Recently, I read five quotes on writing by Elmore Leonard (Western and mystery writer, screenwriter, novelist, and more). They are listed below:
1. “… The writer has to have patience, the perseverance to just sit there alone and grind it out. And if it’s not worth doing that, then he doesn’t want to write. …”
2. “A writer has to read. Read all the time. Decide who you like then study that author’s style. Take the author’s book or story and break it down to see how he put it together.”
3. “The main thing I set out to do is tell the point of view of the antagonist as much as the good guy. And that’s the big difference between the way I write and the way most mysteries are written.”
4. “It is the most satisfying thing I can think of, to write a scene and have it come out the way I want. Or be surprised and have it come out even better than I thought.”
5. “Write the book the way it should be written, then give it to somebody to put in the commas and shit.”
I think these are some of the most “spot on” descriptions/explanations of the writing process. But writing and reading go together, right? Two sides of the same coin, right? So when considering one, it’s nearly impossible not to think of the other. Right? Right. So as I considered these quotes I couldn’t stop myself from tossing reading quotes around in my head. And of course, as a writer, once it’s in the head, paper is next. So I found myself typing a short list of reading quotes. I’m not sure where I read or heard the quotes below but they well represent the readers’ side of the writing process. Give it a quick scan and tell me if you agree.
1. “Giving one’s time and attention to reading is as vital as giving one’s time and attention to thinking.”
2. “Reading a variety of genres is the equivalent of having a variety of spices in one’s pantry.”
3. “Reading is to mental growth as prayer/meditation is to spiritual growth.”
4. “A good book is near even when family and friends are not.”
5. “Reading forms bonds of friendship by unraveling the many artificial threads meant to separate.”
Aaahhhh! Reading and writing, writing and reading…gotta love ’em!
Ann Fields 
Enjoyed this post very much. Well said!
Thanks Marsha. Hope your writing is going well. Miss seeing your friendly face.
Great post Ann! I especially like the one that about writing it the way it’s supposed to be written, then give it to someone to put in the commas. Also the one about reading and spices is great. I love to read a variety of genres.
True! Now, I just have to find a way to greater balance between reading and writing. It’s so much easier to pick up a book than to torture oneself over word choice, settings, description, point of view, etc. Maybe keeping Mr. Leonard’s quote in mind about the commas will help…but oh yeah, that’s where you guys in critique group help. Smiling big!!!