Avoiding distractions during the rewrite process

TWO months into the rewriting process for my manuscript, Leech, and the journey so far has been nothing short of illuminating. I now understand the novel-writing process on a deeper level—the importance of seeing the big picture while ensuring all the smaller parts connect seamlessly, the art of crafting character arcs and stakes that keep readers engaged, the discipline of identifying and eliminating bad writing habits, and the challenge of structuring a layered story in a way that is both compelling and digestible.

Looking back at past struggles, I recognise that the right support system and mindset have been crucial in helping me reach this point. For the first time, getting to the finish line has never felt so certain. However, I am aware that with this momentum comes the potential risk of overconfidence, which could be misleading.

Sometime in January, I came across the announcement for the Guyana Prize for Literature, with a submission deadline set for mid-March. The suddenness of the deadline took me by surprise because, in the past, it had been later in the year. My first instinct was to assess whether I could complete my draft in time. If I rushed, I probably could have made it. But I’ve learned from experience that rushing leads to regret. So, I made the tough but necessary decision to maintain my pace and not allow an unplanned deadline to disrupt my progress.

Rewriting a manuscript is an intricate process that demands discipline and focus:
1. Set your own deadlines – don’t worry about anyone else’s
Some years ago, about halfway through my first draft, I encountered a publisher (long before I knew enough about the publishing process) who seemed too invested in getting my work to print. They set a rigorous schedule and kept pushing to ensure I met the benchmarks. However, I was young and timid, and I was still learning the proper process of novel writing.
I ended up highly overwhelmed, which led to writer’s block, so I ended the business relationship with the publisher. It’s easy to get thrown off by external pressures, but setting personal, realistic deadlines keeps you grounded.

Instead of adjusting my workflow for the Guyana Prize deadline, I chose to stick to my original timeline. I could always apply next year, after all. This allowed me to maintain the quality of my work without feeling rushed.
Based on my own plan, I’ve also been able to decide on a definitive, more realistic launch date and am actively working towards that.

2. Focus on quality, not just speed
A rushed draft often leads to weak storytelling, inconsistent character arcs, and unresolved plot threads. Your second draft stage is not when you should be racing. It is a slow, strategic process where you must identify inconsistencies to bring the novel together.

By this time, you should have a clear intended result, but much work may still need to be done to get there. I took some weeks off to do more research and even invested in “think time”, where I did nothing but brainstorm new ideas on how to piece the story together better.

I did not rush, and this helped me avoid anxiety. I knew I was onto something good, and I just needed to take the time to get there. Then, one day, everything came together, and I had the urge to write. Since then, I have been moving steadily forward.

Not rushing the process allows the creative mind to flourish. That is when the best quality of your work shines through.

3. Avoid distractions and stay true to your plan
Because I took so long to write this book, one good thing is that with time came maturity. I was able to stand my ground and say no to things more firmly.
The biggest challenge in rewriting is staying committed to your process despite enticing opportunities or external pressures.

To reinforce my focus, I kept a revision journal, where I noted:
· Progress
· Roadblocks
· Ideas for improvement

This practice helped me stay connected to my manuscript and prevented me from veering off course.
If you are able to make concrete plans about where you want to take your book, and you set deadlines and stick to them, regardless of the pressures and temptations that arise, your book will thank you in the end.

The final product will be a well-thought-out, meaningful piece of literature that can withstand the test of time because you invested the time into it.
The rewriting process is a long and sometimes gruelling journey, but staying focused is the key to producing a written work that truly resonates with readers.
The beauty of writing is that the best product is not just finished—but finished well.

Stay the course, and the reward will be worth the effort.
Look out for Leech in September 2025!