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Emulation
I have learned that the best way to get good at something is to try to copy the way those who are the best at that thing do it.
Some people are natural emulators. Some struggle at it.
I am not a natural emulator, but when pressed to do it I tend to do well.
In this regard, I'd like to talk about my writing. I never felt much desire to copy others. I have been highly influenced by ideas, but not by style. I know truly I ought to study more poets, and how they approach structure, meter, etc. But I resist it as if it would kill me.
I realized that I am a sort of post-modern warrior. Simulation, being one of the key marks of our time... and I can think of nothing but trying desperately to be original. This is also true with writing music.
I think the next phase of my growth will involve more emulation for the purpose of exercise. Just as I ought to learn more songs by others; just as I ought to study more vigorously other others; I ought to have more of an open mind to this. I have a fear of losing something, and it stems from my revulsion toward simulacra.
In this society, at the time of our development - identity is created and fostered, only through rebellion against assimilation. And also understand that there is an entire blueprint for rebellion as well, you can be an emulator of previous renegades. There is very little left in this desert to mark as my own.
Some people are natural emulators. Some struggle at it.
I am not a natural emulator, but when pressed to do it I tend to do well.
In this regard, I'd like to talk about my writing. I never felt much desire to copy others. I have been highly influenced by ideas, but not by style. I know truly I ought to study more poets, and how they approach structure, meter, etc. But I resist it as if it would kill me.
I realized that I am a sort of post-modern warrior. Simulation, being one of the key marks of our time... and I can think of nothing but trying desperately to be original. This is also true with writing music.
I think the next phase of my growth will involve more emulation for the purpose of exercise. Just as I ought to learn more songs by others; just as I ought to study more vigorously other others; I ought to have more of an open mind to this. I have a fear of losing something, and it stems from my revulsion toward simulacra.
In this society, at the time of our development - identity is created and fostered, only through rebellion against assimilation. And also understand that there is an entire blueprint for rebellion as well, you can be an emulator of previous renegades. There is very little left in this desert to mark as my own.
posted by Will at 12:54 AM
1 Comments:
As part of my evolution/growth as a writer I needed and wanted to emulate other writers. It's not that I wish to copy other writers but that I wish to understand how craft works, and the only way to do that is to emulate the craft of other writers. I've lost none of my own voice in this process. I've become much more deliberate.
You have to ask yourself why you write every single line and word the way you do. Purpose!
For me, rough drafts are passion and purging. Revision is purpose.
Anyway, when I taught writing I often gave emulation assignments. Most students found it less intimidating than beginning from scratch, and often they found the emulation enlightening. But a few always resisted on the basis of "originality." Sigh.
I'm glad you're opening yourself up to the possibility of emulation as a way to learn: you'll empower yourself and your writing this way. I think it's very cool. By the way, if you hit the U of O Creative Writing Department page then look at courses, you'll see David Bradley is teaching an interesting craft seminar in the spring. :-)
Peace,
A
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