If I have several bad guys and I only want to end up with one of them, then I have to decide… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I do this a lot with names. I'll start with a name, and then for some reason he won't talk much, or… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I think any writer is a fool if he doesn't do it for money. There needs to be some kind of incentive… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I would say just start writing. You've got to write every day. Copy someone that you like if you think that perhaps… — 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
When people ask me about my dialogue, I say, 'Don't you hear people talking?' That's all I do. I hear a certain… — 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
When you are developing your style, you avoid weaknesses. I am not good at describing things, so I stay away from it.… — 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
