Writing Examiner

Elmore Leonard's Rules For Writing: Rule #1

So I'll be the first to admit that I am not even a blip on Elmore Leonard's radar. That being said, I also wrote about 11 novels before forcing myself to get one published, and I've been doing this for 15 years.

Now, probably 10 of the 11 novels I wrote were a handbook in what not to do, but it was fantastic training. So when I picked up a 100-page book about 10 rules of writing, I was understandably perplexed.

Let me post a disclaimer: The man knows how to write, he's just shifted the means of his craft. I spent 4 years in film school learning how to write screenplays, and if you want your novel adapted, follow each of these rules closely.

However, if it's a good novel you're after, there are a few to avoid.


1. Never open a book with weather. If it’s only to create atmosphere, and not a character’s reaction to the weather, you don’t want to go on too long. The reader is apt to leaf ahead looking for people.

No fault here. Couldn't agree more. Readers want to be entertained from the get-go. I mention this a bit in my post on First Sentences.
 

(I've abridged some of these rules. A full version can be found here.)
Topics: Writing , Author , Novel , Creativity , First Lines , Elmore Leonard

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