Elmore Leonard quotes - page 2

Elmore Leonard was an American novelist acclaimed for his distinctive crime and suspense novels. His sharp dialogue, gritty realism, and memorable characters set his work apart in modern fiction. He influenced generations of writers and continues to be celebrated for his contributions to popular literature. Here are 39 of his quotes:

I get letters. I get several a week, I think. A lot of people want a picture, a lot of people just want an autograph. (Elmore Leonard)
I think the best advice I give is to try not to write. Try not to overwrite, try not to make it sound too good. Just use your own voice. Use your own style of putting it down. View quote
Elmore Leonard
I don't get in a position to be frightened. I don't do anything dangerous, and I always pay my bills. View quote
Elmore Leonard
Everyone has his own sound. I'm not going to presume how to tell anybody how to write. View quote
Elmore Leonard
I still read Hemingway. I still read his short stories because they're so good. He doesn't waste any words. View quote
Elmore Leonard
I got halfway through 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.' I don't get it at all. What's the big thrill? It's boring. View quote
Elmore Leonard
I used to be able to write five pages a day, every day, no problem. Now a good day is five or four pages, and that's from 9:30 A.M. until 6 P.M. View quote
Elmore Leonard
I don't have any of the modern stuff. I don't have e-mail. I don't have a computer! View quote
Elmore Leonard
If you take a few days to write an outline, you're just making up scenes that you think will work, that you think will be interesting. But as you write it, other ideas occur - better ideas that have to do with what you're writing. View quote
Elmore Leonard
I have fun writing. I don't make it a chore. I don't have to struggle with it. View quote
Elmore Leonard
I'm not going to write for posterity. I'm going to write to make a buck. (Elmore Leonard)
Really, when I write a book I'm the only one I have to please. That's the beauty of writing a book instead of a screenplay. View quote
Elmore Leonard
I do have fun writing, and a long time ago, I told myself, 'You got to have fun at this, or it'll drive you nuts.' View quote
Elmore Leonard
My grandson, Max, who is an all state lacrosse player, once gave me some lacrosse advice: A limp pass is like a limp dick; it doesn't get the job done. I think the same can be said about limp writing. View quote
Elmore Leonard

Elmore Leonard

Elmore Leonard - Image
Photo: Peabody Awards, CC BY 2.0
Occupation: American Novelist
Born: October 11, 1925
Died: August 20, 2013
Quotes count: 39
Wikipedia: Elmore Leonard

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