The Impeccable Simon Brett

What is the collective noun for authors? A scribble of authors? A narrative of authors? A folio of authors?

Whatever it is, there was one today in Leeds for the meeting of the northern section of the Society of Authors. The morning session was led by Simon Brett, and in the afternoon we had an insight into the world of audio books.

Simon Brett, who is an author, radio producer, and TV producer, talked in the most informal, chatty, entertaining way and at the same time told us a lot about his approach to writing. One of the things he said in passing, which was picked up all round the room, was 'always read your work out loud'. I knew that I always do, especially at the end of a second draft, but I was surprised at how many other people do, too.

Amongst all the anecdotes was one about an inspiring English teacher who used to encourage children to play with words. He'd give them a word and ask them to make up a definition, and one notable example was

Impeccable - immune to all birds

We could go a long way with this.