“Lloyd McNeil’s Last Ride.” An FAQ

All you need to know about the new book.

Every two years, I write a novel. Because I am a creature of habit — which, deep down, is really just about control — I have a clear schedule for each one.

Summer Year One: Nail down premise of book, sketch out rough plot outline and character summaries, generally estimate word count.

September Year One: Begin writing book.

December Year One: Reach one-third-of-the-way-through benchmark, send to editor with desperately needy plea for encouragement that the book is on the right track.

March Year One: Reach two-third benchmark.

May Year One: Turn in first draft of book.

Summer Year Two: If book is not a total disaster that must be scrapped entirely, do editor-advised revisions.

September Year Two: Turn in revisions.

October Year Two: Lock down manuscript, come up with title, send to copy editor.

December Year Two: Start thinking about marketing plan, send out to potential blurbers, drop hints of pending new book in newsletter and on social media, slowly rejoin society.

March Year Two: Commence promotion. Fret.