So, the slog continues. I am alllllmost done with the manuscript, but I feel like I've been saying that for a long time. The truth is, there's no fast way to do this. I can see the progress, which is why I'm not despairing, and right now, the path is very clear -- revise those last three pieces, insert/do something with the voluminous notes and tidbits, put the essays in order, and ship it off to the editor.
But that actually translates to a ton of time and effort, as simple as it sounds. This just takes time, there's no way around it. I have stuck to my "little bit every day" plan, and it continues to shore me up. Because -- and I know I'm not the first to say this -- all of it matters. Every tiny thing I do, from changing this word to fixing that transition, needs to be done. It's all progress, no matter how small the step.
Do I wish I could go faster? Well, yes. But I'm the only one in charge here. I am both worker and management. And the best managers are not your enemies. They encourage and motivate. They are on your side.