When Progress Feels Slow

 Editing can sometimes feel lik you're getting further away from the finish line ...

Plot holes, characters who aren't quite working, scenes that need cutting, and chapters that need rewriting. Suddenly, your manuscript feels like a very long to-do list. 

As a fellow writer, I know just how overwhelming and frustrating this can feel. This is where a little positive psychology - a key part of my editing approach - can help. 

Let's look at the Progress Principle. It's the idea that making meaningful progress towards something that matters to you can have a positive effect on your motivation and wellbeing.

This is particularly useful during editing because it's very easy to look at your manuscript and think: 

I still have 20 chapters to edit.

I haven't fixed the ending.

This character arc is a mess. 

But what about everything you've already accomplished?

Maybe you've finally figured out why a chapter isn't working. Perhaps you've strengthened a character's motivation, cut a scene that was slowing the story down, or fixed a plot hole that's been bothering you for weeks.

Those things might feel small compared to finishing the entire novel, but they're still progress.

At the end of each editing session, write down one thing you've improved, solved, discovered, or accomplished. 

For example:

Today's progress: I finally worked out why Chapter 12 wasn't working.

Today's progress: I strengthened the protagonist's motivation in three scenes.

That's it. They don't need to be huge achievements. 

Then, when you have one of those editing days where you feel like you've achieved absolutely nothing, you can look back and see all the things you've already changed. 

Editing isn't just about finding everything that's wrong with your manuscript. You're developing your story. Every problem you solve, scene you strengthen, and decision you make is another step towards the novel you want to write. 

So, instead of only asking yourself: what still needs fixing?

Try asking: what have I improved today?

If you remember just one thing from today's post, let it be this: don't measure your editing progress by how much you still have left to do. Measure it by what you've already improved.

Did you find this post helpful? Are there any topics you'd like to see covered here? Let me know below - I'd love to hear from you!

Every story starts with a single spark, and every writer gets stuck from time to time. Keep showing up. Keep experimenting. Keep telling the stories only you can tell.

Until next time, may your stories grow wild, your edits be kind, and your brambles always lead to somewhere worth exploring 🌿