I got this from the extras on the Jackie Brown Redux DVD: Elmore Leonard's rules for writing.

1. Never open a book with weather.
2. Avoid prologues.
3. Never use a verb other than 'said' to carry dialog.
4. Never use an adverb to modify the verb 'said.'
5. Keep your exclamation points under control.
6. Never use the words 'suddenly' or 'all hell broke loose.'
7. Use regional dialect sparingly.
8. Avoid detailed descriptions of characters.
9. Don't go into great detail describing places and things.
10. Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip.
11. If it sounds like writing, rewrite it.
12. For all these rules there are always exceptions.

Stephen King says pretty much the same thing about adverbs.

Comments:

That is why I flunk English.

Stephen King's book on writing was so good. Have you read any of his wife, Tabitha King's work? She is an excellent writer too.

I just try not to repeat myself or use the same phrase a lot. And when I read it, I "listen" -- if it sounds like it's full of cliches, I re-write. I've read some good books on writing. One thing I've taken seriously is "less is more".

comment by tealstar on Sept 23, 2008 5:12 AM ()

I guess that means we can't start off by saying, "it was a dark and stormy night".

reply by elderjane on Sept 23, 2008 6:11 AM ()

Laura, I think I break ALL of these rules regularly!!