In "Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing," the author advises writers to be cautious with detailed descriptions of settings and objects. He emphasizes that overly descriptive passages can disrupt the narrative pace and hinder the story's progression. Leonard suggests that unless you possess exceptional storytelling skills like Margaret Atwood, it's best to keep descriptions brief and focused.

The core of Leonard's message is about maintaining the flow of the narrative. He believes that descriptions should serve the story rather than slow it down, allowing characters and actions to take center stage. Keeping this balance can enhance the reader's engagement and preserve the momentum of the writing.