Who or what are you? Besides insufferably rude?

The visions are fragmented and a dark cloud spreads like spilt ink across the pages of possible futures.

Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?

There were also very special or dangerous items that had to be fetched in person, or even by large parties of armed librarians.

Just like the Perimeter! It never rains but it pours," declared the Major.

Being published is not a necessary validation or a path everyone wants to take with their work. Writing—and finishing—a novel is a great thing in itself, whether or not the book is published, or becomes widely-read or not.

Fear and realisation of ignorance, strong medicines against stupid pride.