When I had written _Erewhon_ people wanted me at once to set to work and
write another book like it. How could I? I cannot think how I escaped
plunging into writing some laboured stupid book. I am very glad I did
escape. Nothing is so cruel as to try and force a man beyond his natural
pace. If he has got more stuff in him it will come out in its own time
and its own way: if he has not—let the poor wretch alone; to have done
one decent book should be enough; the very worst way to get another out
of him is to press him. The more promise a young writer has given, the
more his friends should urge him not to over-tax himself.