Elmore Leonard Plans To Keep Writing
Elmore Leonard had thought that after 47 novels, he had retired. However, after winning the National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters in November, he appears to have had a change of heart.
Leonard, 87, says that he plans to write at least two more books.
“I don’t have any reason to quit,” he said. “I still enjoy writing.”
His next novel is Blue Dreams, scheduled for a 2013 release. It’s about bull rider Kyle McCoy who is looking for an Indian bull rider who has been unlawfully detained by border police. Along the way, he falls in love with a young movie star.
Leonard never plans a novel and writes them longhand on unlined yellow writing pads. His daughter Jane types them up.
“The characters come to life and start doing things,” Leonard said. “I don’t think about the ending until page 300. It’s the middle part that’s the tough part.”