Meaning: This quote by Janet Frame, a celebrated New Zealand author, encapsulates the arduous and immersive nature of the novel-writing process. At first glance, the comparison of writing to a "shopping expedition across the border to an unreal land" may seem whimsical or lighthearted. However, a deeper analysis reveals that Frame is emphasizing the rigor and dedication required to create a work of fiction.

The analogy of a shopping expedition suggests a temporary, leisurely journey into an unfamiliar territory, perhaps hinting at the allure of creativity and exploration in the writing process. However, Frame promptly dismantles this romanticized notion by emphasizing that writing a novel is not a fleeting excursion, but rather an enduring commitment that demands extensive effort and perseverance.

The phrase "hours and years spent in the factories, the streets, the cathedrals of the imagination" vividly conveys the depth and breadth of the novelist's engagement with their craft. By likening the imagination to factories, streets, and cathedrals, Frame illuminates the multifaceted nature of the creative process. Factories symbolize the industriousness and labor involved in constructing a narrative, while streets evoke the diversity and complexity of the fictional world. Furthermore, cathedrals represent the grandeur and spiritual significance of the writer's imaginative realm, highlighting the profound emotional and intellectual investment required to bring a novel to life.

Frame's quote serves as a poignant reminder that the act of writing is not confined to the physical act of putting words on a page. Instead, it encompasses a profound and sustained engagement with the intangible realms of thought and creativity. The "hours and years" alludes to the immense temporal commitment inherent in the writing process, emphasizing that the creation of a novel is a protracted endeavor that demands patience and resilience.

Moreover, the quote underscores the significance of the writer's imaginative faculties. The notion of "the cathedrals of the imagination" suggests that the act of writing transcends mere craftsmanship; it is a transcendent, almost spiritual pursuit that requires the author to delve deeply into the recesses of their own mind and soul.

In summary, Janet Frame's quote offers a compelling insight into the profound labor and dedication involved in the creation of a novel. It dispels the romanticized notion of writing as a carefree, effortless endeavor, and instead portrays it as a rigorous and all-encompassing engagement with the imaginative landscape. This quote serves as a poignant testament to the commitment and perseverance required of authors as they labor in the factories, wander the streets, and seek solace in the cathedrals of their own imaginations.