Highly practical, yes, I agree (oops, there's an adverb slipping in!). As to having a muse, I'm not sure I've set up a welcoming enough environment for one yet. I certainly haven't mastered the knack of going in the room and shutting the door. One of my goals for this year -- unmet thus far, alas -- was to do more of that. A big reason I like fests is they give me a deadline :)