I think many, possibly most, people start by emulating other writers. We learn by example. Over time, as one becomes more confident, it's possible to move from copying to borrowing. Even the apparently most original writers must have got their ideas from somewhere.
Absolutely. I find it hilarious now that I thought I could be Isabel Allende. The cheek of it! I've always admired Zadie Smith, who found her voice at a young age. I wasn't hatched fully formed in that way. Took me a while to learn to play into my own sensibilities.
I think many, possibly most, people start by emulating other writers. We learn by example. Over time, as one becomes more confident, it's possible to move from copying to borrowing. Even the apparently most original writers must have got their ideas from somewhere.
Absolutely. I find it hilarious now that I thought I could be Isabel Allende. The cheek of it! I've always admired Zadie Smith, who found her voice at a young age. I wasn't hatched fully formed in that way. Took me a while to learn to play into my own sensibilities.