Just started my Madame Bovary essay. Found lots of layers. I would be happy with just one good layer in my novel. Flaubert makes a good fluffy jam and cream sponge of a novel. I've got a flat sponge so far, but things are progressing.

Is it wrong?

Is it wrong to take the children for a walk by the river? No? What about when you're writing a story about a nutter dumping bodies in the river? Alright, probably. They liked the horse, and anyway, got some good pictures of sludge and slime. We even came across our very own nutter so it was an all round success! Lovely research. The nutter was averted by the way.

Last night we went to a reading with Seamus Heaney. He likes bogs and sludge too doesn't he? Should have asked him to come on my next trip out.