I have finally come to terms with the reality that writing is mental masturbation and finishing a work is mental ejaculation. And just as in physical masturbation, the getting there - the build up - is so much more satisfying than the ultimate release. Ejaculation - mental or physical - is a deliverance, a coming forth; never to be repeated in the same way at the same time ever again. A 'little death' - to paraphrase Sondheim.

Writing is the same. The end of each work is a little death. The wad has been shot, the miniature world created and destroyed with the final words; the seed spent.

And then what?

If only there could be a pill to restore creative potency - as there are so many that promise to restore sexual stamina. A little pill to make the mental juices surge and build to another satisfying release.

If only.