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This ride-along that I’d like to do has taken on epic proportions. Well, it has for me. Apparently not for anyone else. I understand that my next novel is not the top priority of firestations anywhere – nor should it be. But so far I have gotten unreturned calls, an “I’ll call you” (Two months ago – and nothing) and a third option that seemed so promising, but then the emails just stopped.

I understand that things come up, and that’s just the life of a firehouse. But, tomorrow I’m at least starting the interview process. I have to get started!

Isn’t it grand how other people’s lives can change the timetable of your book?

The hardest part of my job as AJ’s manager is to stay organized. I have files for everything from treatments, to convention newsletters, to legal paperwork. I have spreadsheets all over my computer with dates, notes, and reminders. You have to a system that works for you.

For Phoenix, we have to work backwards. We have a date in mind when we’d like to be published, but that will certainly move around some. There’s a 6 month period minimum where the book is completed but not available – this is when the reviewers get their hands on it. Continuing backwards, there’s the time it takes to have the books physically printed, layout and design, final editing, cover design, and publisher approval. All this comes after AJ finishes writing.

Each of AJ’s books is in a different phase of the process, so staying organized is key. Otherwise we could miss an opportunity or get pushed back. It happens all the time and then we have to decide if we delay the release to fix the missed opportunity or move ahead without it.

-Eli