Never use a verb other than "said" to carry dialogue... I once noticed Mary McCarthy ending a line of dialogue with "she… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
Never use an adverb to modify the verb 'said' . . . he admonished gravely. To use an adverb this way (or… — 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
I'm very much aware in the writing of dialogue, or even in the narrative too, of a rhythm. There has to be… — 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
