Robert Harris (novelist) quotes - page 2

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 Harris (novelist))
I write as well as I can. I'm a journalist at heart, so it's the story that matters. View quote
Robert Harris (novelist)
History is what we bring to it, not just the events themselves, but how we interpret those events. View quote
Robert Harris (novelist)
My literary career was a fluke. Utterly unexpected. View quote
Robert Harris (novelist)
If you go back, 'The Great Gatsby' would be a portrait of the rich and fortune made by business. View quote
Robert Harris (novelist)
I think it's very, very hard not to go slightly crazy if you're in the top in politics, especially if you're there for a long time. View quote
Robert Harris (novelist)
Everyone thinks politics will just go on the way it is. I don't agree. View quote
Robert Harris (novelist)
It's when you've stopped writing and are doing other things, especially when you're asleep, that the real work is done. View quote
Robert Harris (novelist)
Humans have changed little over time. We think we've invented the modern world but they were making better speeches 2,000 years ago and grappling with issues of empire and terrorism. View quote
Robert Harris (novelist)
Working 14 hours a day until you're 55 and missing your kids growing up is not what I would consider a recipe for happiness. View quote
Robert Harris (novelist)
Orwell has always been a huge influence on me. (Robert Harris (novelist))
One cannot see any world leader who has got a grip on the financial markets these days. They're too big, too fast. I think that's quite scary. View quote
Robert Harris (novelist)