When you are developing your style, you avoid weaknesses. I am not good at describing things, so I stay away from it. And if anyone is going to describe anything at all, it's going to be from the point of view of the character, because then I can use his voice, and his attitude will be revealed in the way he describes what he sees.

This quote by Elmore Leonard offers insight into his approach to writing style and how he leverages his strengths while avoiding his weaknesses. Leonard admits that he is not good at describing things in a traditional, detailed way, so he chooses to stay away from elaborate descriptions. Instead, he focuses on telling the story through the point of view of the character, allowing the character’s own voice and attitude to shape the narrative.

The meaning behind the quote highlights the importance of authentic storytelling. By letting the character describe their surroundings, Leonard creates a more natural and engaging narrative that reveals personality through language and perspective. This technique avoids the pitfalls of forced or artificial descriptions, making the story more immersive and character-driven.

Elmore Leonard, a celebrated American novelist and screenwriter, was known for his crisp, lean prose and realistic dialogue. His quote reflects his commitment to writing in a way that feels true to his characters and maintains a clear, direct style without unnecessary embellishment.

In summary, the quote emphasizes the value of developing a writing style that plays to one’s strengths. Leonard advocates for character-driven narration as a means to reveal attitude and voice, ensuring the story remains vivid and compelling without relying on conventional descriptive methods.