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When you're learning, especially to write, unless you're some incredibly gifted writer, a young Malcom Gladwell, say, you need to be imitating people. You need to be imitating how they make their work, how they structure it, how they design the pieces. It gives you chops; it gives you moves.
Ira Glass
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Learning to write often requires imitation of skilled writers to develop one's own style.

This quote by Ira Glass emphasizes the importance of imitation in the learning process, particularly in writing. Glass suggests that aspiring writers should study the techniques, structures, and styles of established writers, as this practice enhances their skills, providing them with the necessary tools and 'chops' to create their own unique voice in writing.

Themes

WritingImitationLearningSkillsCreativity

In practice

Example use cases

An educator might use this quote to inspire students in a creative writing workshop.

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I wish that someone had said to me that it's normal to feel lost for a little while.
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