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Which author would you choose?

(41 Posts)
BigBertha1 Wed 19-Apr-23 14:58:25

The next task for our writing group is to write a short story (800 words) in the style of another author- it can be a parody. What a dilemma I can't choose. First I thought Anita Brookner my all time favourite read, then Thomas Hardy then Ian Fleming perhaps a new Bond novel but then my passion for D.H. Lawrence when I was a at school. So many great authors. So can I ask - who would you choose to write in the style of?

Doodledog Sat 22-Apr-23 20:05:15

I did this recently in the voice of a Dickens character (our brief was to write a monologue in the voice of a character we liked). Because of the distinctive style of Dickens it worked well, and was easier than writing in the style of a less 'ordinary' one.

I would choose an idiosyncratic author with an easily recognisable style, particularly if it doesn't matter if you slip into parody.

Soozikinzi Sat 22-Apr-23 20:21:20

My favourite authors are Jodi Picoult and Bill Bryson . I'm not sure if either would lend themselves to parody though ?

JPB123 Sat 22-Apr-23 21:25:49

It depends on which genre you prefer.My own choice would be Mavis Cheek.

FarTooYoungForThis Sat 22-Apr-23 21:28:19

Great choice, Anita Brookner is my favourite too!

Oreo Sat 22-Apr-23 21:38:54

Doodledog

I did this recently in the voice of a Dickens character (our brief was to write a monologue in the voice of a character we liked). Because of the distinctive style of Dickens it worked well, and was easier than writing in the style of a less 'ordinary' one.

I would choose an idiosyncratic author with an easily recognisable style, particularly if it doesn't matter if you slip into parody.

This 👍🏻
I wouldn't know what many of the authors books on here sound like but if you’re going to imitate somebody then they must be well known?
Anita Brookner? Who will know apart from a few ?

MaggsMcG Sat 22-Apr-23 22:09:12

Steven King or Enid Blyton.

Doodledog Sat 22-Apr-23 23:20:24

Hilary Mantel? Her first person/present tense style is very distinctive.

hollysteers Sat 22-Apr-23 23:29:01

Tricky assignment.
You say you have an early passion for D.H.Lawrence? I would find that the easiest.

Ali08 Sat 22-Apr-23 23:32:18

Definitely Ian Fleming, who wouldn't want to be the hero/heroine in a James Bond-type of story?!

JackieBee1 Sun 23-Apr-23 06:45:18

Jonathan Swift - simples!

Check out A Modest Proposal

Poppyjo Sun 23-Apr-23 08:37:26

Sidney Sheldon. Love his books.

Bluecat Sun 23-Apr-23 13:21:11

You would need a writer with a very distinctive style. Fleming would be suitable, because of the obviously macho way in which Bond is written. (Bond sees women as sex objects and they fall at his feet, but how would he cope with a roomful of grannies?) There is also the character's extreme fussiness over things such as drinks, clothes and food. A friend remarked recently that part of all the books are just Bond saying in detail what he wants for his tea.

Dickens would also be good, and you could have fun with the names.

Lizzie44 Sun 23-Apr-23 15:51:38

I think I'd attempt the style of Barbara Pym - acute observation and subtle humour. I don't think I'd be very successful. BP is in a league of her own.

foxie48 Sun 23-Apr-23 16:57:49

I really haven't a clue but I'd really like to read the resulting prose. It sounds difficult but fun.

Greyduster Mon 24-Apr-23 16:56:51

I’ve been told I write in the style of Alan Bennet - still trying to work out whether that was a compliment or not!!