The piece delves into the intricate relationship between authorship and the publishing process, questioning when an author loses ownership of their work's secrets in favor of becoming a captive of the printed book. It emphasizes that writing should be viewed as a living, evolving organism rather than a finished product. Through César Aira's novella 'La vida nueva' and its imminent reissue, the author reflects on how the editorial delays transform the writer's identity over decades of silence between the act of writing and the eventual print, highlighting the potential adventure within this gap.

In 'La vida nueva,' the narrative is presented through a young narrator who mirrors Aira's own experiences at twenty, delivering his manuscript to editor Horacio Achával. Although Achával works for a major publishing house that opts not to publish this work, he chooses to take it under his personal label, Achával Solo, suggesting an intimate connection between the two figures. The publication date is whimsically set for a short three months later, yet within Aira's literary philosophy, time is portrayed not as linear but rather as a fluid construct with deeper implications for creativity and expression.

Ultimately, the article posits that the delays in publication are not merely hindrances but rather serve as essential components in shaping the artistic voice and identity of a writer. The ambiguity of the waiting game complicates the straightforward narrative of authorship and highlights how time itself can play a pivotal role in the creative process, inspiring a broader contemplation of what it means to be a writer navigating the evolving landscape of literature and readership.