The great crime novelist Elmore Leonard died last week and he kept writing until the very end. His son, Peter Leonard, said that he might finish his father’s final novel.
In an interview with the BBC, Peter, who is also an author, said that he spoke with the rest of the family about finishing Blue Dreams, Leonard’s 46th and final novel. The story features Raylan Givens, the famous character Leonard created. Raylan Givens is the main character in FX’s acclaimed drama Justified.
When asked if he would finish the book, Peter replied, “I would, I think so.” He told Radio 4's Broadcasting House program, “It's been discussed among family members and I've talked to Greg Sutter, Elmore's longtime researcher.”
Leonard died Tuesday at the age of 87 following a stroke in July. His credits include 3:10 To Yuma, Get Shorty and Out of Sight. According to the Associated Press, his funeral was held in Birmingham, Michigan, his hometown, on Saturday.
Peter spoke at the funeral, recalling many moments with his father including how he “always got stopped” at the airport for carrying items that don’t belong on planes. He said that his father always loved talking with fans and that “His favorite letters were from convicts.”
Many of the speeches at the funeral also referenced Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing. The list was handed out to the people who attended the funeral at Holy Name Church in Birmingham.
image: Wikimedia Commons
