Some of you old-timers here remember my writing a fan letter to LL:

I had just finished "Last of the Breed" by LL. I enjoyed it so greatly that I wrote a fan letter to him. I told him I have all 122 books he wrote (in leatherette bindings). I enjoyed all of them, especially all the westerns.
The LOTB was very different and I told him I liked that one also (Modern day jet pilot, etc.)
But I probably made a mistake when I asked LL about the rather abrupt ending.
And I asked if his publishers gave him a deadline to finish it. My fan letter was written in January 1988. (I have never written a fan letter before or after that one.)
Several days later LL sent me a typed reply, including some misspelled words and questionable grammer. (Obviously not proof read by a sectetary.)
He was glad I enjoyed his books, but in no uncertain terms he said,"No one, no publisher or anybody hurries him to meet a deadline. That book ended just like he wanted it to end" !!!
Six months later on June 10th, 1988 LL died. I treasure that letter and have it framed on the wall of my man cave.