172 Quotes by Elmore Leonard

I don’t believe in writer’s block or waiting for inspiration. If you’re a writer, you sit down and write.

She said very quietly, “Mitch?” “What?” “There’s somebody downstairs.” “I know there is.

I don’t judge in my books. I don’t have to have the antagonist get shot or the protagonist win. It’s just how it comes out. I’m just telling a story.

Come on up to Riv’era Beach and say those things, you be dead.

To me, writing is the most fun. It’s not always fun, but finally when you make it come out the way you want, it’s then you can say, ‘It’s fun, boy.’

I don’t want the reader to be aware of me as the writer.

That’s right, you got a divorce. You remarried – what about your present husband?” “He died last year.” “You go through ’em,” Nicolet said. “What kind of work did he do?” “He drank,” Jackie said.

I don’t get in a position to be frightened. I don’t do anything dangerous, and I always pay my bills.

That goddamn Louis, you see what he done? Put his cigarette butt in here. I’m gonna punch him right in his smokin’ mouth.” Max turned back to the form, glades mutual casualty printed across the top. He said, “I know how you feel. But when you hit an ex-con who’s done three falls, they say you better kill him.