I don’t usually post news articles like this, but I’ll make an exception for Mr. Leonard. Fellow writers, we have lost a great one:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/21/books/elmore-leonard-master-of-crime-fiction-dies-at-87.html

Readers of this blog know I mentioned Mr. Leonard frequently in my posts on writing. As a new author, I found his advice invaluable. I’m forever thankful he took the time to pen his “10 Rules For Writing,” even if I didn’t always follow them. He will be missed, not only as a writer, but as a mentor.

Rest in peace, Mr. Leonard.