Well, I just finished reading Francine Prose’s book, ‘Reading Like a Writer’, which is a must read for anyone who, like me, wants to learn about writing without going to the extreme of gaining a Masters in Literature at university.

Francine introduces the reader to close reading and then chapter by chapter covers topics that every writer should know about.

Reading the examples of the great writers and her insightful and perceptive analysis of each you wonder if the writers actually planned to write so meticulously or did it just happen?  Whilst editing I certainly don’t see the thoughtful way that each paragraph, sentence and word is chosen in the way that Francine recommended.  But the only way that process can be completed is during the editing process.

The past few weeks have not been lucrative for creative writing, however, I have been madly applying for jobs and I have written at least 25,000 words in job applications.

Reading has been another matter, completing three fiction novels.  The first, The Strays by Emily Bitto the book designated to be read for our writers’ book club.  ‘Me Before You’ by Jojo Moyes and ‘After You’ the sequel.  So it has been a busy month and an enjoyable one with three very good books read, all of which I would recommend you read, and all written in first person, a sign I think.