"Once they're on paper, they're gone. I like to do as much with the words, as far as image goes"

Ric Ocasek's quote talks to the significance of making the most of words while they are still in the imaginative process. He is suggesting that once words are made a note of, they are no longer malleable and can no longer be changed. Therefore, it is important to benefit from the creative process and make the words as effective and meaningful as possible. Ocasek is stressing the importance of crafting words in such a way that they produce a vibrant image in the reader's mind. He is recommending that the words need to be used to develop a vibrant and effective image that will stick with the reader long after the words have actually read. Ocasek's quote is a tip to authors to benefit from the imaginative process and take advantage of the words they are crafting.