Dreaded Deadline Doom

When they used to use this phrase in the old Marvel comics (usually to explain why an "inventory" story had been run rather than a part of the on-going storyline by the regular creators), I never really understood it. But "doom" is a pretty good word I think.

I'm just finishing the first book of my Stygian trilogy of novels set in the Conan universe, and I have TWO MORE to write by the end of January. There's nobody I can pass this off to, no way to stretch it (other books by other writers in the series are already late, probably eating up all the usual slack in the system). The pressure is on.

So, here it is, Thanksgiving morning. Early Thanksgiving morning, and I'm getting ready to go to work. I never get up early on Thanksgiving, but here I am. Later this afternoon, I'll go over to the house of my friends (and fellow writers) Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch for turkey.

But -- must -- resist -- triptofan -- Because work still needs to be done.

Cue music. Pull out magic sword. Stand on top of rock and hold it high.

I HAVE THE POWER!