R.I.P. Elmore Leonard

Esteemed crime novelist Elmore Leonard has passed away at the age of 87, following complications from a stroke suffered last month.

He leaves behind a massive cultural footprint, having penned such defining works as Three-Ten to Yuma, Get Shorty, Out of Sight, and Rum Punch, among others.

A number of his books and short stories have been adapted for the screen, including the aforementioned titles (Rum Punch became Jackie Brown).

More recently, the TV series Justified used several of his tales as inspiration.

He began his career as a copy writer with Campbell-Ewald Advertising Agency, before his first short story was published in 1951.

One of the author’s most famous pieces, however, is a 2001 article in which he shared his 10 rules for writing.

His tenth point perfectly encapsulates his economic style, and wit: “Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip.”

Leonard is survived by five children and 13 grandchildren.