"Only towards the end of this process are any of the chapters in fully readable condition, a state of affairs that used to alarm my wife. But Joan's got used to it"

This quote by Fred Saberhagen is referring to the procedure of writing a book. He is saying that it is only towards completion of the procedure that any of the chapters remain in a fully legible condition. This used to alarm his wife, Joan, however she has because gotten used to it. This recommends that the process of composing a book is a long and difficult one, which it takes a lot of effort and time to get the chapters to a readable condition. It likewise recommends that Joan has actually been encouraging of Fred's writing process, and has actually concerned accept the reality that it takes a very long time to get the chapters to a readable condition. This quote is a testimony to the commitment and hard work that enters into composing a book, and the assistance of liked ones that is required to make it happen.