Meaning: This quote by Jonathan Lethem, the acclaimed American novelist and essayist, offers a fascinating glimpse into his creative process as a writer. In this statement, Lethem describes his approach to crafting a book, revealing that he relies on a mental image or "hologram" of the book's shape rather than taking notes, drawing charts, or creating elaborate diagrams. This insight into his methodology sheds light on the intricate and often mysterious inner workings of a writer's mind.

Lethem's assertion that he holds an image of the shape of a book in his head speaks to the deeply visual nature of his creative process. Rather than relying on traditional outlining or planning methods, he appears to conceptualize the entire structure of the book as a cohesive, three-dimensional entity within his mind. This approach suggests a highly intuitive and imaginative way of working, where the book's form and structure are intimately linked to his mental visualization of it.

Furthermore, Lethem's use of the term "mental hologram" is particularly evocative, suggesting a complex and multi-dimensional representation of the book within his consciousness. The term "hologram" implies a dynamic and holistic mental construct, where every aspect of the book, from its overarching narrative arc to its individual characters and themes, is interconnected and interwoven within this mental image. This hints at Lethem's ability to simultaneously hold and manipulate a vast array of elements within his mind as he crafts his literary works.

It is also noteworthy that Lethem emphasizes his aversion to taking notes or creating external representations of his ideas. This suggests a certain degree of reliance on his memory and internal mental processes as he develops and refines his work. By eschewing traditional methods of organization and planning, Lethem's approach may allow for a more fluid and organic evolution of his ideas, unencumbered by the constraints of external frameworks.

Moreover, Lethem's choice of words in describing his mental image as a "hologram" also hints at the dynamic and ever-changing nature of his creative vision. Unlike a static blueprint or outline, a hologram conveys the sense of movement, flexibility, and adaptability. This suggests that Lethem's approach to writing may involve a continual process of shaping and reshaping the mental hologram of the book as his ideas evolve and develop over time.

In essence, Lethem's quote provides a compelling glimpse into the idiosyncratic and deeply imaginative nature of his creative process as a writer. It illuminates the intricate interplay between visualization, intuition, and memory in the construction of a literary work, offering valuable insights into the diverse approaches that writers may employ in their craft. This quote serves as a testament to the rich and varied tapestry of creative methodologies that underlie the art of writing.