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
There are some people who have been reading me for years, and they keep saying kind things about the writing. That's what you're writing for, to get people to respond to it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of connecting with readers and the value of their positive feedback on a writer's work.
Elmore Leonard highlights the relationship between a writer and their audience, suggesting that the true purpose of writing is to evoke responses and emotions from readers. Positive feedback serves as a validation for writers, reinforcing their passion and commitment to their craft.
Themes
WritingReadersFeedbackConnectionValidation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a writing workshop to inspire authors to focus on their audience.
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
Similar quotes
You most likely need a thesaurus, a rudimentary grammar book, and a grip on reality. This latter means: there's no free lunch. Writing is work. It's also gambling. You don't get a pension plan. Other people can help you a bit, but essentially you're on your own. Nobody is making you do this: you chose it, so don't whine.
Margaret AtwoodRead
When you write, you lay out a line of words. _x000D_ Soon you find yourself deep in new territory.
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Above all, have a good time. If you aren’t enjoying writing it, you can hardly expect someone else to enjoy reading it.
Tom RobbinsRead
When I'm working on a book, I constantly retype my own sentences. Every day I go back to page one and just retype what I have. It gets me into a rhythm.
Joan DidionRead
I think a lot of the dull parts of first drafts come from a kind of over-managing, intrusive writer who wants to direct traffic. The idea of taking out the parts that the reader could infer is very liberating, and it's weirdly part of radicalizing your work: it allows you to go to new places fast.
Meg WolitzerRead
I made a decision to write for my readers, not to try to find more readers for my writing.
Seth GodinRead