Imitation Is Part of Being a Writer

Zeynep Ozakat
Zeynep Ozakat

I recently read an essay by Theo Nestor, describing how you need a nut graf in a personal essay. She offers a wonderful example of how this can be done, then advises writers to copy the format: “It is perfectly okay … The content will be very much your own.”

Similarly, in a recent essay for Glimmer Train, Zeynep Ozakat says:

Imitation is part of being a writer. Just like babies who learn to smile by imitating adults, we must have the humility to learn from the greats through mimicry.

She closes by quoting Picasso, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” Read her entire essay.

For more insight from the latest Glimmer Train bulletin:

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[…] what? I continued reading IMITATION IS PART OF BEING A WRITER, by Jane Friedman. So intrigued, I clicked on the links she provided and kept right on reading. […]

Heather @ My Overflowing Cup

Thanks for sharing, Jane!

Heidi P.

I always find this subject very near and dear! (I truly hope this isn’t against the rules), but I actually did a fairly recent book review over on my blog for Austin Kleon’s great book: Steal Like an Artist, which touches on the same, fascinating topic. (Again, I hope it’s all right to put in a link, but here’s my review: http://heidi-n-peterson.blogspot.com/2015/02/book-review-steal-like-artist-10-things.html.) And if the link’s a problem, do feel free to delete my comment, Jane! 🙂