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
My most important rule is one that sums up the 10: If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good writing should feel natural and effortless, requiring constant revision to achieve clarity.
Elmore Leonard emphasizes the importance of striving for simplicity and authenticity in writing. His quote suggests that if a piece of writing feels overly constructed or unnatural, it should be revised until it flows smoothly, ensuring that the written words resonate with readers without drawing attention to the writing itself.
Themes
WritingRewriteAuthenticityClarityRevision
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop to emphasize the importance of revision.
More from Elmore Leonard
All quotes →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.
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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