Bill Dark's Thoughts
This site is a vehicle for me, Bill Dark, to have fun. Hopefully, others will too, My thoughts on all manner of topics are here. My interests vary from history to, cultures, art, science and geopolitics to many other areas. I am ADHD and rush off in many directions at once. People tell me that my published books; stories; poems; favorite witty quotations and more are often amusing in a very dark and definitely British manner.
This site is for adults. Teenage years are those between childhood and adultery. Adulthood begins at 70, and though beyond that I have yet to grow up.
The point of this endeavor is to engage with other writers; encourage an exchange of thoughts and ideas; and to find a wider readership for Bill's Dark Thoughts.
About the Author
This website is not intended to make money either through visits to the site or through my published writings.
I am happy with what I have and write for the joy of it.
The following stages describe my mental progress, or lack of it:
I am young so I know everything.
I think therefore I am.
I lust therefore I am. (That bit was fun)
I drink therefore I am. (Added weight)
I write therefore I am.
I'm old and know hardly anything.
I am a trivial particle in time and space.
Costa Rica is a great place for writers.
It offers adventure, natural beauty and tranquillity.
It is also very dangerous.
As I write this, I glance out of the window.
To the side of the monitor is a waterfall, a sparkling cataract flowing between a riot of blooms.
Amongst the rocks, blue, yellow and red birds drink, shower and devour insects.
Two of our thirteen species of hummingbirds hover over flowers. They fight for the precious territory. Losers die, if they do not feed every two hours. They flash electric violet and iridescent green, as they joust, catching the sun.
All creatures and plants are in a Darwinian struggle to live for just one more day.
They inspire dreams of mayhem, malice and murder.
The challenges and mental stimulation of writing are wonderful.
The positive criticism and social circle of other writers teaches me a lot, too.
For 14 years, members of the Costa Rica Writers' Group have been invaluable guides.
They hale from various countries. Many have moved away from Costa Rica.
Over time, I have adopted various pen names. These include Aaron Aalborg and Chris Clarke. Their work is included on this site.
There follows an explanation of why I have different names.
As a teenager, I trained as an amateur actor in a theater near my home. 'Method Acting' improved my performance. Using this approach you try to become the character that you are playing.
As rehearsals develop, characters escape the theater and invade your home and later work life.
This is worrying for those sharing your life space, especially as I am drawn to the darker characters.
The lycanthropic cardinal in Webster's 'Duchess of Malfi' is a good example. Full moons can still awaken him. Neighbors complain when you bay the moon. It sets dogs barking for miles around.
It frightens their kids.
Bad guys are so much more interesting.
Unfortunately, having several nom de plumes creates a form of schizophrenia. Different personalities burst out unexpectedly. This can be disconcerting for those around me. Try it. It can be fun.
Bill Dark