I have found both sides to be helpful. Isimov’s advice was actually very helpful because you can beat yourself over the head trying to finish or just move on and let your subconscious do the work. On the other hand, Awkaeke Emezi has said “Face your work” which has helped me be more disciplined with longer compositions. They have a growing, multi-genre collection as a result, which I admire.

You can be regimented but may need the flexibility to move on if needed to get yourself unstuck. One thing I have worried about is staying away too long. What if I’m no longer interested or can’t quite pick up where I was getting at? It’s all part of the process I guess.