Under the microscope
Author and lecturer James McCreet puts a reader’s first 300 words under the forensic lens of his criticism
Amanda Steel is originally from Yorkshire but now lives in Manchester. After studying Open University creative writing courses, she was inspired to pursue her lifelong love of writing. She has published various work on Amazon, including the short novel, After The Zombies, of which Not Human, which begins with this passage, follows.
Not Human
Grace lay on the basement floor,1 trying to slow her breathing,2 before Luke finished locking up for the night,3 so that he would think she was asleep.4 It seemed like overkill,5 since they might just be6 in the most secure place in Wolverhampton,7 possibly even in the whole of the UK,8 barring any secure government facilities.9 Luke had become the king of overkill though,10 ever since the two of them had locked themselves away in the house, which had previously belonged to someone Grace knew.11
She had killed him, but it hadn’t been him.12 He had turned and wasn’t human anymore.13 That’s how Grace had to think, to deal with everything she had to do to survive.14 That was three months ago.15 Grace was starting to get claustrophobic, even during the day when she and Luke spent time upstairs in the rest of the house.16
‘Grace,’ Luke whispered warily.17
Grace’s eyes remained shut,18 but Luke whispered her name again, knowing she was awake.19