Summer 2005
Elmore Leonard ’50, shares his expertise with students
Elmore Leonard (right) with Associate Professor of Philosophy David R. Koukal.
On April 5, UDM students and faculty were treated to a special opportunity to learn more about creative writing from respected novelist Elmore Leonard ’50, who also happens to be a graduate of the English Department. Leonard detailed his experiences with writing novels and screenplays and shared his expertise, including his 10 rules of writing, and the process of working with Hollywood in transforming his novels to the screen.
Leonard, who was recognized by UDM in 1997 with an honorary degree, began his career writing westerns, but soon moved on to crime novels. His best sellers include The Big Bounce, Glitz, Get Shorty, Rum Punch, and Out of Sight, all of which have been adapted to the screen. His most recent publications include a children's novel—A Coyote's in the House—as well as a crime novel—Be Cool—which has been adapted to the screen, starring John Travolta and Uma Thurman, and recently played in theatres.
His visit, sponsored by the University Honors Program, was held in the Loranger Center, located in the School of Architecture.
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