DaytonDailyNews.com

Whether it's reading literary icons such as Proust or Kafka for the first time or revisiting them from a distant past, dusting off the voluminous jackets of writing's greatest artists may be the best decision an aspiring writer can make. At least that's what Francine Prose discovered.

Prose is a distinguished writer, essayist and the recipient of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. Her 2006 book, Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them, is a literary feast for those who want to write and those who want nothing more than to truly enjoy what they read.

In a talk with Prose, she shares her intuitive wisdom about writing, close reading and the need for more great literature.

Q Why did you become a writer?

A I became a writer because I was such a reader, I mean, I was such a passionate reader as a kid. In a way, it was a natural step for me. When I graduated from college and really had no skills, and went to graduate school for a year — and that was such a disaster — really there was nothing else I could do.

Q What compelled you to write the book, Reading Like a Writer?

A I essentially learned to write by reading. I learned by just reading great books and trying to figure out how great writers had done it. So I wanted to share that with other readers and also, I just wanted to write a book for readers.

Q What is "close reading" all about?

A Close reading is slowing down and reading every word line by line, phrase by phrase, sentence by sentence, and it's about how much can be learned from that kind of reading and how much, whether you're a writer or a reader, can be put back into your own work or your own appreciation of literature.

Q Can good creative writing be taught?

A Editing can be taught and self-editing can be taught and revision can be taught. Unfortunately, talent is something that can't be taught, so you need, I think, a kernel of a gift to start out.

Q Is there a preferred evolution for becoming a writer?

A Well, I think it helps to be a reader and it helps to have a temperament that can endure constant work, complete frustration, long hours of solitary labor, small financial rewards — I mean it requires a certain kind of person. I often tell my students if you can do anything else, do that thing. If you can't stand to do anything else, by all means, become a writer.

Q What difference do writers make in the world today?

A A friend of mine says that literature is a weapon against propaganda, and I think because we're being exposed to so much propaganda on a daily basis that the more literature we have, the more resistant we might become.

Contact this writer at

mjorme@gmail.com.