Write Every Day

Yeah, okay, so I just want to say I’m not advocating plagiarism. 

But here’s the thing… if a movie, or a book, grabs you and affects you - making you weep, laugh or inspiring you - then go ahead and enjoy it to the full.  First time around, that is.  The smart thing to do is to go back to it later.  Look at it more carefully.  Spot where the writer drew you in, caught you, hijacked your emotions and manipulated you to feel exactly what he - or she - wanted you to feel during the telling of the story.

Now… that’s what you should steal… techniques, concepts, tricks. 

Great writing doesn’t happen by accident.  Study your favourite writers and it will be the equivalent of serving an apprenticeship under a master.  When you begin to incorporate their techniques in your writing, it might start out as parody but eventually you’ll find your own voice, and your writing will be the better for it.