I wouldn't encourage new writers to start off publishing through electronic media... it still isn't wide enough for the readership they would need to get a good start

I don't often reread my own books, unless I am going into another in the series and need to refresh my mood when originating the concept

At age 77, I need the help of someone with more energy than I can now summon to finish a book

I do outlines when I'm writing with someone, but they also need to have a certain amount of freedom

I also don't have organized religion on Pern. I figured - since there were four holy wars going on at the time of writing - that religion was one problem Pern didn't need.