Broke Quote by Elmore Leonard
“Never use the words 'suddenly' or 'all hell broke loose.'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussion on Writing Style, Elmore Leonard, 1990
Avoiding overused dramatic words keeps prose crisp and realistic.
In simple terms: Skip cliché words for clearer writing.
Key Takeaway
Choose precise language.
Themes
writing
style
clarity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
instructional
reflective
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- screenwriting
- editing
- teaching
Key Concepts
cliché avoidance
voice
dialogue
Questions to Reflect On
- What words can replace sudden drama?
- How does word choice affect tone?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on other techniques may still feel melodramatic.
