Whom Would You Like to Write Like?

[Joel]

I was just thinking I'd like to write like Evelyn Waugh. Unfortunately, I'm afraid the style and language might not be contemporary enough for today's 30-something editors. How about you?

[Ralph]

Ken Robinson. Paulo Coelho. Though they are not humour authors, I enjoyed their work whether it's fiction or non-fiction.

[Rebecca]

Me. I like to write like myself. Now, I wouldn't mind if my books sold like JK Rowling...

[Jay]

Rebecca wrote: "Me. I like to write like myself. Now, I wouldn't mind if my books sold like JK Rowling..."

Good for you, Rebecca!

I was wondering if someone was going to hit on that response!

I also wanted to say that writing is most enjoyable when I write like myself. While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, being true to oneself is eminently more satisfying. And I never got the point of trying to develop a unique style by searching someone else's desk drawer.

Besides, I already grease the sides of my head so that I can fit my ego through the door, so taking pride in my own writing is no extra work.

[Guy]

Rebecca wrote: "Me. I like to write like myself. Now, I wouldn't mind if my books sold like JK Rowling..."

You and me both, Rebecca.

[Guy]

Joel wrote: "I was just thinking I'd like to write like Evelyn Waugh. Unfortunately, I'm afraid the style and language might not be contemporary enough for today's 30-something editors. How about you?"

You are probably right about that, Joel.