“Very few people have both money and leisure — and the will — to do this. I’ve got this because of my profession.
I rang up V(ictor) G(ollancz)on Monday evening, and asked if he’d give me an advance on a — very hypothetical — book about it.
He said he would, and I’m going on that. I couldn’t have otherwise. Simply as an observer I shall be some use; it’s the one thing I’m sure I can do well, though I don’t think I’m a good analyser.
What I should like to do is to write a full diary every day, as truthful as it can possibly be.
I shall type it on both sides of the sheet, so that it will fold small, and shall try and leave a duplicate with somebody—if I get my copy through, they can destroy theirs.
But perhaps the whole thing is moonshine; perhaps there won’t be anything to write down!
If so, looking back on this afternoon from whenever it is in the future, I shall see myself looking a perfect fool.
However, that won’t be the first time ! Anyway, for what it’s worth. I feel all thrilled now, screwed up like a child going to play Indians.
Perhaps I shall be more grown-up by the end of it.”