Authors are ordinary people who usually start to live apart, in the imagination, because they don't fit in with normal, healthy people.

In this quote, Henry Williamson reflects on the nature of authors and their relationship with society. He suggests that authors are often ordinary people who, for various reasons, may feel out of place in mainstream society. This feeling of alienation, according to Williamson, leads them to retreat into their imagination, where they can create worlds and stories that allow them to express their inner thoughts and emotions. The imagination becomes a space where authors can explore ideas that they might not feel able to in the real world.

Williamson’s statement also touches on the idea that authors often feel disconnected from what he describes as “normal, healthy people.” This could refer to the idea that writers, through their creative process, often perceive the world differently or feel misunderstood by those who don't share their imaginative tendencies. Their tendency to live "apart" may stem from a deep desire to explore abstract concepts, emotions, and experiences, which can be at odds with conventional societal expectations or norms.

The quote implies that this isolation is not necessarily a negative trait but a part of the author’s process. It’s through their sense of disconnection that authors are able to delve deeply into their own thoughts and create works that resonate with others. The act of living apart in the imagination allows for creativity to flourish, providing authors with the space to explore unconventional ideas and perspectives that might not be accepted or understood in the everyday world.

Ultimately, Williamson’s quote reflects the unique nature of authorship and creativity. He suggests that writers often thrive in their imaginative worlds because they don't quite fit into the conventional expectations of society. This imaginative retreat allows them to create, reflect, and connect with others in ways that transcend their initial sense of alienation.