About Quote by Robert Crais
“Writing a book is a long and difficult process for me. I'm a slow writer, so I spend the year with Elvis Cole and Joe Pike in my head. I was thinking about this the other day. I wrote the first book in 1987. Literally every day since that time, Elvis and Joe have been in my head. They're always there. I started these guys because I like them.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Author talk, 2015
Writing is a slow, solitary process for him, aided by imagined characters that keep him focused and inspired.
In simple terms: He relies on fictional companions to stay disciplined while writing.
Key Takeaway
Use creative mental tools to sustain long‑term projects.
Themes
creativity
discipline
solitude
Mood
thoughtful
inspired
Type
advice
creative
When to use this quote
- author workshops
- daily writing routine
- creative visualization
Key Concepts
character imagination
writing process
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create supportive habits for creative work?
- What role do imagined mentors play in your productivity?
A Different Perspective
Imaginary helpers may not replace real feedback.
![“realized that at a level I'd never been conscious we'd been engaged in a game of wits for years. I suppose most writer-subject pairings are like that. Of course, I'd set aside my plan to write about him [Clark Rockfeller] as soon as I'd gotten to know him some, but now I'd resumed that intention.” quote by Walter Kirn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9e8/walter-kirn-2189_conscious_realized-that-at-a-level-i-d-never-been_3150735.jpg)
