Quote

I never see my bad guys as simply bad. They want pretty much the same thing that you and I want: they want to be happy.

Elmore Leonard

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Elmore Leonard
Age: 87 †
Born: 1925
Born: October 11
Died: 2013
Died: August 20
Author
Film Producer
Novelist
Prosaist
Screenwriter
Writer
New Orleans
Louisiana
Dutch Leonard
Elmore John Leonard Jr.
Guys
Simply
Pretty
Guy
Happy
Thing
Much
Never

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I left advertising as fast as I could in 1961. And I haven't ever thought about going back.
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Don't worry about what your mother thinks of your language.
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Never use an adverb to modify the verb 'said' . . . he admonished gravely. To use an adverb this way (or almost any way) is a mortal sin. The writer is now exposing himself in earnest, using a word that distracts and can interrupt the rhythm of the exchange.
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To me, a book is a book, an electronic device is not, and love of books was the reason I started writing.
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I still read Hemingway. I still read his short stories because they're so good. He doesn't waste any words.
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I don’t think writers compete, I think they’re all doing separate things in their own style.
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My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: when you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip.
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Bad guys are not bad guys twenty-four hours a day.
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Not dreams but night changes, not destiny but path changes, always keep your hopes alive, luck may or may not change, but time definitely chages.
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I focus on characters as individuals with attitudes and write each scene from a particular character's point of view. That way, even narrative passages take on the character's sound. I don't want the reader to be aware of me, writing.
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Never use the words 'suddenly' or 'all hell broke loose.'
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I try to leave out the parts readers skip.
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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 living.
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At the time I begin writing a novel, the last thing I want to do is follow a plot outline. To know too much at the start takes the pleasure out of discovering what the book is about.
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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.'
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It doesn't have to make sense, it just has to sound like it does.
Elmore Leonard
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I don't want the reader to be aware of me as the writer.
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I have fun writing. I don't make it a chore. I don't have to struggle with it.
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These are rules I've picked up along the way to help me remain invisible when I'm writing a book, to help me show rather than tell what's taking place in the story.
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Try not to write the parts that people skip.
Elmore Leonard