Using inanimate objects as characters – Elizabeth Kay
It’s been the mainstay of many a book for small children – Thomas the Tank Engine is one of the biggest sellers of all time. But adult writers use inanimate objects as well. Christine , by Stephen King, is one of the scariest books I’ve ever read, even though you know the premise is totally impossible. A murderous car that reassembles itself every time someone tries to smash it up? He also wrote one of the best books on writing ever written – called, appropriately enough – On Writing . The closest I’ve ever got to that was a poem called In Memoriam , which was published in The Spirit Collection . So sudden. The night before you were fine, a little hesitant, perhaps, your growl more pronounced. But no real warning, no sign, that you would never stir again. The towel had been thrown in, and I was not prepared. I washed you lovingly that final time, with steady hands - but I was feeling scared of how I’d cope without you. In y...