"Well, after 30+ years working with Paul, I would never speak for him, but he got to a point where his focus was fractured and he couldn't do justice to any of his competing interests. He stuck it out with us long enough to deliver the story/worldbuilding side and now, as always, he's trusting me and the rest of us to bring it home. Will he be able to return? Unknown. Is he still my best friend? For sure."
