Chanakya Vyas told me about Joan Didion exercise. In order to understand how to practice it, I asked Gemini, “hi! please advise me on the joan didion exercise of copying great writers using handwriting. where can i find resources on that please.”
GEMINI SAID:
Joan Didion famously taught herself to write, in part, by retyping the stories of Ernest Hemingway and Joseph Conrad on an Olivetti Lettera 22 typewriter. Her goal, as she told The Paris Review, was “to learn how the sentences worked.” This act of manually copying the work of masters allowed her to internalize their structures and rhythms, which ultimately helped her develop her own distinct voice.
This “Joan Didion exercise” (though she didn’t necessarily call it that) is a powerful method for aspiring writers. Here’s a breakdown and where you can find resources:
What the Exercise Entails:
The core idea is to:
- Choose a writer you admire: Select a writer whose style you want to learn from. This could be for their sentence structure, rhythm, tone, imagery, conciseness, or any other quality you find compelling.
- Select a passage: Pick a piece of their writing – a paragraph, a few paragraphs, or even a short essay or story.
- Hand-copy it: This is the crucial part. Instead of typing, use pen and paper to meticulously copy the chosen text. The act of handwriting slows you down, forcing you to pay closer attention to every word, every punctuation mark, and the flow of the sentences.
- Analyze as you copy (or after): While you’re copying, or immediately afterward, reflect on what you’re noticing. Ask yourself questions like:
- How does the writer use punctuation?
- What is the typical length of their sentences?
- How do they connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs?
- What kind of vocabulary do they use?
- How do they create a certain mood or tone?
- What are their descriptive techniques?
- How do they handle dialogue (if applicable)?
- Apply what you learn: The ultimate goal is to internalize these techniques and then apply them to your own writing. This isn’t about plagiarizing, but about understanding the mechanics of great writing to inform your own craft.
Why it’s Effective:
- Slows you down: Handwriting forces a deliberate pace, allowing for deeper engagement with the text.
- Physical connection: The physical act of writing can create a stronger connection to the material and help with memorization and internalization.
- Reveals structure: It helps you see the underlying structure of sentences and paragraphs, beyond just the content.
- Develops an “ear” for language: You start to notice the rhythm and musicality of well-crafted prose.
- Builds discipline: It’s a simple, repeatable exercise that builds consistency in your writing practice.
Where to Find Resources on This Exercise:
While there aren’t typically “official” Joan Didion exercise guides, here’s how you can find information and implement it:
- Articles and Blog Posts on Writing Craft: Many writing blogs, literary journals, and educational websites discuss this technique as a way to improve writing skills. Search for phrases like:
- “Joan Didion writing exercise”
- “copying great writers to improve writing”
- “imitation exercise for writers”
- “handwriting practice for writers”
- “how to learn from literary masters”
- Interviews with Joan Didion: Reading or watching interviews where she discusses her process (like the one with The Paris Review) will give you direct insight into her perspective on this practice. Literary Hub and The Marginalian often feature excerpts from her interviews.
- Creative Writing Course Materials: Some creative writing instructors and courses incorporate this kind of imitation or transcription exercise. While you might not find full courses dedicated solely to it, it’s often mentioned as a valuable practice.
- Books on Writing: Many books on writing craft, especially those that delve into style and prose, might mention or advocate for similar practices of close reading and imitation. Look for books by authors who emphasize the mechanics of language.
- Online Writing Communities and Forums: Communities on platforms like Reddit (e.g., r/writing) or dedicated writing forums often have discussions where writers share their experiences with this exercise, offer tips, and suggest authors to copy.
Tips for Doing the Exercise:
- Start small: Don’t try to copy an entire novel at once. Begin with a single strong paragraph or a short excerpt.
- Vary your sources: Once you’re comfortable, try copying from different authors and genres to expose yourself to a wider range of styles.
- Don’t just copy – observe: The key is active observation and analysis, not just mindless transcription.
- Reflect and journal: Keep a separate notebook where you jot down your observations about what you’re learning from each copying session.
- Don’t get discouraged: It’s a slow process, but the cumulative effect of this practice can significantly improve your writing over time.
By engaging in this simple yet profound exercise, you can begin to unlock the secrets of masterful prose and cultivate your own powerful voice. Good luck!