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.
Elmore LeonardRead
After 58 years you'd think writing would get easier. It doesn't. If you're lucky, you become harder to please. That's all right, it's still a pleasure.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing becomes more challenging over time as expectations grow, yet it remains a joyful pursuit.
In this quote, Elmore Leonard reflects on the enduring challenges of writing, even after decades of experience. He suggests that rather than becoming easier, the craft demands more from the writer, as they develop a keener sense of quality and personal satisfaction in their work. Despite the difficulties, Leonard acknowledges the inherent pleasure in the act of writing itself.
Themes
WritingPleasureChallengeExperienceArt
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a writing workshop to discuss the evolving nature of creativity.
More from Elmore Leonard
All quotes βIf 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.
Elmore LeonardRead
A friend of mine who is in the publishing business knew I was writing a book, and he said, 'Have you said anything yet about the good guy? Because I know you spend so much time with the bad guys.' Because they're fun. So then you have to make the good guy fun, in order to compete. That's the challenge.
Elmore LeonardRead
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.
Elmore LeonardRead
Sometimes female characters start out as the wife or girlfriend, but then I realize, 'No, she's the book,' and she becomes a main character. I surrender the book to her.
Elmore LeonardRead
I really - I don't take my work that seriously, and I think that's what keeps me loose. If I try to write, if I catch myself trying to write, I'll fall right on my face. I'll see it. If I see in the prose that I'm - 'Boy, look at me writing,' I rewrite it. I rewrite it because I don't, because I think it's distracting.
Elmore LeonardRead
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