Category: The Writers Room

A place to talk about writing.

A Word About My Father

Notes by Alex – FreeWrite

“A Life of Love, Laughter, and Family”

I wanted to take a moment to talk about my father, Alex Atkinson Sr. He’s a great man—now in his 80s—and throughout his life he has shown what it means to live with love, honor, and respect.

Growing up, my sister and I always knew we were deeply cared for. Dad didn’t just say he loved his family; he showed it in the way he supported us, stood by us, and carried himself with quiet strength. His example taught us that family is something you don’t just belong to—you invest in it, you nurture it, you hold it together.

I remember him telling me how much he had learned from his own father—“Pops.” He picked up the ways of hunting, fishing, and providing, and then carried those lessons forward. Dad shared them with his nephews, with me, with my cousins. That spirit of passing things down—knowledge, traditions, laughter, and care—has always been his way of looking out for our big family.

What I’ll never forget is his smile. Around family, he always had a big grin on his face, ready to laugh, ready to make others laugh. Joy seemed to flow naturally from him, and it lit up our gatherings in a way that made everyone feel at home.

My dad is an amazing man. Not just because of what he’s done, but because of who he is. He is love in action, the kind of steady presence that anchors a family. And for that, and for him, I am forever grateful.

Closing Reflection

As I look at my own life now, I realize how much of my father lives on in me. His lessons about love, honor, and respect shape how I show up for my family and community today. His laughter reminds me to bring joy into every room I enter. And his faithfulness inspires me to stay grounded in what truly matters. In many ways, I see my role now as carrying the torch he lit—continuing the legacy of care, faith, and strength that he embodied so well.

The Bible says in Proverbs 20:7, “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.” I see that truth in my father’s life. Because he walked in integrity, we—his children and family—continue to live in the blessing of his example. I carry the torch he lit, continuing the legacy of care, faith, and strength that he embodied so well.

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Becoming a Writer: From Blog to Book

“How Blogging Can Launch Your Writing Journey”

Notes by Alex

Becoming a writer and publishing your first book isn’t some unreachable dream—it’s a very real, achievable goal. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to do it all at once. A blog can serve as your creative testing ground, your accountability partner, and your first audience. It’s where your voice takes shape and where the seeds of a book can begin to grow.

This journey, from concept to creation, unfolds in stages. Each step builds on the last, taking you closer to the moment when you hold your book in your hands.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Idea

Every book begins with a “why.” Why do you want to write? Who do you want to reach?

For nonfiction, think about the problem you want to help readers solve. Your blog posts can act as mini-experiments—sharing tips, ideas, or reflections that let you see what resonates.

For fiction, passion is everything. Choose a story you love enough to live with for months (or years). Anchor your characters and plot around a central theme—the heartbeat of your story—that carries it all the way through.

Step 2: Create a Strategic Blog

Think of your blog as both your writer’s portfolio and your workshop.

  • Choose a niche: A focused blog builds trust and attracts the right readers.
  • Pick a platform and name: WordPress, Squarespace, or even Substack work well. Pick a name that’s easy to remember and feels like you.
  • Write in advance: Draft a few posts and an “About Me” page before you launch. Give visitors something to explore right away.
  • Promote consistently: Share your work, connect with readers, and show up regularly. Consistency grows your community.

Step 3: Develop and Outline Your Book

Outlines aren’t about limiting creativity—they’re about giving yourself a roadmap.

  • Structure matters: For nonfiction, create a logical flow that builds chapter by chapter. For fiction, map out your story arc and your characters’ journeys.
  • Use your blog as a testing ground: Write posts that double as book material. Pay attention to what readers respond to—that feedback is golden.

Step 4: Write the First Draft

This is where the real work begins—but also where the magic happens.

  • Set goals: Daily or weekly word counts help the project move forward.
  • Build a routine: Treat writing like an appointment you can’t skip.
  • Silence the inner editor: The first draft is supposed to be messy. Get the words down; polish later.

Step 5: Revise and Edit

A book is truly made in the rewriting.

  • Self-edit first: Tidy up structure, fix pacing, strengthen characters or arguments.
  • Seek feedback: Beta readers and writing groups help you see blind spots.
  • Go professional: A skilled editor sharpens your manuscript to industry standards.

Step 6: Publish and Promote

Now comes the leap—from private project to public book.

  • Choose your path: Traditional publishing means agents and proposals; self-publishing offers more control and faster timelines.
  • Promote through your blog: Share behind-the-scenes posts, teaser chapters, and cover reveals.
  • Engage your readers: Offer freebies, giveaways, or early access to your most loyal subscribers.

Marketing isn’t about shouting—it’s about sharing your story with the people who are already listening.

Final Thoughts

Writing a book is less about talent and more about persistence. When you use a blog as your starting place, you don’t just build an audience—you build momentum. Each post becomes a step closer to the finished manuscript.

Your words matter. Your story matters. And if you commit to the process, one day soon, you’ll get to see your name on the cover of a book.

For me, this process isn’t just theory—it’s real. My own writing journey began with stories from the docks and skies of Southeast Alaska, where I worked around seaplanes as a teenager before eventually flying them myself. Those experiences became the foundation for my first book, a memoir that I’m shaping one post, one reflection at a time.

Blogging gave me the courage to put my words out there and test the waters. Each story I shared—about the rhythms of flight, the wild beauty of Alaska, or the lessons learned in the cockpit—helped me see what resonated with readers. Over time, those small pieces began to connect into a bigger story, one worth turning into a book.

That’s the power of this process: a blog isn’t just practice, it’s preparation. It’s where you discover your voice, gather your readers, and slowly but surely, build the pages of a book that’s uniquely yours.

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“Where the Salmon Still Run”

Notes from Alex: Streams of Salmon and Stories of Generations

“A timeless cycle that connects streams, people, and history.”

“There’s something timeless about standing at the mouth of a stream and watching salmon return, as if witnessing history swim right before your eyes.”

The other day, I drove down to two different streams. One held a strong pink salmon run, just beginning to gather momentum, while the other was alive with chum and coho pushing upstream. At the mouths of the streams, schools of salmon shimmered and surged together, filling the water with life. I sat there for a moment, just watching, and found myself pondering the deeper story unfolding before me.

These runs have been happening for centuries—long before I was here, long before any of us. And to see it still going on today, against the odds, feels poetically beautiful. Nature’s persistence has a way of humbling us. The salmon return, generation after generation, as if carrying the heartbeat of this place.

Of course, things have changed. The salmon fisheries for commercial harvest are not what they once were. I can remember stories of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, when the runs were stronger, the harvests larger, and the docks busier. Will it ever return to those days? Probably not—or at least, I don’t know. What I do know is this: a handful of commercial boats, both gillnetters and seiners, still work these waters today. Their efforts provide jobs, income, and a thread of economic impact for the community.

This is a salmon-run community, through and through. Generations of fishermen and women have made their living on these runs, and that tradition continues, even if the scale looks different now. The sight of those salmon pressing upstream reminded me that while times change, the core of this place—its connection to the salmon—remains the same.

It’s more than just a run of fish. It’s history, tradition, and survival, all swimming together in the current.

For me, standing by those streams was more than just an afternoon stop. It was a reminder that I too am part of this cycle, part of this tradition. Even if I’m not on a boat, even if I’m not casting a net, I carry the stories, the memories, and the gratitude for what the salmon represent. Observing their return ties me back to my roots, to the community I belong to, and to the generations before me who lived by these same waters. In that way, the salmon’s journey upstream mirrors my own journey—returning, remembering, and carrying forward what truly matters.

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A Powerful Founders Day in Metlakatla, Alaska

“The Power, Pride, and Healing of Founders Day”

There are days that simply pass by, and then there are days that etch themselves into your soul. Yesterday was one of those days here in Metlakatla, Alaska—a celebration of our roots, our people, and the heartbeat of our culture. Founders Day wasn’t just an event; it was a living reminder of where we come from, and a powerful glimpse of who we are.

Yesterday was Founders Day here in my hometown of Metlakatla, Alaska, and the history behind it all is truly amazing. This annual celebration honors our beginnings, and yesterday’s events were nothing short of honorable, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Last evening, the Git Leeksa AKS – People of the Rising Tide – hosted an event at the Town Hall, where the 4th Generation Dancers also performed. The songs sung and the dances shared carried a weight of tradition and pride that could be felt deep in the soul.

When the People of the Rising Tide began their final series of songs, the drumbeats and voices shook the very walls of the building—and they shook me just as deeply. I could do nothing but smile, even as tears streamed down my face. The power of that moment, the connection to culture and history, was overwhelming in the best way.

Mr. David Boxley spoke from his heart, delivering words filled with wisdom, truth, and healing. It was all good medicine—something our spirits needed.

Last night was the perfect ending to August 7th, a day of remembrance, celebration, and community in this incredible place I am proud to call home: Metlakatla, Alaska.

As the last drumbeats faded into the night, I walked away carrying more than just memories—I carried a renewed sense of pride, connection, and gratitude for this place and its people. Founders Day is not only about honoring the past; it’s about keeping our culture alive in the present and passing its heartbeat on to the future. In Metlakatla, that heartbeat is strong, and last night, it was felt by every soul in the room.

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“Founders Day in Metlakatla: A Celebration of Heritage and Home”

By Alexander Atkinson Jr.

Founders Day in Metlakatla: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present

Every August 7th, the heartbeat of our home—Metlakatla—beats a little louder, a little stronger. Founders Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a living story. A powerful reminder of who we are, where we came from, and the enduring spirit that carries us forward.

In 1887, nearly 800 Tsimshian people made an extraordinary journey. Guided by missionary William Duncan, they left Old Metlakatla in British Columbia, crossing treacherous waters to settle on Annette Island, Alaska. They sought a new beginning—one shaped by faith, self-governance, and unity. That bold migration gave birth to New Metlakatla, and with it, the only federally recognized Native reservation in Alaska.

A Day of Meaning and Memory

Founders Day isn’t just for remembering—it’s for reconnecting. Families come home. Friends reunite. The streets fill with laughter, stories, and the smell of fry bread and smoked salmon. There’s a certain kind of joy you can only feel when you’re surrounded by your people, your land, your culture.

We begin with a parade—a vibrant display of pride and creativity. Children wave from floats. Elders smile as they remember past celebrations. The rhythm of the drums and the beauty of regalia remind us that our traditions are not just preserved—they are thriving.

Field games follow: tug-of-war, races, relays. Booths line the streets with handmade crafts, traditional foods, and smiling faces. And when evening comes, the community gathers for a feast—a long table of abundance, laughter, and gratitude.

Reviving Our Roots

For many years, Tsimshian language, dances, and customs were silenced. But today, Founders Day stands as a vibrant testimony to our cultural revival. We are speaking the language of our ancestors again. We are dancing the dances passed down through generations. And we are doing it proudly, publicly, and together.

These expressions of culture are not just performance—they are acts of remembrance and resistance. They are our gift to the next generation.

More Than a Celebration—A Statement

Founders Day also reminds us of our unique place in Alaska and the nation. The Metlakatla Indian Community continues to govern itself with authority over its resources, maintaining a separate and sovereign identity. This autonomy—this legacy—is not just inherited; it is actively protected and lived.

As our community grows and visitors come to witness the beauty of our traditions, we open our arms in welcome—but we also stand firm in our identity. Tourism rises, but it is rooted in respect. People come to see our dances, our art, our land—but they also leave with a deeper understanding of our story.

A Day We Carry All Year

As we celebrate this year’s Founders Day, let’s remember: we are the descendants of resilience. We are the living continuation of that brave journey in 1887. This day belongs to all of us—past, present, and future.

So whether you’re standing in the parade, sharing a meal at the feast, or simply watching the sunset over Annette Bay, take a moment to honor what it means to be from Metlakatla.

Because on August 7th, and every day after, we are still here—strong, proud, and together.

“From the shorelines of Annette Island to the hearts of those who return—Founders Day reminds us: our roots run deep, and our spirit runs deeper.”

#MetlakatlaStrong #FoundersDay #NotesFromAlex #TsimshianPride

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Fall in Love With Writing Again

“Reigniting the Creative Fire, One Word at a Time”
By Alex Atkinson

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with a number of writers and content creators—some who’ve published books, others still dreaming, planning, or pushing through. What I’ve discovered is a community I didn’t even know I needed. A tribe of like-minded souls who love words as much as I do.

We understand the power behind both the written and spoken word. We know what it’s like to be moved by a sentence, to be wrecked by a paragraph, to find healing in a single phrase. And we also know what it’s like to hit that wall—to wrestle with writer’s block, or sit on ideas for months, maybe years, without taking action.

But something is shifting.

Now is the time to fall in love with writing again.
Not because the world is demanding it.
Not because it’s perfect or polished.
But because you are called to create.

Dust off the notebook. Reopen that manuscript. Type the first word of the blog you’ve been thinking about for far too long. Reignite the creative spark that once lit up your heart—and still can.

Love every word.
Even the messy ones.
Even the words that feel clumsy at first.
They’re yours, and they matter.

This is your sign.
Write the blog.
Start the book.
Let the creativity flow again.

There’s a community cheering you on—and I’m one of them.

Let’s do this.

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🕰️ The Time to Journal Is Now: Begin to Document Your Life

Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future—One Journal Entry at a Time

There’s a quiet power in putting pen to paper—or fingertips to keys—and capturing the moments that shape us. Not just the milestones, but the in-betweens: the early morning thoughts, the fleeting emotions, the conversations that linger. These are the threads of our lives, and journaling is how we weave them into something lasting.

✍️ Why Now?

We live in a world that moves fast. Days blur into weeks, and before we know it, seasons have passed. But your story deserves more than a passing glance. It deserves to be remembered, reflected on, and shared. Whether you’re navigating a career shift, rediscovering your roots, or simply trying to make sense of the day-to-day—now is the time to start documenting.

Journaling isn’t just for writers. It’s for thinkers, dreamers, doers. It’s for anyone who wants to live with intention and remember the journey.

📚 What You Capture Matters

  • Your thoughts: Raw, unfiltered, and honest. They’re the blueprint of your inner world.
  • Your experiences: From the mundane to the extraordinary, they shape your perspective.
  • Your growth: Journals become a mirror, showing you how far you’ve come.
  • Your legacy: One day, these pages may speak for you—telling your story to those who come after.

🌿 A Personal Note

As someone who’s spent years in the skies and now finds grounding in storytelling, I’ve come to see journaling as a form of flight. It lifts the weight of unspoken thoughts and gives them space to breathe. It’s a way to honor the past, make sense of the present, and shape the future.

Lately, I’ve been researching the Tsimshian Nation and learning the stories carried along the Skeena River. The history is beautiful—layered with meaning, resilience, and spirit. Listening to video recordings of these stories being told in our language is deeply inspiring. It reminds me that journaling isn’t just personal—it’s cultural. It’s a way to preserve voices, honor ancestors, and keep traditions alive.

And speaking of new chapters—I’m about to begin a new role in aviation, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity. The onboarding process is underway, and I’m looking forward to the adventure ahead. It’s a fresh horizon, filled with possibility and purpose. A chance to grow, connect, and continue writing my story with intention.

So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to start—this is it. The time to journal is now. Begin to document your life, one word at a time.

Your story matters. Let it unfold.

— Alex

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A Moment to Freewrite: The Beat of Our Culture

“Our stories were never lost—just waiting to be revived. Last night, the drumbeat echoed through the Longhouse, and with it, the spirit of our people.”
— Notes by Alex

Last night, I was moved in a way that’s hard to put into words—but I’ll try.

I’m just taking a moment to freewrite, letting my thoughts flow and my fingers type as they wish. Sometimes, we need that—a space to just be and create without boundaries. Last evening, we gathered at the Longhouse as two of our local dance groups performed: People of the Rising Tide and the 4th Generation Dancers. They danced and sang for a group visiting our community, and what they shared was nothing short of beautiful.

There’s something powerful—unshakably powerful—about watching young people commit so fully to something so meaningful. You can see the dedication in their movements, feel the conviction in their voices. And then there’s the drumbeat—steady, sacred, and alive. It resonates deep in your chest, almost like your heartbeat syncing with something ancient.

Some songs bring tears to my eyes. They’re sung in our Native language—words that carry more than just meaning. They carry memory, identity, history. They carry us.

The storytelling through song and dance is incredible. And what strikes me the most is that when I was growing up here, much of this wasn’t around. These traditions had been set aside… not lost, not forgotten—but buried beneath years of silence. Now, a new generation is unearthing them. Reviving them. Living them. It’s beautiful.

It gives me hope. It gives me pride.

My prayer is that this revival continues, that the stories keep being told, that the songs keep being sung, and that our dances keep shaking the ground beneath our feet. So that generation after generation can share in this sacred gift.

Let the drums echo. Let the stories live on.

— Alex

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Thank You, Grandpa Harold

by Alexander Atkinson Jr.
Notes by Alex

Harold C. Hudson — my grandfather, my mom’s dad — was an amazing man.

He had that kind of quiet strength you never forget. A soul anchored in purpose. A presence that made an impression.

He loved to fish. It wasn’t just a hobby — it was who he was. A commercial fisherman, he spent much of his life on the water. But his talents didn’t stop there. Grandpa was also a gifted carver. He made some of the best cedar wooden spoons you’d ever see — all smoothed by hand, each with his unique touch. He’d carve deer calls, too. Many of those spoons and calls were given away to family — shared with love, with no fanfare. That’s just the kind of man he was.

He also loved sports. Never missed a basketball game. Baseball on TV? That was his rhythm during the season.

But if you really wanted to see Grandpa light up, let him sing.

One of his favorite hymns was:
“I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked.”

That song came to life in a very real way when Grandpa was in his 80s. He joined a group from our hometown of Metlakatla on a trip to Israel — a journey that deeply touched his heart.

I remember how proudly and joyfully he’d say:

“Yes, I walked where Jesus walked.”

He’d show us the Polaroid photos he took — Jerusalem, Jacob’s Well, the Garden of Gethsemane. That trip meant the world to him. You could see it in his eyes when he talked about it. You could hear it in his voice.

One time, while I was home from college, I was playing the guitar in the living room. Grandpa came out and sat with me. He began to sing. That moment — singing with Grandpa Harold, who was in his 90s — is one I’ll never forget. It was simple, but it was sacred.

He left a mark on my life.
I remember him reading the Bible.
I remember hearing him pray from his room.
I miss that so much.

Looking back, I realize just how much of a foundation he helped lay for my own faith — my own walk with the Creator.

So today, I simply want to say:

Thank you, Grandpa.

Your faith lives on in me.

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What inspires you to write?

Notes by Alex – What Inspires Me to Write


What stirs something inside you enough to create?

For me—it could be anything. Honestly, many things. I’ve found inspiration in the simplest details and in the grandest moments. A quiet morning, a song lyric, a powerful movie quote. Even a glance out the window that catches the light just right. I try to pay attention to it all.

Music moves me—it tells stories without words or brings depth to the ones already written. Writings and poems open up unseen doors in my heart and mind. Uplifting news articles remind me that there’s still good happening in the world. People, in all their complexity, inspire me. A heartfelt conversation, a shared laugh, even a stranger’s kind gesture—I carry those with me.

A pet’s loyalty. A moment of peace. A line from a film. An airplane soaring overhead—especially that. Being someone who grew up around aviation, that sound alone can take me places emotionally. It brings back memories, dreams, goals.

All of it, to me, is fuel. I try to document those little flashes of inspiration—capture them, wrestle with them, and share what I find through my blogs and the book I’m writing. Writing, for me, is a way to make sense of what I see, feel, and believe. It’s how I process and share the beauty, mystery, and meaning of life.

So I ask again—what inspires you?

Let’s keep asking, keep creating, and keep sharing. You never know what spark might light the next fire.

—Alex

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