I am stunned by my output this year. So far, I have written close to ten percent of the number of pieces written over thirty-seven years. Also, I have written a bit more than eight percent of all the words I have ever written. What a year! And there is still December entire, a bit more than eight percent of the year. But, I hasten to add, I am stunned by my output mostly in the negative sense of that word. I sincerely hope that no other year will be like this one. As I write, I am feverishly thinking of ways to reduce my output. And my guess is that I should limit my reading most carefully. Most important, no more newspapers. I should also avoid crowds. These strike me as New Year’s resolutions well ahead of their time, but there they are. No more records, please!

Addendum (November 13, 2016)

At long last, I have found an effective way to reduce my output: fallow days. Introduced early this year, these are days when I promise myself not to write a single word. And way in advance. By now, I have a five-year plan of fallow days stretching between 2016 and 2020. And I stick to my plan with determination bordering on zeal. No fooling around! By the end of this period, I hope to be writing as little as I used to early into my writing project. Say, the first decade or so. As far as records are concerned, though, there are surprises ahead. From now on, I will do my best to reduce my output in every way imaginable. And I expect records galore over the next five years. From year to year, the number of fallow days will grow by leaps and bounds. Alas, these will be records to cherish for true!