Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing

by Elmore Leonard

Book Overview

"These are the rules I've picked up along the way to help me remain invisible when I'm writing a book, to help me show rather than tell what's taking place in the story."--Elmore Leonard

For aspiring writers and lovers of the written word, this concise guide breaks down the writing process with simplicity and clarity. From adjectives and exclamation points to dialect and hoopetedoodle, Elmore Leonard explains what to avoid, what to aspire...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061451460
• ISBN13: 9780061451461
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Mariner Books
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

This is not a how-to book

Something about the title of this book, and, perhaps a sense of Elmore Leonard's mind, would seem to warn the reader that this is not a how-to book. However, many purchasers seem to have been under this impression. The book is wymsical, entertaining and remarkably accurate and very on point with respect to the "10 rules." A good bedside companion.

Good gift item for the would-be writer in your life

This is a book version of Leonard's famous rules. The rules are accessible anywhere on the internet, so it's not so much a book to buy for oneself. but it's a great gift for the would-be writer in your life. Especially one who's inclined to use "suddenly," too often, if at all.

Short, yet very good information.

This is a great book, with great information. Please be warned though, this is an extremely short book. I read the thing in 10 minutes. The book is ten tips, and really only takes up ten pages. (Could take up less) The rest is just illustrations/fluff. If you want good writing tips, this is a good book for that, but if you are a person who likes to get a lot of "bang for your buck" I suggest looking elsewhere. This is really only a good buy for collector's of EL or people with money burning a hole in your pocket.

Know what you're getting

This is not a comprehensive manual for writing, but rather a quick burst of inspiration. You can read through it in ten minutes if you take your time. I like to read it before I sit down to write. My girlfriend checked it out at the library for me and I liked it so much I bought myself a copy.

If Every Writer Followed These Rules, We Wouldn't Need This Book

...but they don't. Elmore Leonard's 10 rules, first published as an essay in the New York Times, are both informative and whimsical. Is $14.95 too much to ask for an illustrated essay that takes less than 10 minutes to read? No, especially considering that this book is just a fraction of the price of a graduate writing program and many times more useful.