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One of the best tips I have received as a writer has been to read one author and emulate him/her.  Now, I don’t mean that a writer who is a fan of  Stephen King or Poe  should try to write exactly like them; rather, the goal is to be their equal – to write as good as they do. 

How do I do that?  Read everything you can by that writer.  If it is a news writer, Google to find his/her articles or go to the library to look for books by the author you have chosen.  Then, read to pay attention to the style.   Look at the word choice.  How are the sentences varied?  Does the writer manipulate grammar for emphasis (stylistic fragments and run ons).  How are things described – adjectives, similes, metaphors?  What elements are missing and why might the writer have left them out.  If it is a fiction book, how are the character developed and how are the themes developed.  It may sound like preparing to writer a paper for English class, but it will be worthwhile exercise. 

Next, try writing a paragraph or two using what you learned.  Do this as a writing exercise daily, and eventually, what you are learning will become part of your own style in your writing.

Have I accomplished this task? I would have to admit I have yet to reach my goal, but I am a much better writer because of this practice. 

Here are some writers that I read for this purpose: C.S. Lewis (for sentence variety and description), William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor (for style as well as character development and story development).

Anyone want to share others?

Welcome to my blog.  To introduce myself, I am  freelance copywriter.  In this blog I will give writing tips, review good resources and discuss writing issues.  Every now and then I might blog some personal news that has inspired me or sparked a writing idea.