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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the evolution of female characters from supporting roles to main protagonists in storytelling.
Elmore Leonard emphasizes the transformative nature of character development in writing. Initially, female characters may appear to serve merely as supportive figures, such as wives or girlfriends, but through the writing process, they often reveal their complexity and depth, becoming central to the narrative. This shift reflects the importance of acknowledging and empowering female voices in literature.
Themes
Female CharactersStorytellingNarrativeEmpowermentLiterature
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, to inspire colleagues about character development.
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
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
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.
Elmore LeonardRead
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