I admire your determination and resilience - and capacity for ruthless reinvention. I wish I'd had your tough-mindedness when I was your age, and when lucky enough (as an orchestral cellist in London) to get a two-novel deal with a "big-five" publishers (Orion).

For me, the lure of playing in orchestras was just too strong - and I still play with a few (though I mostly write). Perhaps the issues seem clearer-cut for someone of your generation?.. Or perhaps, these days, the impulse to succeed bites harder than ever?

Hard to say! - Millennials and beyond have methods of reinvention unheard-of even twenty years ago. There is - paradoxically - not only far more chance to excel in some brand-new field, but also far more chance to wind up regretting the old.

I'll only say this: I hope that you'll always play clarinet, for someone you care for.

Of even, just for yourself.

All the best,

Alice