--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I learned to write crime novels by…" description: "\"I learned to write crime novels by reading people I hoped to emulate: people like James Lee Burke, Lawrence Block, Joseph Wambaugh, and Sue Grafton.\" —..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/860/michael-connelly-1004_books_i-learned-to-write-crime-novels-by-readi_1804738.jpg" --- # I learned to write crime novels by reading people I hoped… ![“I learned to write crime novels by reading people I hoped to emulate: people like James Lee Burke, Lawrence Block, Joseph Wambaugh, and Sue Grafton.” quote by Michael Connelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/860/michael-connelly-1004_books_i-learned-to-write-crime-novels-by-readi_1804738.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/860/michael-connelly-1004_books_i-learned-to-write-crime-novels-by-readi_1804738.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/860/michael-connelly-1004_books_i-learned-to-write-crime-novels-by-readi_1804738.jpg) > “I learned to write crime novels by reading people I hoped to emulate: people like James Lee Burke, Lawrence Block, Joseph Wambaugh, and Sue Grafton.” [Michael Connelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-connelly/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He studied successful crime writers to shape his own style, learning by observing their techniques and voices. **In simple terms:** He learned by reading and emulating top crime authors. Key Takeaway Study masters to develop your craft. Themes writing learning inspiration Mood motivational reflective Type instructional inspirational When to use this quote - writing workshops - reading classic crime novels - mentor analysis Key Concepts craftsmanship modeling genre mastery Questions to Reflect On - Which author’s technique will you adopt? - How can you add your unique twist? A Different Perspective Mimicking can limit originality if not blended with personal voice. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Crime novels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/crime-novels/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Reading](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reading/) [Sue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sue/) ## Related quotes > [That's why I love crime novels so much: When I write a crime novel, the conflict is built in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karin-slaughter/that-s-why-i-love-crime-novels-so-much-when-i-write-a-crime-novel-the/) [Karin Slaughter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karin-slaughter/) > [It's an unusual way to write a crime novel, to have these lingering, fairly large story points, but it's something I knew I had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tod-goldberg/it-s-an-unusual-way-to-write-a-crime-novel-to-have-these-lingering/) [Tod Goldberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tod-goldberg/) > [Sometimes I think 'The Wire' said it all, and I might as well not write any more crime novels.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-pelecanos/sometimes-i-think-the-wire-said-it-all-and-i-might-as-well-not-write/) [George Pelecanos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-pelecanos/) > [The Chicago Way is a wonderful first novel. 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