Imitation: the sincerest form

Ok, I stole the title from a book on writing but the message is the same. It's ok to learn a bunch of abtracts rules, show dont tell, use this or that view point, develop voice etc, but a good way to learn is to take story, novel, play you admire and rework it.

Painters learn in the same way, by reproducing, imitating masters to assimilate technique and structure from a master. I think i read somewhere chekov and Maugham literally wrote out stories and novels to learn the craft. From first hand experience I can vouch that that's a great way to acquire insight into the structure and craft elements. Going on to make the story your own, perhaps the same or similar style and plot with different characters, situation solve a big problem: the story has a ready made structure, a frame, into which you can add your own creativity.

In any case I recommend imitation as a great tool for learning the craft in a very hands on way.