That's a great problem to have, Karen!

There's no oversharing here, KJ. This community is a great trust circle. And I think lots and lots of writers struggle with self-doubt. It's not easy to yank a story out, and there's a lot of anxiety that comes with it.

And isn't it so frustrating, Denise?

Finishing volume 3, Pride's Children: LIMBO, is literally the only thing I have left of the pre-illness me.

I can't quit.

Because this is crucial to my mental health, including to being able to deal with the challenges disability and chronic illness pose in my daily life.

I can't quit.

Because even if the previous two volumes have been both almost standalones, and award winners and well reviewed, the STORY isn't finished until it is.

I can't quit.

Because a good day or a couple of hours of functioning brain - and the first thing I think about is 'getting back to work.'

I can't quit.

Because I have things to say, no one else is saying them, and the world doesn't seem to be getting kinder and gentler every day - and this is how I fight back.

I was having a pity party just the other day and found myself responding, "STOP THAT! You can only control what you write and publish. Let go and let the universe and readers do the rest." My self-talk always includes a response. LOL

Then, I kept things simple.

1) I wasn't writing consistently enough to get a book written before I lost momentum. Playing to my strength--I show up for other people--I committed to running a daily writing sprint for my local writer's organization at the start of January and suddenly (not really, of course, but it feels that way)...I'm writing book TWO of a new trilogy.

2) As a discovery writer, I fell into the trap of writing info dumps and wandering enough that I ended up off track or in a corner with no clear path forward in the story, usually around th 60-70% mark. I finally committed/learned to plot (instead of just reading about plot) so I don't write off course or into corners that tend to block my progress. Added benefit: increased confidence in my storytelling skills, which increased my writing productivity too.

Two problems with two (relatively) easy solutions. No therapy needed, haha. I'd say, lean into who you are. Identify your strengths and personal skills and attend to those. This comment got a bit off topic, but your post is the starting place to figuring this all out.

I have a psyche that I have to fight with on this front, Barb. I think it's early (bad) training and ADHD. But writers are a special bunch, and I think creativity is powered through joy. When we focus on the joy and the fun, we can get through it. At least that's what works for me. *hugs*