Books Quote by Elmore Leonard
“It's my attempt to remain invisible, not distract the reader from the story with obvious writing.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Unknown, by Elmore Leonard
The writer strives to stay unnoticed so the story shines, avoiding flashy prose that pulls attention away.
In simple terms: Write subtly so the story shines.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize story over style.
Themes
writing
subtlety
storytelling
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
advice
literary
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- editing
- teaching writing
Key Concepts
minimalism
authorial restraint
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance invisibility with vividness?
- When does subtlety become obscurity?
A Different Perspective
If too subtle, readers may miss nuance.
![“I really enjoyed it - being involved in watching rushes and playback [in "The Invisible Woman"]. Ralph [Fiennes] was very open to my input, I think knowing that he couldn't always be there 100 percent, that he had dual aims with directing and acting.” quote by Felicity Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/felicity-jones-2070_acting_i-really-enjoyed-it-being-involved-in-wa_11933.jpg)
