About Quote by Elmore Leonard
“When people ask me about my dialogue, I say, 'Don't you hear people talking?' That's all I do. I hear a certain type of individual, I decide this is what he should be, whatever it is, and then I hear him. Well, I don't hear anybody that I can't make talk.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times, 1995
The writer listens to diverse voices, then shapes them into characters that speak authentically.
In simple terms: Listen to people, then write their true voices.
Key Takeaway
Capture authentic voices by listening first.
Themes
writing
character
listening
authenticity
Mood
thoughtful
creative
Type
instructional
reflective
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- interviews
- workshops
Key Concepts
voice
dialogue
perspective
storytelling
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure you’re not imposing your own bias?
- What techniques help you hear unheard perspectives?
A Different Perspective
Some voices may be inaccessible or misrepresented.
