Want to read a classic? Here's how to get started

I remain convinced that one of the main reasons why my youth novel, Sharkey's Son, won the Sanlam Youth Literature Gold Award in 2007, was because of the contribution of my editor, Fiona Veitch Smith.

It was so exciting for me to be able to re-connect with her on my recent visit to the UK - at Alnwick Castle, of all places! Alnwick Castle is the Hogwarts of Harry Potter fame and also the scene of one of the episodes of Downton Abbey. Fiona lives near the castle and, being an historian as well as a novelist, she was able to fill me in on the fascinating history of the area.

I asked her to bring along some of her favourite classics to share with us because life-changer #3 in my book Change Your Life This Year is Read a Classic. Here's a video clip of the interview she graciously granted me at Alnwick Castle.

I'm sure, once you've watched the clip, you'll be dying to read a classic, as well as Fiona's latest novel, The Jazz Files. Get hold of it by clicking The Jazz Files. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is the first in the Poppy Denby Investigates series. Poppy is a young journalist who investigates murder and mystery in 1920's London. I can't wait for book 2 in the series to come out. According to Fiona, we don't have long to wait.

These Poppy Denby books are delightful collectors' items, on a par with the No 1 Ladies Detective series by Alexander McCall Smith, a great favourite of mine. And Poppy is every bit as loveable, admirable and memorable as Mwa Ramotswe.

Did you find Fiona's reviews, and her advice about getting started reading the classics, helpful? I certainly did. If I can distill her top 3 tips, they are:

1.  Start with a lighter read, one that is amusing or full of human interest, like The Importance of Being Earnest or Pride and Prejudice.

2.  Tackle a thinner read before a thicker read, even if it carries serious themes, like Heart of Darkness does. Another thin, but serious, book is Brighton Rock by Graham Greene.

3.  Do a little bit of research about what the book is about, and the themes it explores, before starting to read. It will help you to understand and enjoy the book so much more.

Have a happy day.