“Write the book the way it should be written, then give it to somebody to put in the commas and shit.” — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I want the reader to know what's going on. So there's never a mystery in my books. — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I won't read a book that starts with a description of the weather. I don't read books over 300 pages, though I'll… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
Really, when I write a book I'm the only one I have to please. That's the beauty of writing a book instead… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I don't judge in my books. I don't have to have the antagonist get shot or the protagonist win. It's just how… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
To me, a book is a book, an electronic device is not, and love of books was the reason I started writing. — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
At the time I begin writing a novel, the last thing I want to do is follow a plot outline. To know… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
These are rules I've picked up along the way to help me remain invisible when I'm writing a book, to help me… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
A friend of mine who is in the publishing business knew I was writing a book, and he said, 'Have you said… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
When I get an idea for a book, something appeals to me, it's usually a character. I'll see a picture of a… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
Sometimes female characters start out as the wife or girlfriend, but then I realize, 'No, she's the book,' and she becomes a… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I never know what I'm going to write next. If I'm still writing the book but I'm very near the end, and… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
Never open a book with weather. There are exceptions. If you happen to be Barry Lopez, who has more ways to describe… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
It took me 20 years to buy an electric typewriter, because I was afraid it would be too sensitive. I like to bang the… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share
These are rules I've picked up along the way to help me remain invisible when I'm writing a book, to help me show rather… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share
“There’s something happening here, I know it. It’s right in front of my face, but I just can’t see it.” — Elmore Leonard Copy Share
The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in. — Elmore Leonard Copy Share
I have fun writing. I don't make it a chore. I don't have to struggle with it. — Elmore Leonard Copy Share
If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it. Or, if proper usage gets in the way, it may have to go. I can't allow… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share
I don’t think writers compete, I think they’re all doing separate things in their own style. — Elmore Leonard Copy Share
After 58 years you'd think writing would get easier. It doesn't. If you're lucky, you become harder to please. That's all right, it's still… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share
“He saw Harvey and Edgar catch each other's eye as he looked off toward the strains of "Alley Cat," Jesus, hoping they'd rush it… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share
I want the reader to know what's going on. So there's never a mystery in my books. — Elmore Leonard Copy Share
