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

In this quote, author Anita Brookner recommends that composing novels can keep an individual in a state of innocence. This is because when one is fascinated in the process of writing, they might miss out on certain things taking place around them. Their attention is diverted towards their work, and as a result, they might not be as familiar with their surroundings as they would be otherwise. This state of innocence can be seen as a kind of defense, shielding the writer from the extreme realities of the world. It allows them to focus on their craft and develop a world of their own, devoid of interruptions.