Ain't that the truth, Kristine? Good to see you back. Even if briefly. I'd have written hundreds of books by now (he lied, unconvincingly) if it weren't for the prospect of editing.

Proofreading my own translations in my day job is soul-destroying enough. The idea of having to plough through and apply the scalpel - or full-on semtex - to stuff I've put my heart and soul into would crucify me.

That's #7 of my 25 excuses for not having written a book.

Some beautiful lines here, by the way. 10 and 11 are my faves, I think. Don't cut them - they ain't flab.