Quotes by Elmore Leonard

“If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.”

“At the bottom of the hill they came out of the trees to a busy street and Antwan said, "We cross here." "Ain't no lights here," Antwan said. "Just look out for the ones trying to hit you. There's a...”

“My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: When you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip.”

“I started out of course with Hemingway when I learned how to write. Until I realized Hemingway doesn't have a sense of humor. He never has anything funny in his stories.”

“It's my attempt to remain invisible, not distract the reader from the story with obvious writing.”

“I'm very much aware in the writing of dialogue, or even in the narrative too, of a rhythm. There has to be a rhythm with it Interviewers have said, you like jazz, dont you? Because we can hear it ...”

“There are cities that get by on their good looks, offer climate and scenery, views of mountains or oceans, rockbound or with palm trees; and there are cities like Detroit that have to work for a li...”

“If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it”

“The shots left a hard ringing sound within the closeness of the brick walls. Terry held the pistol at arm's length on a level with his eyes--the Russian Tokarev resembling an old-model Colt .45, bi...”

“And she thought if you don't have the desire to fight or wait for something there's no reason for being on earth.”

“But he could never be a made guy himself because of his tainted blood, some Sunset Park Puerto Rican on his father's side, even though he was raised Italian. Chili didn't care to be made anyway, ge...”

“I dont think writers compete, I think theyre all doing separate things in their own style.”

“Psychopaths... people who know the differences between right and wrong, but don't give a shit. That's what most of my characters are like.”

“I can write anywhere. But I don't use a computer, and I could never write on a laptop. I hate the sound of computers; it's too dull, like it's not doing anything for you.”

“I can't allow what we learned in English composition to disrupt the sound and rhythm of the narrative.”

“I would say just start writing. You've got to write every day. Copy someone that you like if you think that perhaps could become your sound, too. I did that with Hemingway, and I thought I was writ...”

“The shots left a hard ringing sound within the closeness of the brick walls. Terry held the pistol at arm's length on a level with his eyes--the Russian Tokarev resembling an old-model Colt .45, bi...”

“But he could never be a made guy himself because of his tainted blood, some Sunset Park Puerto Rican on his father's side, even though he was raised Italian. Chili didn't care to be made anyway, ge...”

“I don’t think writers compete, I think they’re all doing separate things in their own style.”

“For a long time I've been walking down life's road with my two pals, Bad Luck and Bad Choices. Fortunately I'm a big believer in new beginnings, new friends, and running from my problems. So one da...”