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 138 - Easter Bunny

 A fun time of year that is more of a new beginning than the turn of the year. 

Easter Bunny

 

A happy time from tragedy,

applied to the cute and cuddly,

whether it be rabbits or chicks,

the intention to sell chocolate bricks.

 

Supposedly a sign of rebirth,

mood lightening from dark winter’s dearth,

but really another opportunity for selling,

obscuring the message’s true meaning.

 

Opportunity to embrace newness again,

a natural world’s living campaign,

to protect our planet and save the future,

from the actions of the current caretaker.

 

Appealing to the fondness of the children,

with creatures and confectionery distraction,

hoping they will enjoy the reward,

and become more efficient landlord.

 ©David L Atkinson April 2026 

God Bless 

Writing - Writing CEO

 There’s one certain thing, and that is that you are the CEO of your own work, so you could make whatever artistic decisions you wish. I approached last week the idea of when and when not to include copious details in your work, on the fact that too much at the wrong time could actually slow the pace. It would seem that by suggesting that you are the CEO, it doesn't matter when or where you put the details, but the rules are just the same. Too much detail kind of slows the pace of your story; not enough detail may detract from interest in the story.

 

However, as the CEO of your own work, you have the right to make decisions without reference to anybody else. It is nice when you are given positive feedback and advice, but as in all aspects of life, you can choose to ignore advice, irrespective of how good it is. Being your own CEO allows you total freedom of expression.

 

Freedom of expression is the gift that writing gives you. You can change the details of existing situations, adjust timelines and time scales, and be as futuristic as you wish to be, among other things. This is only limited by your imagination. It should be the source of inspiration for your writing. What I’m saying is you can write whatever you like, and no one else has the right to deny you in your wishes. Of course, if you wish to sell books, it may be necessary to take current trends into consideration. 

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