🏃Welcome to Mile 7 of Novel Marathon – The 2023 Edition! 🏃The last couple of weeks have been a wild ride at my job. As in I wasn’t sure whether I still had a job! Which led me to think about compartmentalization, and the value of art. For me, compartmentalization is a way of separating different parts of who I am. There is the bringing-home-the-bacon part. There’s being a parent. And there’s my writing. Of course, compartmentalization has its limits. Especially when something really big happens. Trouble on the job front. Breaking up with someone. Getting broken up with. I’m not even talking about getting bad health news, that’s a whole ‘nother level. What is one supposed to do when the world comes knocking, demanding our full attention? Just forget about that novel you’ve been meaning to write? Snap back to reality? Kiss those childish dreams goodbye? The trouble with letting the world into our innermost creative sanctum is that two parts of ourselves suffer: In addition to things going south in real life, our creative pursuits are also in danger of taking a hit, and all of a sudden, our whole being is threatened. I’m not suggesting that real life problems can be perfectly kept at bay. We aren’t robots, after all, and whatever walls we attempt to erect between the different roles we play are ultimately as soft and porous as our skin. I take a lot of pride and ownership in my work. But ultimately, it’s work for hire. I’m as replaceable as any employee.But art is different. Our writing belongs to us. In case you’re wondering, it turns out I still DO have a job! But this experience has clarified a few things for me. When everything falls apart, my writing will still be there. I find that immensely comforting. It’s constant, waiting for me, a refuge I can turn/return to at any time. Protect your art. It’s worth it, and so are you. 📚Required readingCh. 15 & 16 in The One Year Novelist 🌟Extra credit Pgs. 22-24 in Refuse To Be Done 👟Story spark Write a paragraph about the moment you had the idea for your novel and what attracted you to it. 👟Most importantly: WRITE! ~500 words, 5x per week. For more writing prompts, go to: https://novelmarathon.substack.com