5 Comments

Thank you for this. I read them through, all at once.

I read that if you wish to write like one certain writer, then copy their work out longhand and their voice will be in your head. Nothing mystical at all about it, writing is a form of music. it can get in your head like an ear worm.

Expand full comment

Paul - your work in this vein is a significant public service. Great stuff.I’ve circulated it to a number of young and emerging journalists/writers. Keep up the good work

Expand full comment

Thanks for this! I teach translation (into French) at the university level, in Montréal. As with any type of writing, style is very important in translation. In my field, it is often said that for two equivalent translations, a client will choose the one with style. It's difficult to find ideas/exercices to work on the students' style... I'll keep your tips for next year.

Expand full comment

J'imagine que vous connaissez ce livre mieux que moi, mais au cas où.... https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/douglas-r-hofstadter/le-ton-beau-de-marot/9780465086450/

Expand full comment

Non, je ne connaissais pas. Je vais certainement aller jeter un coup d’œil!

Expand full comment