How do you ever finish the dang thing?

So, I know you're constantly suppose to revise when you're writing, but I've been stuck at chapter 5 for almost a month now. I keep writing and re-writing my first few chapters. Even now that I've gone through and finally printed off the first five chapters to take to my parents this weekend (yikes, by the way), I'm still revising and reprinting pages to replace.

I know this is probably a good thing, as my chapters now are almost completely different then when I first started. However, I'm just wondering if this is normal. If so, how do you ever get past the first few chapters?

Ack. This is frustrating.

I guess everyone has their own methods, but I was under the impression that a writer should write the entire story, then begin the rewrite process. Have you considered just finishing the ms to the best of your abilities and going from there?

I agree with Gary. The editorial process can be something of a crutch at times. Something to which I think we all fall victim at one time or another.

Just let the story flow and try to not edit overmuch as you go unless the editing is principle to the structure of the storyline. Other than that, don't try to tweak phrasing or get all into that one paragraph and getting it just perfect. Doing this has a way of making you feel that you are still in the process, but it doesn't get you any closer to that last page.

I would get the story down first, then worry about rewrites. That is what I did, and I think most do it that way.