First comes an idea. Then, characters begin to evolve out of the landscape of that idea. And then, finally, characters dominate: plot is simply a function of what these people might do or be. Everything has to flow from their personalities; otherwise it will not be emotionally engaging, or plausible.
Robert HarrisIf long hitting is the thing that causes the spectators to whistle through their teeth in wonderment, why not play tournaments up and down an expansive stadium?
Robert HarrisIt's when you've stopped writing and are doing other things, especially when you're asleep, that the real work is done.
Robert HarrisIf you go back, 'The Great Gatsby' would be a portrait of the rich and fortune made by business.
Robert Harris