I’m not one of those writers who can just snap into writing mode. I’ve heard stories about people who’ve written entire novel manuscripts on their phones in snatches of few-minute increments while waiting in line at the store or in the car before picking up their kids. Respect. Unfortunately for me, I find writing so all-consuming that I cannot bear much context switching. Because I require more spaciousness to sink in, having a pre-writing ritual helps me a lot.

When I first heard of copywork—the practice of transcribing writing by authors you admire by hand—I was intrigued. (Hilariously, it appeared via an Instagram ad that was trying to sell me a self-guided video course on something anyone can do with a pen, paper, and their favorite book.) By copying another author’s writing, the thinking goes, you internalize their rhythm, diction, and, in essence, their style.

On days when I’m feeling particularly uninspired, I whip out my hard copy of Jaded and set a timer for ten minutes and get scribbling. Sometimes I transcribe, other times I analyze pages.

This all might seem full on, but the time goes by QUICK. Ten minutes is about enough time to transcribe a few paragraphs or analyze a few pages, but the effect is a sort of hypnosis. The practice sends me into the right headspace like a glider plane being aerotowed into flight. The goal is not to produce identical writing, but to be intentional about whose influence I’m allowing to filter into my work. That, and making it easier to sit down and write (which I always need help with 🙈).

Now go write,
Jamie

P.S. I have an interview up on Vermont College of Fine Arts’ blog about how this project, Now Go Write, came to be! Read here.

📝 This week’s writing prompt

Select a short, descriptive passage (3-5 sentences) from an author whose style you love and copy it by hand. Now, continue the scene. Write the next 3-5 sentences yourself while maintaining their style. Don't overthink it, just let the spirit overtake you. What did you notice and how did it feel?

To submit your writing, reply to this email, comment on this post, or send to nowgowrite@substack.com by Saturday evening.

Last week’s submissions: Short and sweet

If you submitted last week, check out the rest 👀

See submissions