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Practice your writing by typing out classic literature. This method not only enhances your understanding of rhythm, structure, and nuances but also connects you deeply with the timeless flow of literary history.This is a BETA version.

Type the words from the book. We gave you 4 words to start with.

Cranford is a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, first published in 1851. It is a humorous and poignant portrayal of the lives of the residents of the small town of Cranford, focusing on the experiences of the town, particularly the lives of the town's older residents. The novel is a social satire that explores themes of society, social dynamics, and the human condition.

Cranford
leads up to the front door. There used to be two brick pediments with
balls at the garden gate. Years ago, so long ago that the great Lord
Clive was only a schoolboy in Knutsford at the time (his mother was a
Gaskell and had connections in the place), he used to come over to spend
his half holidays at Sandlebridge, and his pleasure was to jump across
from one stone ball to the other, to the great danger of his legs and
arms. Here too in later times, as we have said, Mrs. Gaskell used to
come as a little girl, and play with her cousins and gather flowers from
the garden. There was a great bed of saxifrage, which may still be
there, it was always her favourite flower. The old house is now
dismantled, but one or two things still remain out of its past; among
others are the fine old wooden chimney-pieces in the front parlour, one
within the other,—so it seemed to me,—and the old shuffleboard. A
shuffleboard is an immensely long table, standing upon legs of shining
oak with many drawers and cupboards underneath. There are hardly any
left anywhere now. They were once used for a game which consisted in
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Why Type a Masterpiece?

Typing out classical literature is not just an exercise in patience; it's a deeply immersive way to understand the rhythm, structure, and nuances of great writing. By manually reproducing the works of renowned authors, you engage with the text on a level that reading alone cannot offer. This method allows you to feel the flow of sentences, the choice of words, and the intricate construction of paragraphs that make these works timeless.

Style is a very simple matter; it is all rhythm. Once you get that, you can't use the wrong words.

– Virginia Woolf

literati is a unique platform where writers can select from a vast collection of public domain classics to type out. This practice is akin to a musician playing pieces by the masters to internalize the elements of composition and performance. Just as the musician learns the subtleties of each note and chord, the writer learns the power of each word and sentence.

Prose is like hair; it shines with combing.

– Gustave Flaubert

Engaging directly with masterpieces allows writers to absorb the rhythm of the text, the ebb and flow of its pacing, and the beauty of its imagery. It cultivates an appreciation for the craft of writing and provides invaluable lessons in how to construct compelling narratives, develop characters, and evoke emotions in readers. Happy typing!

The only truth is music.

– Jack Kerouac

More on this topic:

"Imitate then innovate", an article by David Perell