I used to be able to write five pages a day, every day, no problem. Now a good day is five or… — 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
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
If you take a few days to write an outline, you're just making up scenes that you think will work, that you… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I started out of course with Hemingway when I learned how to write. Until I realized Hemingway doesn't have a sense of… — 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… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
To me, writing is the most fun. It's not always fun, but finally when you make it come out the way you… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I don't want to write any more screenplays, I'll tell you that right now. It's a waste of time. You've got too… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I'm not aware of a cadence when writing, but I hear it after. I write in longhand, and that helps. You're closer… — 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
Never use an adverb to modify the verb 'said' . . . he admonished gravely. To use an adverb this way (or… — 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
There are some people who have been reading me for years, and they keep saying kind things about the writing. That's what… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
I focus on characters as individuals with attitudes and write each scene from a particular character's point of view. That way, even… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
Writing on the beach is not what it's cracked up to be. The sand blows, and you perspire, and the page gets… — Elmore Leonard Copy Share Image
Writers - all writers, even screenwriters - like to make their mark. I don't think many screenwriters can write. They pass as… — 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
