem obvious, but actually, we think on various levels. To begin with, it's fairly superficial, and we're actually just thinking about the physical nature of describing the story.  However, very quickly, we have different, less tangible elements coming together, which require more complex thoughts because we're looking at the interactions between place characters and events.  This is the point at which you can enrich the quality of your writing using personal experience and the research that you've done. If you like, it is the qualitative stage of writing your story. 

Human beings, by their nature, are complex characters; they are capable of abstract thinking, and writers have the drive to want to share that with other people. where it might be the desire to rush ahead and get things down on paper, it is probably time to pause and consider each scene and the depth of meaning within those scenes, so that we take our audience along with us. This is the point at which you can truly say, 

 'I’m a writer' 

God Bless 

 

 

 

Poetry Thursday 154 - Control

We like to think that we are in control of our own lives. People take years out to 'find' themselves, which I didn't, so it has taken a little longer for me to complete the process. The poem below should be several verses longer and may become so in the future, but I think you'll get the idea. 

Control

 

If you work hard all your life,

if you save hard for your future,

if you stay straight as a knife,

and are never an aggressor,

you may have some control.

 

If you pay all of your taxes,

refuse to fall into debt,

fit in with expected agendas,

treat others with respect,

you may have some control.

 

If you make your political choices,

and demand reasonable requests,

listen to authoritative voices,

always polite to the guests,

you will have little control.

 

If you go off to fight their wars,

suffer the outcome in silence,

knowing the choice wasn’t yours,

conned to duty in their defence,

you have no control.

 

Don’t step outside your circle,

maintain the status quo,

do nothing that’s abnormal,

stay steady as you go,

Still no control.

©David L Atkinson July 2026 

A hint of what may be possible occurred on Christmas Day 1914 

during The First World War.

God Bless 

Writing - Memory

 Unless you have a great memory, you will need to keep a writing diary/file of information to be used or to use again. It may be that you only write one story, and then perhaps you can get away with the occasional note. You might be able to write everything on little scraps of paper; however, if you intend to write more than one story in the same vein, then you need to have a record of the sorts of things that you may need accurate information about to maintain consistency. 

When writing the Steele novels, I soon discovered that I needed to keep accurate records of the types of vehicles my hero liked to drive. Additionally, it was necessary to keep abreast of the latest developments in vehicular technology to keep my stories up-to-date. This type of preparation is necessary to keep your writing current. 

The second tranche of data I needed was a current catalogue of weaponry. This takes me back to an example I never get tired of using, and that is the number of bullets fired by a Colt 45 in cowboy films of the 50's and 60's. Plainly, the magazine of such weapons was a 6-space barrel shape, and yet John Wayne could fire forever seemingly without reloading. Bringing it as current as possible, I spent time researching modern magazine sizes so that I could furnish Steele with the most modern weapons. I believe the biggest magazine was with a Glock handgun of around 19 shells. Probably, well out-of-date. 

My final example is a diary-type record of places visited and activities carried out. This speaks for itself in that you must remain accurate to maintain reality within the fiction that you are producing. 

I'm not a great fan of record keeping, but it saves time in producing a book in that research is not beginning from square one every time you put pen to paper. 

God Bless 

Poetry Thursday 153 - Commentators

 The World Cup will end next Sunday, Wimbledon ended last Sunday, and cricket matches have started and ended in the last week or so. Many other sports are active or have just ended in the last few days. Associated experts and commentators are temporarily, or will be, unemployed. I could give a cheer for the relief that the English language must be feeling. 

Commentators

They are there from whenever you view,

football, cricket, golf, and more,

expressing experiences from history they accrue,

experts on techniques and sporting law.

Their knowledge is frighteningly vast.

 

Formed from the retired player body,

they may have not even been the best,

believing they articulate in no way shoddy,

until viewers say, ‘C’mon give it a rest’,

Their hubris is almost boundless.

 

It was not always thus,

games were played with minimal chatter,

in ’66 Wolstenholme spoke with minimum fuss,

the game won without expert natter.

No talking heads back then.

 

It’s good to receive informed support,

but not at the expense of the action,

I enjoy the succinct sports report,

rather than nattering distraction,

Silence is golden.

©David L Atkinson June 2026 

God Bless

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