I have this notion that every day one is issued with a strictly finite amount of creative energy. How to spend it is the question?

My mental model of how creative energy is issued by the Muses is based upon the idea of a pint glass full every day - though, actually, the quantity varies; some days are better than others. But, the point is that the totality is limited. That is your lot until the sun comes up again. Eak it out as best you may.

Now whether that picture is inspired from my youth in Dublin, Ireland, when milk was still delivered in pint milk bottle bottles, or by the unit of measurement still, fortunately, in active use in Ireland for beer, I have no idea. The mind is a funny thing and I have never been a beer man. I prefer wine.

I’m prompted to write about this because I often wrestle with writing priorities. My natural desire is to write fiction and let the rest of the world do whatever it wills without my involvement – but life is rarely that tolerant. Further, I try very hard to reply to fan letters within a reasonable time period.

Recently I received the following advice in a fan letter:

“Fri 12/16/2005 2:53 PM

Victor

Write more ---- blog less.

Warmest regards

Sandy and Shirley

Would that I could write with such economy!