I would say just start writing. You've got to write every day. Copy someone that you like if you think that perhaps could become your sound, too. I did that with Hemingway, and I thought I was writing just like Hemingway. Then all of a sudden it occurred to me - he didn't have a sense of humor. I don't know anything he's written that's funny.

In this quote, Elmore Leonard offers advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of consistency in developing a writing habit. He suggests that writers should write every day, as regular practice is essential to improving one's craft. Leonard also recommends copying the style of writers they admire, particularly if they believe they can adopt that style as their own. He mentions that early in his career, he tried to emulate Hemingway, thinking that mimicking his style would help him develop his own voice as a writer.

However, Leonard reflects on a key realization that changed his perspective. While he was attempting to write like Hemingway, he came to the conclusion that Hemingway’s style lacked a certain sense of humor. Leonard humorously notes that he couldn’t think of any of Hemingway’s work that he considered funny, pointing out a stark contrast between their writing. This realization prompted Leonard to acknowledge that his own writing was naturally inclined toward humor, which became a distinguishing feature of his style.

The quote speaks to the process of finding one's own voice as a writer, a journey that often involves imitating others before discovering what feels authentic. Leonard’s experience highlights how writers sometimes start by emulating someone else’s work but ultimately learn that their unique qualities, such as humor, will define their own style. Humor, in this context, becomes a personal signature that separates Leonard’s work from Hemingway’s more serious tone.

The origin of this quote lies in Leonard’s reflections on his own writing journey. It illustrates his process of growth and the realization that his natural inclination toward humor helped shape his distinctive style. His comment serves as both practical advice and a personal anecdote, showing how early influences can evolve into a writer’s authentic voice over time.