American novelist and screenwriter Elmore Leonard is renowned for his Western and crime fiction. He was born in 1925, during a period when Western novels were very popular. There were many popular magazines devoted to Western fiction in the middle of the 20th century, including "Dime Western" and "10 Story Western." By publishing stories that appealed to readers' interest in stories set against the backdrop of the American frontier, these magazines gave authors the chance to make money.

Leonard saw a profitable market for Westerns and decided to write them out of practicality. Given that they were paying out two cents per word, which was a significant amount in those days, the magazines paid out fairly well. This strategy is similar to how many business owners base their career decisions on profitability and market demand rather than just following their passion projects.

His quote captures his well-rounded perspective on writing as a creative endeavor and a useful profession. While Leonard acknowledged that it was crucial to earn a living from his work, he did not discount the artistic value of telling stories. This viewpoint is comparable to sowing seeds in rich soil; although one may have preferences for the kinds of flowers to cultivate, the success of any garden frequently rests on selecting plants that flourish in the current environment.

Essentially, Leonard's remarks emphasize how crucial it is to be flexible and realistic when pursuing a career or passion. His story demonstrates how matching oneself with market opportunities can result in profitable outcomes, much like how he found success writing Westerns even though he didn't initially consider himself an expert in the genre.