'Live it to its fullest!'

 

“Beon the alert to recognize your prime at whatever time of your life it mayoccur.  You must then live it to itsfullest.” – Muriel Spark
Born in England on this date in 1918,Spark applied that philosophy to an award-winning career as a novelist, short storywriter, poet and essayist.   In 2008 shewas named by The Times of London asthe 8th greatest British writer since World War II – a war in whichshe served as an Intelligence officer for the British army.   It was during those Army years, in fact, that sherealized she had a knack for the clever use of words.  
 Best known for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, which also was adapted as both a playand a movie, Spark lived in Britain and America before settling in Italy, whereshe continued writing until her death in 2006. Shortly before her death, she was awarded the Golden PEN Award forLifetime Achievement in Literature.
 [image error] Muriel Spark
While serving as editor of Poetry Reviewmagazine Spark authored several critically acclaimed poetry collections and booksof criticism then went on to write 22 novels and a dozen nonfiction books.  A mother of three she also wrote severalbest-selling children’s books.    “Parents,” she said, “learn a lot from their childrenabout coping with life.”