The truth is that the writers who most influenced me weren't people categorized as crime writers. I'd say I learned more from John O'Hara, who isn't much read today but whose short stories I really admired, and Hemingway, who I think has lasted pretty good. Elmore Leonard admirecategorizecrime share on social
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.' Elmore Leonard agodrivefun Change image and share on social
People ask me, 'Why are you still writing books?' Like I'm still only writing to make money and as soon as I have enough I'll quit and go fishing? I like to write books. It's the most satisfying thing I do. Elmore Leonard bookfishmake share on social
I'm not going to write for posterity. I'm going to write to make a buck. Elmore Leonard buckmakeposterity Change image and share on social
If I just sit here, what am I going to do? I don't have a trade. I don't teach or anything. I just love to make up characters and gradually build a story around them. Elmore Leonard buildcharactergradually Change image and share on social
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 badguyhappy Change image and share on social
I got halfway through 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.' I don't get it at all. What's the big thrill? It's boring. Elmore Leonard bigboredragon Change image and share on social
There are 500 million people on Facebook, but what are they saying to each other? Not much. Elmore Leonard facebookmillionpeople Change image and share on social
To me, a book is a book, an electronic device is not, and love of books was the reason I started writing. Elmore Leonard bookdeviceelectronic Change image and share on social
I don't believe in writer's block or waiting for inspiration. If you're a writer, you sit down and write. Elmore Leonard blockinspirationsit Change image and share on social
