If you take a few days to write an outline, you're just making up scenes that you think will work, that you think will be interesting. But as you write it, other ideas occur - better ideas that have to do with what you're writing.
Elmore LeonardMy most important rule is one that sums up the 10: If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.
Elmore LeonardI don't get in a position to be frightened. I don't do anything dangerous, and I always pay my bills.
Elmore LeonardNever use a verb other than "said" to carry dialogue... I once noticed Mary McCarthy ending a line of dialogue with "she asseverated" and had to stop reading and go to the dictionary.
Elmore Leonard