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Marie Javins is the author of the 2006 book Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik: One Woman’s Solo Misadventures Across Africa, as well as three other books. In 2001, she left a 13-year career as an editor and colorist at Marvel Comics to circumnavigate the world by public transport — and document it on MariesWorldTour.com. Her work is dedicated to the demystification of travel; recurring themes are “it’s cheaper,” “it’s easier,” and “it’s safer” than people think.

Marie, who is 42 years old, is currently working on Curse of the Hippo, a book about living in Uganda, Kuwait, Egypt, and of course, Jersey City — her home on-and-off for the last twenty years. You can find her on the web at MarieJavins.com.

Day job:

Editor-in-chief for a comic book company headquartered in Kuwait with offices in Cairo and Manhattan.

What’s the worst or most interesting thing that’s happened to you at work?

In Cairo, a senior staffer whose name was on the incorporation documents decided that because his name was on the figurative lease, the company must be his property. I had to steal three hard drives, 15 employees, and run. He threatened to have me arrested if I didn’t return the month’s output (on the three hard drives). I had a Patton-esque moment and gave an inspirational speech to rally the troops in front of the employees under the watchful eyes of Grimace in the children’s party room at McDonald’s. I registered with the US Embassy, had a friend on call to get me out of jail, and tried to figure out the fastest way to Jordan or Israel, but in the end, senior management convinced the staffer to hand over the office keys and walk away.

Does work ever conflict with your art?

I struggle to find a balance between the time constraints of my day job and my creative pursuits. I was freelance from 2001-2006, and while impoverished, I managed to write four books. Now, having started working full-time since January 2007, I am losing in the ongoing struggle to prioritize my own work. It’s distressing and perplexing, though it is a relief to have health insurance and be able to pay bills.

My day job does, however, provide me with rich material for my blog and books. I spent three months working and living in Kuwait, having to explain Wolverine’s “adamantium bones” and what it means to “go all Carrie on you” to a room full of translators. And in 2007, I spent an amazing six months in the Cairo office. I’ve been lucky enough to have my day job give me source material for my writing.

Do you have health insurance?

Yes! Before I had insurance, I’d see doctors and dentists in other countries, where it is usually much cheaper. And no, it’s not scary (see above recurring themes).

Who are the three people you’d most like to have read one of your books, in terms of helping your career?

Oprah, of course — the Oprah seal of approval seems to mean overnight success for books. Terry Gross from Fresh Air, Leonard Lopate on WNYC. And I hope they’d not only read it, but also like it.

If Wal-Mart approached you about using your writing in an ad, for a large sum, would you do it?

It depends on the context. If they wanted to use something which pointed out that Africa is not all about war and starving children, or that the Middle East is not all about oil and terrorists, a positive message with a bit of dignity, then a presentation via Wal-Mart is an avenue for reaching millions. But if they wanted to use one my stories about the inconveniences of taking a bus with a chicken in your lap — a bus that stops every twenty feet for an hour — to convey how much easier it can be to stay home, or how Africa is all about war and starving children, then no, not interested.

Any additional thoughts on the conflicts and intersections of work and art?

Without the Kuwaiti company scooping me up and spiriting me off to the Middle East and North Africa, I would have a lot less material for my stories. Plus I am grateful for the opportunity to work on a day job with a difference. Our goal is to provide positive reading material to kids in the Middle East and North Africa, and indeed, around the world. The world has been kind to me as I’ve navigated its backroads and waterways, and in some ways, it’s fitting that I am in turn contributing to cultures that have tolerated and assisted me in my travels. But work will always put time constraints on my art. My art alternates between being enhanced by and being smothered by my day job.

Day Job is a monthly column examining the contradictions, conflicts and convergence between work and art. We’re always looking for new people to profile. If you or someone you know fits the bill, email jwhiten (at) gmail.com.

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