I'm in my 50s carrying what feels like a lot of unfinished business and failure. But I have not failed my kids for I know that I will hate myself if I did.

I need to write 3 novels or screenplays to feel like I've stuck my neck out as writer. If they fail, I can live with that. Success is not an entitlement. Failing my family I could not live with for reasons very personal to me. If I write a great book I will have an artistic legacy. Raising great kids is also an important legacy even if it feels like it is something you are doing for everyone else.