On Writing Book - Clarification needed on understanding an area of it - I'm unsure.

[Lee.Howell]

Can you tell me the difference between stylistic imitation and imitating a writers approach? It's page 160 of Stephen King's 'On Writing' book.

Does it mean? - that you can imitate how you write a book for example it may start in a certain way and have so many chapters with highs in a certain place and lows in others. Also, the amount of speech it contains or pages it has.


But I think what it is saying is that you can't write about the same subjects. You can write like someone but not write about similar content unless you know from experience that this happens, otherwise it will read and sound wrong.

Do you agree or have I missed the plot?

If I have totally missed the plot can someone please define my inital question?

Thanks

Lee.

[omm poppa mow mow]

I think he's saying we lack smart-bomb technology, that we cannot take the exact same path cause well we're different, we have had different experiences, some of know Ms Mod...some of us...alas, don't.

[Timmy]

It seems like you're talking about the quote, "imitation precedes creation." It that is what you are referring, I think King means the aspiring writing might imitate the style of a published author, before finding his or her own way.

EXAMPLE (this is how I understand the term, but it's open to interpretation). I caught myself using hyphens like crazy - after reading several King novels - because that is a device that Stephen uses. Now, I use that technique sparingly, as I have come closer to find my own voice. But, I think that is a step along the way. Study the greats (king or whoever you are a fan of), figure out what they are doing, copy it (not the actual words, the technique) and then use it to find your own way...

But, I may have misinterpreted or you may be referring to something else entirely.

[GNTLGNT]

Lee Howell....MR. Howell?

[Lee.Howell]

Thank you Timmy for your explanations. Yes, I can see now that imitation precedes creation. Your interpretation was spot on. Thanks again and have a nice day.

[Lee.Howell]

Hi GNTLGNT

It's Mrs Lee Howell. Love the picture, nice to meet you!

Lee.

[GNTLGNT]

Hi GNTLGNT

It's Mrs Lee Howell. Love the picture, nice to meet you!

Lee.

Pleased to meetcha too...let me correct the image...Mrs. Howell

[Lee.Howell]

@ GNTLGNT -- love the picture, old enough to be my mother I think or even my grandmother! lol

What does the GNTL GNT stand for?