"Writing novels preserves you in a state of innocence - a lot passes you by - simply because your attention is otherwise diverted"

Anita Brookner's quote, "Writing novels preserves you in a state of innocence - a lot passes you by - simply because your attention is otherwise diverted", provides a profound reflection on the life and mindset of an author. Brookner recommends that the act of composing books encapsulates the author in a bubble of innocence. This preserved innocence might stem from the intense focus and creative immersion required to produce imaginary worlds, which diverts attention far from the harsh realities of the outdoors world.

The concept of innocence here can be translated as a form of defense or detachment from everyday life. Authors, while meticulously shaping the lives of their characters and the worlds they populate, get in a mental area where the complexities and in some cases harsh truths of reality are held at bay. This immersion in fiction permits them to experience life indirectly through their characters, which can, in turn, become a different type of truth-- one crafted, foreseeable to some extent, and controllable.

Additionally, Brookner's assertion that "a lot passes you by" mean a sense of sacrifice or a compromise. While authors are crafting stories, time in the real life continues to march on, possibly leading to missed experiences or occasions. The novelist's commitment to their craft could suggest that they aren't fully engaging with or observing the world around them, resulting in a kind of innocence born from lack or neglect of real-world experiences.

However, this diverted attention isn't necessarily unfavorable. The state of innocence might make it possible for writers to preserve a child-like interest and marvel, important for imaginative storytelling. It enables authors to explore human experiences from a fresh, untainted point of view, unprejudiced by the full extent of real-world cynicism. In essence, composing books might supply a sanctuary where authors can check out the depth of human feeling and imagination without the instant invasion of truth's complexities.

Brookner's insight, for that reason, records both the beauty and expense of the novelist's journey-- a delicate balance between the creation of classic art and the passage of time in the external world.