I think any writer is a fool if he doesn't do it for money. There needs to be some kind of incentive in addition to the project. It all goes together. It's fun to sit there and think of characters… — 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 female marshal in front of the courthouse in Miami and she's got a shotgun on her hip and… — 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 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 show rather… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
“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 Image
The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in. — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I have fun writing. I don't make it a chore. I don't have to struggle with it. — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
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 Image
I don’t think writers compete, I think they’re all doing separate things in their own style. — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
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 Image
“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 Image
I'm not going to write for posterity. I'm going to write to make a buck. — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
“A wife's faithful to her husband, subject to him. It's in the bible.” — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
