Devonne Brown

Leonard’s Top 10

    My current favorite book is Elmore leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing. It might be my favorite. It has pictures. It is what a book should be. It is complete. It is auditory, visual, and kinesthetic, if you get the hardback, which I did. Twice. This book is special. My first copy was stolen when I took it to school to show to my fellow English teachers. I swore I wouldn’t make a judgment, but it never made it home. That’s how cool the book is. So, I ordered it again, a used copy. I like the energy of a necessary book. 

    The book has feet. Elmore knows about writing. “If it sounds like writing; I revise it.” You would definitely agree with him in a chat or even a conversation.   

The book’s construction is even instructional. He structured his book for minds like mine who need some white space when I’m looking for an answer. He states the rule on one page. That’s all. Then, Leonard presents a caricature of himself of the rule on another page. He explains, in sentences, why following the rule is a good plan. It’s beautiful. It’s perfect. It’s funny. I have it on my coffee table. I refer to it often.

“Never use the words ‘Suddenly’ or ‘All hell broke loose,’” is rule six. That’s the one about not using adverbs. A man with a sense of humor about writing rules speaks to my soul. I’m in love with a reference book. Pathetic isn’t it?