How do you overcome the urge to go back and edit what you've already written instead of finishing a story? I've gotten myself into a loop where I write a couple chapters then go back to the first and end up wanting to rewrite it. I'm on revision number five now and i'm further into the book than I've gotten but I'm having to force myself to keep writing instead of looking back to edit.
Editing as you go isn't bad, as long as you keep it moving. Give yourself a number of "allowed" spit polish edits, then make yourself move forward without a total rewrite. I'm that writer who must edit as I go or it bugs me to the point where I can't concentrate. The trick is to find the sweeet spot where you've edited "enough" to keep your brain happy with moving forward. That's a really individual thing, and it takes a lot of trial and error. Are your later revisions better? If so, I'm wondering if you need more brainstorming time before beginning to write. A lot of times it's pounded in our heads to sit down and just write our WIP, but some writers need a bit of daydreaming or journaling first to warm up. If the revisions aren't better and you feel it's a form of procrastination, then get tough with yourself and set a spit-polish limit.
It's probably a good thing. You're immersed in the story. Going back to edit may actually give you ideas so you can continue. The characters may start "talking" to you.
Kinda sounds like you've resolved the problem some already. If it helps, this is why I like outlines. When I've got it all lain out in front of me, I've always got something I'm working towards, and checking off my plot points as I go triggers enough dopamine releases to make it a relatively rewarding experience.
The later revisions are better but I still haven't got a rough draft done. I have the beginning and ending hammered out. It's the middle that's been sort of problematic. Thank you for the advice!
