Which author would you choose?

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

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

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.

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.

Sidney Sheldon. Love his books.

Jonathan Swift - simples!

Check out A Modest Proposal

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

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

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

Steven King or Enid Blyton.

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 ?

Great choice, Anita Brookner is my favourite too!

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

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

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.

How about something completely different. Like Julia Quinn, the Bridgerton writer. Her books are very formulaic, so easy to parody.?

I would hate to have to pick just one author. However, if pushed, my first choice would probably be Mary Wesley. Her books are thoughtful with some very amusing episodes.
Terry Pratchett, Tom Holt, Margaret Atwood…

I'd go for George Orwell - his story Coming Up for Air is superb and very easy to read and is one of my favourites.

Thank you for your responses if only I was a good enough writer. I recently did a 'Jilly Cooper' for the humorous assignment with set characters ( garden centre and a rogue employee) that was a gift but this is a hard assignment. I am going to try Anita Brookner.

Another vote for Jane Austen! Subtlety puncturing society’s pretensions.

Graham Greene, I love his books and Brighton Rock is my favourite. I'd like to write something dark & sinister like this.

Virginia Woolf in her ‘stream of consciousness’ style. I think it has a great deal of relevance as to how we think sometimes and I would love to have a go at it!

Jane Austen for me, so witty.

John Buchan

John Steinbeck for me!