I met him about 3 times at book signings. I attended his estate (which they really did not have to do) sale which was the highlight of my life. I got a brass candelabra from the sale. I put it next to my TV and look at it on a regular basis.
I read his novel Killshot many years ago. The dialogue between the characters is infused with great comic energy. Leonard is surely missed by all of us who appreciate unique storytellers.
"I probably write way too much to be taken seriously anyway." I always cringe whenever critics toss aside a writer for being "too prolific". Stephen King falls into this category. Although he has certainly written some duds over the decades, his books have a little something for everyone. I think we've romanticized the idea of the reclusive, pained genius who publishes one or two books in her lifetime (i.e. Harper Lee, or J.D. Salinger). We want all of our writers to be interesting freaks in the literary scene when in reality most writers are hard-working craftsmen who simply write for the enjoyment. I think Michael Chabon once said that, above all else, writers strive to entertain. Isn't that enough?
