The truth is that the writers who most influenced me weren't people categorized as crime writers. I'd say I learned more from John O'Hara, who isn't much read today but whose short stories I really admired, and Hemingway, who I… — 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
