I’m going to try something new today…
I’m going to write like my friend, Courtney Houde.
And when I say write like him, I mean I’m going to write in a bunch of one-line sentences. I might even consider adding in a few two-word sentences. Like this.
I imagine that he writes as though he’s whispering a secret. There are a lot of stops that make you think other people are watching. It gets scary.
But it works.
You want to know what else works? Mimicry.
Mimicry is the art of taking someone else’s style, and using it on your own. You’d know this if you watch Naruto and love Kakashi Sensei.
Or if you actually know what the word “mimicry” means.
You see, by forcing yourself out of your element to write like someone else, you find out what works and what doesn’t. You can drag your “true self” out of hiding. You can become a better writer.
Think about it. Who do you become when you’re in an awkward situation?
How we act under pressure defines who we are. Some people panic, some people excel.
However, that’s not the only thing you learn.
You can scramble someone else into yourself. You can take their “greatest hits” and make them your own.
Somebody has to write better than Mark Twain. Who did he learn from?
Does Courtney write better than me? Possibly. I’m compelled to think that I’m better because I’m a cocky teenager. It’s who I am. Nothing personal.
I’m so cocky that I think I can copy his style for a whole post. Because when you take on somebody else’s style, you have to stop being awkward. You have to stop being afraid of not sounding like them. You have to be them…better than they are themselves.
And then you can use their techniques for your own gain.
So that’s it! Find someone you love to read, and write like them. Unless it’s Stephanie Meyer.
I don’t care about how nice your laptop smells or how cold its exterior is. That’s kind of obsessive.
Your Septenary Friend,
Corey Freeman
Seven
P.S. The word “septenary” means having seven of something. I thought it would fit into context. Have a great day!
Hey Corey, I just have to comment on this one. First off, I read the title and thought “What the heck is Corey writing!?”. Then I thought, “Wait, Corey ain’t stupid. She’s gotta have some strategy here”. Just as I suspected. Great article, funny also. But you managed to attract me quickly. Good job!
Hahaha I guess my title did its job. I’m glad you enjoyed the article! Thanks for stopping by.
This fits in nicely with “Modeling Success”. So it’s a very good strategy to model after people who are successful,it saves you a lot of time.
It’s a very good tip Corey because if you mimic someone who does something well, it will then rub off on you and become a habit.If you’ve ever read “Web copy that sells”,it also talks about doing this.
I’ll have to check that book out. Thanks for the resource and thanks for stopping by!
I would honestly say that I love this article the most from the past 3 or 4 weeks reading blog entries (more than a hundred already) trying to learn SEO, write better and build a relationship with my fellow bloggers.
Your article Corey is a breath of fresh air and I mean it.
Michael
I’m glad you found something new and informative in my post.
I always try to find new things to write about because, well, writing about blogging is really, really boring.
Haha, this is hilarious! I can’t wait until Courtney sees this. Maybe he’ll do a reciprocal post.
Hah!
Love it.
You know, Picasso once said:
“Great artists copy, good artists steal.”
But I think the important thing to keep in mind
is that through imitation… you build your own
personal style or voice.
By no means do I endorse copying word-for-word.
There’s a difference between plagiarism and
inspiration but some times you’re actually called
upon to write copy in another person’s voice.
And when that happens, mimicry is going to make
you BIG money.
Reminds me of a project I had recently.
I’m flattered Corey. Thanks for putting a smile
on my face.
Courtney
P.S. A little thought: I find when you copy another writer you absorb a bit of their soul. Yes, I still copy out old Gary Halbert ads, Gene Schwartz, Bencivenga… practically every day and it’s probably the best exercise there is for any writer.
I thoroughly enjoyed the post.
I can’t believe how awesome of a writer you have become Corey. I’m still struggling to find what type of a writer I am if any. perhaps this woudl be a good way for me to try different styles.
Thanks for the advice.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post! I’ve found that if I read something prior to writing, that will actually effect my own personal voicing. So reading a bit for inspiration will allow you to get the rhythm and structure within your head.
Thanks for stopping by!
That would be interesting, although all he would do is add more commas and the occasional “haha.”
Haha
Applying different kinds of writing styles is a definite must for those looking to improve their writing.