Studying A-levels, and hoping to go on to university. Over the years, I've done quite a number of 'imitation' exercises-- ranging from the 'write the first page of the next book by your favourite author' (I did Tolkein, and was surprised by how hard it was) to (what I'm doing currently) being encouraged to make sure that I can quote a 'model' or two for the poems I've written-- so that I can point out the similar/different ways I'm using language etc.

Anne, OK. Ooh, Meldrick. Quite the challenge. I've never felt able, myself. But I can write Pembleton. I guess because he speaks like my little-used but still powerful "Of course, I belong here," voice.

Cool! I'll email you later this evening (I'm being unproductive at work, and I have no access to my fics, darn the luck).

Oddly enough, I find Meldrick easy to write, but cannot for the life of me write a convincing Pembleton.

Part of me must have the same speechifying instinct. And the same need to prove myself, not only as good, but superior. In my life, though, I don't get to act it out that often. And my voice is not as nice.

What's the highest level of education you've had?

BA, Honors English.

Did you do any *formal* (and by that I mean did you have assignments in school at any level) that required you to imitate a writer?

Oh yeah. Several. I know I had some poetry workshops in college where I had to imitate the style of a poet (Sharon Olds) -- and wow, was imitating poetry more difficult than prose. At least, for me.

I'm fairly certain I had some assignments in both high school and college where I had to write fiction in the style of a well-known author (Faulkner, I think). Mostly in intro to creative writing classes, as I remember. I think some professors considered it a tool for teaching students how to write by giving them something familiar to work with, followed by assignments where I had to write in a particular genre or format, like writing a surrealist play.

The prevalence of this teaching technique is surprising me. Honestly, I never heard of this before.

Honestly, I never heard of this before.

I hadn't either. It's kind of cool to know that it's really used quite a bit. Besides talking to you guys about it, I've also read three articles on the subject.

I'm in my fourth semester of college pursuing two BA's in Women's Studies and Communications. I'm actually taking my first English course this term, and I've never taken distinctive writing courses.

Somebody help me write a fight scene... what are some things I need to keep in mind?

I didn't finish a BA in Mass Communications and Public Relations. I didn't take many creative writing classes, though quite a few that were journalism-related. I've written quite a great deal of fanfic (comics- or TV- related), and written and sold some profic, which includes a Lewis Carroll pastiche ("Wonderland Express") that appeared in Fantastic Alice.