It occurs to me that, if it wanted to, I could conceivably cut my manuscript in half, edit and polish, illustrate, design and publish this part by Christmas.  Which was my original plan.

But I really, really don't want to.

I want to have a hefty fully illustrated tome of a novel, 400 pages plus in peoples hands in summer.

I really want to hold my book in my hands, but I refuse to compromise. 

I can't afford compromise.  Not this early in the game.