The Whooshing Sound of Deadlines

I take a lot of pride in the fact that I almost never miss my deadlines, but, just like with my college papers, I always find a way to get my book in EXACTLY on time -- which, in the case of June 1, which falls on a Sunday, often means I'm technically going to deliver a couple days late.

I have no idea how my editor feels about this, but it's something I do reliably, like clockwork. I suspect she just rolls her eyes at me, because, barring major tragedy, I have never been later than a couple of weeks. Actually, there was the book that I never finished (the St. Paul alternate history/magic book) that turned into a contract renegotiation for Tall, Dark & Dead... so I can't really say I've NEVER missed a deadline.

I suspect I'd be better served if I were more like Kelly and could get my books in months ahead of deadline, but my personality won't allow it. I'm anal about holding on to a manuscript and re-working it and trying desperately to find every last typo and plot hole. I should say though, too, that I tend to have a very messy first draft. I write so organically that by the end I usually do need to go back over the beast a few times to make sure the beginning and the ending match.

Anyway, I don't have anything of substance to say about deadlines and the whooshing sound they make as they pass, except I'm mostly done. My book will arrive a few days late, but it will be there.