WHEN I began this column series documenting the journey of bringing my manuscript, Leech, to publication, I made a promise to share the process honestly, warts and all. That means setting aside the insights I’d planned to share about the traditional publishing industry this week to talk about something that is more immediate: rewriting and writer’s block.

As I mentioned in my last column, I’m deep in the editing phase. I’ve received extensive feedback from my developmental editor and am now tasked with weaving those insights into the manuscript. This is the essence of the second draft stage—a stage that can, ironically, feel as daunting as starting the first draft. In fact, the second draft often comes with its own set of sub-stages, depending on how many rounds of revision are needed. Think of it as raising a young adult: your manuscript is functional and promising, but it still needs your supervision to truly thrive.

And let me tell you—this stage is no walk in the park. The developmental edits I’ve received are substantial, as they should be. These changes are essential to elevate Leech into a polished, compelling story. But facing those revisions head on has been… well, overwhelming. Questions tumble around my brain: Where do I even start? How long will this take? Will the story still hold up after all these changes? Will I catch every issue? And will readers love it—or will this effort be all for nothing?

If you’ve ever been in this position, you know the feeling. And if you haven’t, let me assure you—this is normal. Anxiety, vulnerability and even panic are all part of the creative process. However, these emotions often invite an unwelcome guest: writer’s Block. Yes, even after the first draft is done, that insidious doubt can creep back in, paralysing progress.

So, what do you do? How do you keep moving forward when the sheer scope of revisions feels suffocating? I’ve found a few strategies that are helping me through this stage, and I hope they’ll help you, too.

What I’ve done so far
After receiving feedback from my developmental editor, the first thing I did was gather all the notes and organise them into a system I could work with. This is a crucial step for anyone in the rewriting stage because it allows you to see the big picture and prioritise your efforts. There are many ways to approach this—mind mapping, using Post-it notes across their wall, colour-coding, journalling —but I decided on a more structured method: Excel.
Here’s what my Excel document includes:
· Editor’s notes and action items: I’ve logged every piece of feedback, big and small.
· Categories of fixes: These are grouped into character development, plot, structure, and style to help me focus on specific areas without feeling overwhelmed.
· Character arcs: I’ve detailed where issues arose with individual characters, so I can address their development cohesively.
· Chapter-by-chapter edits: In addition to the above tabs, each chapter has its own tab, noting where structural or stylistic changes are needed.
This document is my roadmap, which I will navigate continuously to ensure that I capture all the issues and that the final version of Leech flows seamlessly from beginning to end.

The challenge of where to start
I think I tried to distract myself with a high level of organisation to detract from the fact that even with all this, the biggest challenge remains: where to start. Some days, I think I should work chapter by chapter, diving into the manuscript sequentially. Other times, I feel like focusing on one character’s arc from start to finish might be the way to go. Or perhaps tackling it issue by issue—plot, then style, then pacing—would be more effective.
Here’s the truth: there’s no surefire way to approach rewrites. The key is understanding the process you develop and working through it bit by bit. What matters most is progress, not speed. Rewriting isn’t about finishing quickly; it’s about taking the time needed to make your work the best it can possibly be.

Strategies to tackle rewrites and writer’s block
1. Set soft deadlines (and stick to them)
Deadlines help you to stay accountable and move forward with the work, but rigid ones can lead to unnecessary stress. Create flexible, “soft” deadlines that keep you moving forward without making you feel trapped. If you miss one, adjust without guilt—but don’t lose sight of the end goal.

2. Take breaks—but be intentional about them
Anxiety thrives on burnout. When the overwhelm sets in, step away from your manuscript for an hour or even a day. Use this time to reset—take a walk, do something creative outside of writing, or simply rest. But don’t let your break stretch indefinitely. Use the time to refresh your focus, but be wary of procrastination!

3. Break it down
Tackling a whole manuscript at once is intimidating. Instead, break the work into manageable chunks. Celebrate small victories as you complete each piece—it all adds up to big progress.

4. Positive momentum: keep writing
It’s tempting to freeze up, second-guessing every choice. But the best way to beat writer’s block is to write through it. Even if what you write doesn’t make the final cut, the act of writing keeps you connected to your manuscript and can spark fresh ideas. As the saying goes, “You can’t edit a blank page.”

For me, these strategies—and my detailed Excel roadmap—have been a lifeline. Revisions are moving forward—slowly, yes—but steadily. My soft deadline looms, and I’m determined to make 2025 the year Leech sees publication.

If you’re navigating rewrites, wrestling with writer’s block, or dreaming of publication, know this: The road to publication is full of challenges, but it’s also deeply rewarding. If you have questions about writing, editing, or publishing—or if you just want to share your own struggles— reach out at thewritemind@gmail.com, I’d love to hear from you!