[stylist] reading other writers' work

[Chris Kuell]

Building on what Lori said, I've even transcribed favorite chapters and 
essays, which is a great way to study another's writing, their word choice, 
how they mix up their sentence length and structure, etc... I think I've 
found my writer's voice, so I don't worry about Raymond Carver or William 
Styron entering my prose (it would stick out like a sore thumb). This can be 
a great exercise to get you going if you find yourself in a writing slump.

Furthermore, editing others work is perhaps the best way for a writer to 
learn self-editing, which can be hard when you are in love with your 
'darlings'. It is easier to see other's mistakes, observe what you like and 
don't like, and then apply the same reasoning to your own work.

chris