Sue, no matter which process you use, first drafts are messy. That's why we use critique partners or groups. It sounds like your group is is a good one.

Jerold, hat tip to following your dream. It takes a while to figure out what process or which processes work for you. Hang in there. Every book is its own journey.

Mostly, I’ve been editing as I go, but in my second book, which has intertwining plots and an action timeline that must be enforced, I found it necessary to do more plotting. It was difficult, and the cons you mention to editing-as-you-go are spot on. There were many days lost when I had to figure my approach to the next scene. Worse, when longer gaps interceded (I get occasional consulting jobs in my old field), I often came back making some major changes (like changing antagonist and obstacles), changing the narrative direction.

The bottom line is I don’t think I can completely escape the method I’ve used. However, going forward I’m going to experiment with plotting chapters further out. Plus, I’ve decided to work multiple projects simultaneously, so I can switch easy and maintain forward progress.

I’ll know in six months if it’s helped. Time is valuable.

It's good to know what works for you, Barbara. Hopefully it will always work for you. If it doesn't at some future date, keep an open mind and try the other processes again.

Of course, my critique group points out stuff I missed or wasn't clear or I over explained, typos, plot problems, etc. etc. which means more rewriting.

As a chronological writer, I get the important stuff down and then layer it since I usually have talking heads and scanty settings.

Editing as I go doesn't work for me since I change things around and delete and add. As a planster, my story changes when I begin to get a better handle on who my characters are, so editing before the story is finished is time wasted for me.

Connie, I hear you. Our brains, our lives, our experiences change and that impacts our writing. Don't give up. You'll find your way forward!