Milt Caniff on when to start a new comic strip

CANIFF: ...As I told you earlier, it's always a bad time to start a new comic strip. That's what they told me the first day I ever started in the business. I had six turn-downs before I was able to score with Dickie Dare.

...

SABA: Well, it's interesting how you say it's always a bad time to start a strip. Your story about Terry is encouraging, really.
CANIFF: Yes, it should be encouraging. I mean it to be. Don't listen to the howls of ill portent. Just fly in the face of it. Starve a little.