"Hallelujah! Nicholas Delbanco has finally put into accessible form his well-known method. The result is wise, witty, and eminently usable." -- Rosllen Brown, author of Before and After and Tender Mercies "A highly original and altogether indispensable guide for writers of all ages at all stages." -- George Garrett, Poet Laureate of Virginia, author of Death of the Fox, The Succession, and Entered from the Sun "Great stuff and inspiring. This is going to be a very useful text." -- Helena Viramontes, Cornell University, author of The Moths and Other Stories and Under the Feet of Jesus"In THE SINCEREST FORM: WRITING FICTION BY IMITATION, Nicolas Delbanco explores the stories and techniques of twelve master stylists, from Ernest Hemingway to Jamaica Kincaid, and encourages students to imitate the craft of master storytellers as they hone their own skills.