First publication is a pure, carnal leap into that dark which one dreams is life.
The novel is rescued life.
Balance is compromise. Of the muscles.
I get up and I have coffee and I speak to no man and I go to my desk.
Diplomacy is what is practiced after-the-fact. Never be too right too soon -- as any smart Uncle will tell you. The man who guesses what will happen will be blamed for it. No one will believe he has merely guessed.
This is my answer to the gap between ideas and action - I will write it out.