David L. Atkinson's Blog, page 34
September 29, 2016
Writing - One for Sci-fi art
As a firm believer in the links that occur between different versions of art I came across an artist who has had great influence on the visualisation of stories in film.
[image error]H R Giger
Hans Rudolf "Ruedi" Giger (5 February 1940 – 12 May 2014) was a Swiss surrealist painter, whose style was adapted for many forms of media, including record-albums, furniture and tattoo-art.The Zurich-based artist was best known for airbrush images of humans and machines linked together in a cold 'biomechanical' relationship. Later he abandoned airbrush work for pastels, markers or ink. He was part of the special effects team that won an Academy Award for design work on the film Alien. In Switzerland there are two theme-bars that reflect his interior designs, and his work is on permanent display at the H.R. Giger Museum at Gruyères.
When we write our stories we do not do so without some level of visualisation of aspects of our stories. How often do we see the question 'Who do you see playing your lead in a movie?' The fact is written stories are a translation of what the imagination sees. H R Giger had a surreal imagination that could link animal and mechanical attributes to produce his 'creatures'.
[image error]Alien
The beast from Alien led to the academy recognition and that was in part down to the technical people who helped produce the film. However, the idea came from screenwriter Dan O'Bannon as a result of earlier film work. A fellow screenwriter, Ronald Shusett, collaborated with O'Bannon on the project. In other words products of the human mind from stories.Of course Giger was an artist.
[image error]Giger themed bar in Switzerland
As an artist there is a raft of work which has triggered alternative uses in his native country of Switzerland. There are a couple of themed bars designed in the style of Giger in that country.
If you consider Giger's drawings there are countless opportunities for other projects, both writing or otherwise, emanating from his work. It could be that some of the drawings he had created spawn other movies and stories.
I am no great artist but do enjoy sketching ideas and just for fun. The above sketch says quite a lot for me and you could expand what you see into quite a little story.Obviously, it is a windy day. Judging by the style of dress it is of an earlier period in history, probably the early part of the 20th century. There is a determination in her stride. There is a quality in her style of dress.
These are just a few ideas from a quite simple sketch. If that can be derived from the above the works of Giger could generate tomes.
God Bless
[image error]H R Giger
Hans Rudolf "Ruedi" Giger (5 February 1940 – 12 May 2014) was a Swiss surrealist painter, whose style was adapted for many forms of media, including record-albums, furniture and tattoo-art.The Zurich-based artist was best known for airbrush images of humans and machines linked together in a cold 'biomechanical' relationship. Later he abandoned airbrush work for pastels, markers or ink. He was part of the special effects team that won an Academy Award for design work on the film Alien. In Switzerland there are two theme-bars that reflect his interior designs, and his work is on permanent display at the H.R. Giger Museum at Gruyères.
When we write our stories we do not do so without some level of visualisation of aspects of our stories. How often do we see the question 'Who do you see playing your lead in a movie?' The fact is written stories are a translation of what the imagination sees. H R Giger had a surreal imagination that could link animal and mechanical attributes to produce his 'creatures'.
[image error]Alien
The beast from Alien led to the academy recognition and that was in part down to the technical people who helped produce the film. However, the idea came from screenwriter Dan O'Bannon as a result of earlier film work. A fellow screenwriter, Ronald Shusett, collaborated with O'Bannon on the project. In other words products of the human mind from stories.Of course Giger was an artist.
[image error]Giger themed bar in Switzerland
As an artist there is a raft of work which has triggered alternative uses in his native country of Switzerland. There are a couple of themed bars designed in the style of Giger in that country.
If you consider Giger's drawings there are countless opportunities for other projects, both writing or otherwise, emanating from his work. It could be that some of the drawings he had created spawn other movies and stories.
I am no great artist but do enjoy sketching ideas and just for fun. The above sketch says quite a lot for me and you could expand what you see into quite a little story.Obviously, it is a windy day. Judging by the style of dress it is of an earlier period in history, probably the early part of the 20th century. There is a determination in her stride. There is a quality in her style of dress.
These are just a few ideas from a quite simple sketch. If that can be derived from the above the works of Giger could generate tomes.
God Bless
September 28, 2016
Poetry Thursday 231 - Lost opportunities
This week is a busy one what with blogging, preparing for a book launch and big news.
First of all there were the big elephants being killed in large numbers for their tusks.
[image error]
Ivory
For what type of Earth do we wish?An orb of green pleasantnessor a barren, dusty, empty dishlacking vibrancy, life and sweetness.The gentle creatures we inherittake little and give back body.Yet we reasoning, greedy beings denude itthen murder species for wealth and shoddy.The elephants’ only sins are tusksmade from ivory, a sort after source,to produce intricate lifeless husksredolent of past scenes and lost remorse.Countless species lost to posterityour fault over eons of years,believing we know the true historyyet failing to learn the lessons of tears.© David L Atkinson September 2016
Then there is the demise of Big Sam as England manager.
Big Sam
Sam, Sam take up thy bed and walk,you were daft enough to be trappedso off you go, no need to talk,disappear wi’ tha’ knuckles wrapped.
Sam, Sam did tha’ not ‘ave enough?What was your agent thinkingmeeting the press? – That wor rough.He should be the one that's going.
On the other hand tha’ wor daft,wanting more like a greedy Oliver.You had it, due to your professional craftbut tossed it away sir.
Sam, Sam you know tha’ first mistakewas letting go what wor in your 'and,if you could the decision retake,you’d have stayed at Sunderland.© David L Atkinson September 2016
God Bless
First of all there were the big elephants being killed in large numbers for their tusks.
[image error]
Ivory
For what type of Earth do we wish?An orb of green pleasantnessor a barren, dusty, empty dishlacking vibrancy, life and sweetness.The gentle creatures we inherittake little and give back body.Yet we reasoning, greedy beings denude itthen murder species for wealth and shoddy.The elephants’ only sins are tusksmade from ivory, a sort after source,to produce intricate lifeless husksredolent of past scenes and lost remorse.Countless species lost to posterityour fault over eons of years,believing we know the true historyyet failing to learn the lessons of tears.© David L Atkinson September 2016
Then there is the demise of Big Sam as England manager.
Big Sam
Sam, Sam take up thy bed and walk,you were daft enough to be trappedso off you go, no need to talk,disappear wi’ tha’ knuckles wrapped.
Sam, Sam did tha’ not ‘ave enough?What was your agent thinkingmeeting the press? – That wor rough.He should be the one that's going.
On the other hand tha’ wor daft,wanting more like a greedy Oliver.You had it, due to your professional craftbut tossed it away sir.
Sam, Sam you know tha’ first mistakewas letting go what wor in your 'and,if you could the decision retake,you’d have stayed at Sunderland.© David L Atkinson September 2016
God Bless
September 27, 2016
Writing - Titular thought processes
I don't know abut you but when I complete a project I end up riddled with self-doubt. Many of the ideas that arrive in my strange mind do so in the lonely dark hours of the night and so it was at 03:20 this morning.
Firstly, and most important was the title. Building 7 is what the story is about but it is simple and doesn't address the fictional character, Patrick Steele, or the speculative nature of the work. I have decided that there needs to be a change there.
Of course if there is to be a change in title then the nature of the cover could also be different. The story embraces the influence of rich corporations on governments actions as well as what could be the unlawful deaths of three thousand innocent New Yorkers. The naming of the 3rd building doesn't seem to cover it today. So what are the alternatives?
A Fine Corporate Mess
Sponsored War Mongering
Tumbling Assets
Exploding Assets
Demolishing returns
I am quite liking the above title and cover.The title Demolishing Returns matches the actual disaster of 9/11 with what came back to the world as a result. The Second Gulf War was the main outcome but of course Larry Silverstein, the buildings owner, benefited to the tune of $4.55 million. Using film terminology the deaths were undoubtedly considered as collateral damage. The USA arms companies and Saudi Arabian Oil were probably satisfied with the outcomes.
God Bless
Firstly, and most important was the title. Building 7 is what the story is about but it is simple and doesn't address the fictional character, Patrick Steele, or the speculative nature of the work. I have decided that there needs to be a change there.
Of course if there is to be a change in title then the nature of the cover could also be different. The story embraces the influence of rich corporations on governments actions as well as what could be the unlawful deaths of three thousand innocent New Yorkers. The naming of the 3rd building doesn't seem to cover it today. So what are the alternatives?
A Fine Corporate Mess
Sponsored War Mongering
Tumbling Assets
Exploding Assets
Demolishing returns
I am quite liking the above title and cover.The title Demolishing Returns matches the actual disaster of 9/11 with what came back to the world as a result. The Second Gulf War was the main outcome but of course Larry Silverstein, the buildings owner, benefited to the tune of $4.55 million. Using film terminology the deaths were undoubtedly considered as collateral damage. The USA arms companies and Saudi Arabian Oil were probably satisfied with the outcomes.
God Bless
September 26, 2016
Tuesday Food Blog - Southern style Pork and beans
Another 'lighter' casserole for the cooling weekend temperatures.
Southern style Pork and beans
This recipe caught my eye because it used two types of meat and cannellini beans and seemed quite late summery. In fact it was quite spicy and reminded me of chilli.
Ingredients600g pork, diced250g gammon, cut into 1 inch squares1 onion, chopped1 14oz tin chopped tomatoes1 14oz tin of cannellini beans, drained2 tsp paprika1 garlic clove, chopped2 tsp English mustard2 tbsp tomato puree1 tsp chilli powder1 pint chicken stockparsleyyoghurtsalt and black pepper
Method
Fry the chopped onion off in a little oil. Add the two types of meat and season and brown off the meat. Add the tinned tomatoes and cannellini beans and stir in the chilli, paprika, tomato puree and garlic. Cook for a few minutes. Add the mustard and pour over the chicken stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 25 - 30 minutes.
You can vary the amount of chilli according to taste and serve in a variety of ways. The photo shows the dish with crushed new potatoes; however, rice, tortillas and crusty bread would also work.
God Bless
Southern style Pork and beans
This recipe caught my eye because it used two types of meat and cannellini beans and seemed quite late summery. In fact it was quite spicy and reminded me of chilli.
Ingredients600g pork, diced250g gammon, cut into 1 inch squares1 onion, chopped1 14oz tin chopped tomatoes1 14oz tin of cannellini beans, drained2 tsp paprika1 garlic clove, chopped2 tsp English mustard2 tbsp tomato puree1 tsp chilli powder1 pint chicken stockparsleyyoghurtsalt and black pepper
Method
Fry the chopped onion off in a little oil. Add the two types of meat and season and brown off the meat. Add the tinned tomatoes and cannellini beans and stir in the chilli, paprika, tomato puree and garlic. Cook for a few minutes. Add the mustard and pour over the chicken stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 25 - 30 minutes.
You can vary the amount of chilli according to taste and serve in a variety of ways. The photo shows the dish with crushed new potatoes; however, rice, tortillas and crusty bread would also work.
God Bless
September 25, 2016
Writing - Is this the end?
So WTC Building 7 is the 10th Steele novel, the 11th book in total and I have also 2 collections of poetry in print.
The only one missing from above is the most recent. Quite an achievement in seven years and definitely improving in quality and that isn't me saying that.The novels have a total of around 550k words, I have no idea for the poetry, possibly 20k more; and, Building 7 another 60k. Consider then that I also blog daily then I must have produced around 1 million words.Until this last book which has taken 10 months, the others have usually taken me half a year each to produce, the poetry I write in between.It costs me around £200/year to publish and distribute paperbacks and I don't cover my costs. (Must speak to the tax man!)
They say that you should write from what you know or have experienced where possible. I believe that is right and so the photographs I take on holiday serve as an aide memoire that may or may not be included at sometime in the future. The photograph above is from the Kielder Forest which I visited a couple of years ago and is one of the most deserted places in these islands. The picture was taken late morning in full daylight and the darkness between the trees is an indication of how dense the forest is in places.In one of the Steele novels a body is found in these trees. Now anyone reading this could look at the photo and write something into a story using the scene but the difference is in the sensing of the atmosphere when you are really there. This latter factor is your own senses and emotions interacting with the environment which then helps you generate an interesting passage. Without the direct experience you can't do much better than a mechanical description.One thing that helps me to write is having the question 'How would I have felt?' in mind. It helps with realism.
So to the question at the top of this post. It really is a rhetorical question because there is only me that can answer it. I am pondering whether I will write another book. Presently, there is no burning question likely to generate another novel, so the likely answer is no. Do I feel saddened - not really. I have poetry that needs collecting and a better version of my first novel to produce.
Watch this space.
God Bless
The only one missing from above is the most recent. Quite an achievement in seven years and definitely improving in quality and that isn't me saying that.The novels have a total of around 550k words, I have no idea for the poetry, possibly 20k more; and, Building 7 another 60k. Consider then that I also blog daily then I must have produced around 1 million words.Until this last book which has taken 10 months, the others have usually taken me half a year each to produce, the poetry I write in between.It costs me around £200/year to publish and distribute paperbacks and I don't cover my costs. (Must speak to the tax man!)
They say that you should write from what you know or have experienced where possible. I believe that is right and so the photographs I take on holiday serve as an aide memoire that may or may not be included at sometime in the future. The photograph above is from the Kielder Forest which I visited a couple of years ago and is one of the most deserted places in these islands. The picture was taken late morning in full daylight and the darkness between the trees is an indication of how dense the forest is in places.In one of the Steele novels a body is found in these trees. Now anyone reading this could look at the photo and write something into a story using the scene but the difference is in the sensing of the atmosphere when you are really there. This latter factor is your own senses and emotions interacting with the environment which then helps you generate an interesting passage. Without the direct experience you can't do much better than a mechanical description.One thing that helps me to write is having the question 'How would I have felt?' in mind. It helps with realism.
So to the question at the top of this post. It really is a rhetorical question because there is only me that can answer it. I am pondering whether I will write another book. Presently, there is no burning question likely to generate another novel, so the likely answer is no. Do I feel saddened - not really. I have poetry that needs collecting and a better version of my first novel to produce.
Watch this space.
God Bless
September 24, 2016
Writing - 10 things we didn't know last week
A mixed bag from the type of news that elicits an 'aahhh!' to one that generates an 'uugghhh!'
[image error]
1. A litre of cow urine is more valuable to an Indian farmer than a litre of milk.
Brings new meaning to a golden shower.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
2.Harry Potter's house is valued at £475,000 ($615,000).
I wonder how much for the cupboard under the stairs?
-----------------------------------
[image error]
3. There are only 28 websites on the internet in North Korea.
I sometimes wish it was like that here.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
4. Under triathlon rules, competitors are allowed to help each other.
Inevitable when you think of distances travelled.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
5.Fish have a dawn chorus.
And no audience.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
6. You can win gift vouchers for spotting badly translated street signs in South Korea.
Looking to improve.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
7. Babies with big heads are more likely to get a degree.
Its usually the parents with big heads.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
8. Just 3% of Americans own almost half of the USA's guns.
There must be a helluva lot of guns in the states then.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
9. Lightning bolts can cover a horizontal distance of 200 miles (322km).
Just didn't see that coming.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
10. Pigeons can distinguish real words from nonsense
How on earth can anyone test that and why would they???????
-----------------------------------
God Bless
[image error]
1. A litre of cow urine is more valuable to an Indian farmer than a litre of milk.
Brings new meaning to a golden shower.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
2.Harry Potter's house is valued at £475,000 ($615,000).
I wonder how much for the cupboard under the stairs?
-----------------------------------
[image error]
3. There are only 28 websites on the internet in North Korea.
I sometimes wish it was like that here.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
4. Under triathlon rules, competitors are allowed to help each other.
Inevitable when you think of distances travelled.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
5.Fish have a dawn chorus.
And no audience.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
6. You can win gift vouchers for spotting badly translated street signs in South Korea.
Looking to improve.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
7. Babies with big heads are more likely to get a degree.
Its usually the parents with big heads.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
8. Just 3% of Americans own almost half of the USA's guns.
There must be a helluva lot of guns in the states then.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
9. Lightning bolts can cover a horizontal distance of 200 miles (322km).
Just didn't see that coming.
-----------------------------------
[image error]
10. Pigeons can distinguish real words from nonsense
How on earth can anyone test that and why would they???????
-----------------------------------
God Bless
September 23, 2016
Writing - Giving birth to books
As is often the case when one finishes any project, whether it be decorating a room to finishing a book there is a moment of parturition. I'm not quite there yet but in process of drawing the strings together to bring about an ending.
As with the birth of a child, when the book is available it will have been prepared, dressed suitably and named. That preparation is always the part I am less than happy with as I have finished the book!
[image error]
The book is probably going to be 'named' WTC Building 7 even though that is the search phrase frequently used when anyone is wanting to research 9/11. In one way of course that is great as my book will be one of the items that comes up in such searches, but, some of the sites that appear as a result of such a request have been made unavailable! Like all expectant parents there is time for a change.
[image error]
The editing process is not one that I enjoy, rather like the pain of giving birth for a mother, but similarly is unavoidable. My two proofreaders are champing at the bit to start finding all the mistakes I've made in the creation, again to stretch the analogy a little further, as a midwife would check the baby and clean it up after the birth.
[image error]
Whatever happens all processes take time and I think it will be a couple of weeks at least before I have hard copy ready to be proofread.
Book ready for distribution mid November?
Well that's what I'm hoping it will look like. Having said that I just hope it is out for Christmas as it is a good time to sell books. Whatever happens I feel confident that it will be available 2016.
Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
God Bless
As with the birth of a child, when the book is available it will have been prepared, dressed suitably and named. That preparation is always the part I am less than happy with as I have finished the book!
[image error]
The book is probably going to be 'named' WTC Building 7 even though that is the search phrase frequently used when anyone is wanting to research 9/11. In one way of course that is great as my book will be one of the items that comes up in such searches, but, some of the sites that appear as a result of such a request have been made unavailable! Like all expectant parents there is time for a change.
[image error]
The editing process is not one that I enjoy, rather like the pain of giving birth for a mother, but similarly is unavoidable. My two proofreaders are champing at the bit to start finding all the mistakes I've made in the creation, again to stretch the analogy a little further, as a midwife would check the baby and clean it up after the birth.
[image error]
Whatever happens all processes take time and I think it will be a couple of weeks at least before I have hard copy ready to be proofread.
Book ready for distribution mid November?
Well that's what I'm hoping it will look like. Having said that I just hope it is out for Christmas as it is a good time to sell books. Whatever happens I feel confident that it will be available 2016.
Steele My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
All books are available in paperback or ebook through Amazon, Smashwords and all good book shop websites.
God Bless
September 22, 2016
Writing - WTC Building 7 cover
I have the first draft of Building 7 completed and now I must endure the grinding work of editing but first a cover is required.
As a self-published author I have also created all of the covers for my 10 books with varying degrees of satisfaction.
The above was the first and not too bad but things didn't always work out so well and the photograph bore little relationship to the story apart from part of the location of where the story was set.I've tried to take on advice about the covers chosen but sometimes there has been inspiration even in the artwork.
The sixth Steele novel, Earth plc, generated feelings of the misuse of the planet and I came up with the above cover by amalgamating 3 photographs. I felt that it conveyed a message - that large corporations are screwing the Earth and yet there are natural solutions to our demands for power.
WTC Building 7
Now I have another book cover to create and have come up with the following ideas:-
This first one is simple and straightforward but there may be problems with blurring.
The above is my personal favourite as the three columns of light representing each of the stricken edifices is quite ethereal.
I like the third as well as the building in question seems to being enveloped by the dust and smoke from the Twin Towers.
At some point I will need to make a decision but if anyone out there actually reads my blogs and has any thoughts they would be gratefully appreciated.
God Bless
As a self-published author I have also created all of the covers for my 10 books with varying degrees of satisfaction.
The above was the first and not too bad but things didn't always work out so well and the photograph bore little relationship to the story apart from part of the location of where the story was set.I've tried to take on advice about the covers chosen but sometimes there has been inspiration even in the artwork.
The sixth Steele novel, Earth plc, generated feelings of the misuse of the planet and I came up with the above cover by amalgamating 3 photographs. I felt that it conveyed a message - that large corporations are screwing the Earth and yet there are natural solutions to our demands for power.
WTC Building 7
Now I have another book cover to create and have come up with the following ideas:-
This first one is simple and straightforward but there may be problems with blurring.
The above is my personal favourite as the three columns of light representing each of the stricken edifices is quite ethereal.
I like the third as well as the building in question seems to being enveloped by the dust and smoke from the Twin Towers.
At some point I will need to make a decision but if anyone out there actually reads my blogs and has any thoughts they would be gratefully appreciated.
God Bless
September 21, 2016
Poetry Thursday 230 - What Lies Beneath
We all go about the world with things going on inside that we prefer very few to know about.
[image error]
Look up
Perhaps in time people will noticethe depth of feeling in the words.What is hidden is in all of usbut camouflaged as would a bird?
They go about their daily tasksavoiding eye contact and sudden moves,to maintain their own solitary asksof the world in perpetuating loves.
We are like some creaturesas we go about our daily bread,disguising details of our features,taking them with us when we’re dead.
Yet all that’s needed is a sympathetic eyethat sees through broken outlines,a friendly smile or a high five,would provide soul nourishing good signs.© David L Atkinson September 2016
Sometimes words don't do the trick but a signal may.
Then of course there is that part of everyone's day that nobody can control.
Dreams
In the dark, the eyes dormantno light or colour to be seen,the mind takes flight rampantcreating pictures where reality had been. Swimming the streets in shallow, blue waterbefore having the ability to swim,feeling the freedom as a fish ought taface lightened with reposeful grin.Then darker shadow flashes byas the beast’s outline is discerned,urge for safety initiates need to fly,then the nocturnal race is joined.Out of the door and down the street,legs flying in a blurglances back hearing great, clawed feetand glimpses a flash of tanned fur.Breath is burning in the lungmuscles aching – have to drive on,turn again goaded by lolling tongue.Will the flight bring gentle dawn?Then a visit from long dead relativesboth needing intensive care,trying to live a quiet life – restivewith demanding voices in the air.Finally, exterior light is burgeoning,the night’s cinema is fading fast,from restful sleep the body is stirring,welcoming another new day at last.
© David L Atkinson September 2016
The above poem hints at recurring dreams I remember over my life. They may seem strange but aren't most people's? It is fascinating the way the brain cobbles together life experiences, fears and emotions then quite artistically creates a different view.
God Bless
[image error]
Look up
Perhaps in time people will noticethe depth of feeling in the words.What is hidden is in all of usbut camouflaged as would a bird?
They go about their daily tasksavoiding eye contact and sudden moves,to maintain their own solitary asksof the world in perpetuating loves.
We are like some creaturesas we go about our daily bread,disguising details of our features,taking them with us when we’re dead.
Yet all that’s needed is a sympathetic eyethat sees through broken outlines,a friendly smile or a high five,would provide soul nourishing good signs.© David L Atkinson September 2016
Sometimes words don't do the trick but a signal may.
Then of course there is that part of everyone's day that nobody can control.
Dreams
In the dark, the eyes dormantno light or colour to be seen,the mind takes flight rampantcreating pictures where reality had been. Swimming the streets in shallow, blue waterbefore having the ability to swim,feeling the freedom as a fish ought taface lightened with reposeful grin.Then darker shadow flashes byas the beast’s outline is discerned,urge for safety initiates need to fly,then the nocturnal race is joined.Out of the door and down the street,legs flying in a blurglances back hearing great, clawed feetand glimpses a flash of tanned fur.Breath is burning in the lungmuscles aching – have to drive on,turn again goaded by lolling tongue.Will the flight bring gentle dawn?Then a visit from long dead relativesboth needing intensive care,trying to live a quiet life – restivewith demanding voices in the air.Finally, exterior light is burgeoning,the night’s cinema is fading fast,from restful sleep the body is stirring,welcoming another new day at last.
© David L Atkinson September 2016
The above poem hints at recurring dreams I remember over my life. They may seem strange but aren't most people's? It is fascinating the way the brain cobbles together life experiences, fears and emotions then quite artistically creates a different view.
God Bless
September 20, 2016
Writing - Beam me up Scotty
How many times have you been stuck somewhere, a traffic jam or a frustrating queue and have muttered the line 'beam me up Scotty' from Star Trek? Well scientists have taken a step towards realising that possibility.
[image error]
The question is which came first, the Star Trek technology or the real life development? Read on.
Physicists have set a record for quantum teleportation: moving information from one place to another without physically sending anything between the locations.Two separate teams managed to teleport information across several kilometres of optical fibre network in two cities.
This form of teleportation differs from that depicted in Star Trek: it involves transferring quantum states of a light particle, not Starfleet officers.
But the method offers huge promise.
Teleportation over long distances is an important step towards the ultra-secure communications promised by quantum cryptography.
[image error]Entanglement
I love the term that describes how a photon particle is transported - entanglement. It could have been coined by a writer but it doesn't end there, because to boost the amount that can be transported repeaters can be used.
So what has this to do with being a writer?
Well whether or not we write within the SF genre or current times it is relevant to keep up-to-date. Perhaps it is less relevant than writing historical works but then having written a short story set at the end of the 19th century it was important to bedeck the literary set with the correct artefacts.
Stage setting
When a team come together to put on a piece on stage they have to create the scene in which the story is set. If they don't do this with care and relevance to the story line then there will be a clash in the minds of the audience that could turn them off the story. As writers we are in the position where we create the scenery as we are writing. The quality of that setting really depends upon how much attention we give it. As in many situations you can have too much of a good thing but there has to be something there, a framework, on which readers can hang the details of the story.
A Christmas Carol
I know that in some works a deliberate clash may be constructed but that has to be managed carefully. On the other hand a minimalist set puts the onus on the performers or characters to carry the story. Once again the right balance needs to be found to deliver the story.
So we might consider how teleportation may evolve in the world once the scientists have gone beyond transporting fractions of atoms to more solid objects.
Will they begin with fixed points, rather like the post offices used to be, so that you can send stuff to other parts of the country then the world?
Will there be mistakes where things arrive at their destination broken or destroyed?
Will objects appear in the wrong place causing mayhem for the recipients and consternation for the intended target?
How soon will people be able to move using teleportation?
There are always a plethora of possibilities for writers when new technology is developed and that is part of the enjoyment of writing. It is constantly changing and developing.
Building 7
Here is the news! Yesterday I finished the fiction part of the novel. There is the factual appendix to complete and then the editing to do including creating a cover which I have had one or two ideas about.
God Bless
[image error]
The question is which came first, the Star Trek technology or the real life development? Read on.
Physicists have set a record for quantum teleportation: moving information from one place to another without physically sending anything between the locations.Two separate teams managed to teleport information across several kilometres of optical fibre network in two cities.
This form of teleportation differs from that depicted in Star Trek: it involves transferring quantum states of a light particle, not Starfleet officers.
But the method offers huge promise.
Teleportation over long distances is an important step towards the ultra-secure communications promised by quantum cryptography.
[image error]Entanglement
I love the term that describes how a photon particle is transported - entanglement. It could have been coined by a writer but it doesn't end there, because to boost the amount that can be transported repeaters can be used.
So what has this to do with being a writer?
Well whether or not we write within the SF genre or current times it is relevant to keep up-to-date. Perhaps it is less relevant than writing historical works but then having written a short story set at the end of the 19th century it was important to bedeck the literary set with the correct artefacts.
Stage setting
When a team come together to put on a piece on stage they have to create the scene in which the story is set. If they don't do this with care and relevance to the story line then there will be a clash in the minds of the audience that could turn them off the story. As writers we are in the position where we create the scenery as we are writing. The quality of that setting really depends upon how much attention we give it. As in many situations you can have too much of a good thing but there has to be something there, a framework, on which readers can hang the details of the story.
A Christmas Carol
I know that in some works a deliberate clash may be constructed but that has to be managed carefully. On the other hand a minimalist set puts the onus on the performers or characters to carry the story. Once again the right balance needs to be found to deliver the story.
So we might consider how teleportation may evolve in the world once the scientists have gone beyond transporting fractions of atoms to more solid objects.
Will they begin with fixed points, rather like the post offices used to be, so that you can send stuff to other parts of the country then the world?
Will there be mistakes where things arrive at their destination broken or destroyed?
Will objects appear in the wrong place causing mayhem for the recipients and consternation for the intended target?
How soon will people be able to move using teleportation?
There are always a plethora of possibilities for writers when new technology is developed and that is part of the enjoyment of writing. It is constantly changing and developing.
Building 7
Here is the news! Yesterday I finished the fiction part of the novel. There is the factual appendix to complete and then the editing to do including creating a cover which I have had one or two ideas about.
God Bless
