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Elmore Leonard Quotes

Novelist

Elmore Leonard, born on October 11, 1925, was a renowned American novelist. Known for his hard-boiled detective novels and Westerns, his distinctive style and concise writing have won him a dedicated following.

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Famous Elmore Leonard Quotes

“Never use a verb other than ‘said’ to carry dialogue.”

Said Use Dialogue Verbs

Book:10 Rules of Writing

Source: 10 Rules of Writing

“Never use an adverb to modify the verb 'said' . . . he admonished gravely. To use an adverb this way (or almost any way) is a mortal sin. The writer is now exposing himself in earnest, using a word that distracts and can interrupt the rhythm of the exchange.”

Way Writing Said Use Sin Rhythm Mortals Earnest Verbs Exposing Adverbs Mortal Sin

Author:Elmore Leonard

“Never use the words 'suddenly' or 'all hell broke loose.'”

Use Hell Broke

Book:Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing

Source: Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing

“Never use a verb other than "said" to carry dialogue... I once noticed Mary McCarthy ending a line of dialogue with "she asseverated" and had to stop reading and go to the dictionary.”

Writing Said Use Reading Lines Dialogue Mary Dictionary Verbs

Author:Elmore Leonard

About the Author

Born: October 11, 1925
Died: August 20, 2013
Known for: Novelist
Quotes: 76

Books & Sources

Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of WritingRelated source material

10 Rules of WritingRelated source material

A Coyote's in the HouseRelated source material

BanditsRelated source material

Get ShortyRelated source material

Get Shorty: A NovelRelated source material

Labrava: A NovelRelated source material

Last Stand at Saber RiverRelated source material

Valdez Is Coming: A NovelRelated source material

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