: Re: What are the advantages and disadvantages of copying writing styles? I come from a non-native English speaking country and, from my own analysis, I will say I have an intermediate level English

@Candy753

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Style isn't something you can copy in this way.

Plot, character descriptions, turns of phrase, are all things you can copy enough to get in trouble for it (either legal trouble or trouble from your readers). Style is more of a way of doing things. Not a thing itself.

It would be saying, is it okay to copy how a singer you admire sings? And yes, it is. Because no matter how good of a mimic you are, you will never be that person. You could even work as an impersonator, and that would be perfectly legal in the right context.

Nor are writing styles specific enough to steal. One writer might use short terse sentences and another flowery prose. One might prefer a page filled with SAT words, another might use a newspaper style. Others might use uncommon styles like communicating in telegrams or writing in text speak.

So go right ahead. As long as you aren't copying ideas (or plot or characters or names), you are probably just fine. Your personal style will come through as you merge it with the ones that inspire you.

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