diff --git a/modules/story.py b/modules/story.py
index 01f4084..a3bf0ca 100644
--- a/modules/story.py
+++ b/modules/story.py
@@ -644,7 +644,7 @@ def write_chapter(chap, bp, folder, prev_sum, tracking=None, prev_content=None):
         return f"## Chapter {chap['chapter_number']} Failed\n\nError: {e}"
 
     # Refinement Loop
-    max_attempts = 3
+    max_attempts = 5
     SCORE_AUTO_ACCEPT = 9
     SCORE_PASSING = 7
     
@@ -686,7 +686,8 @@ def write_chapter(chap, bp, folder, prev_sum, tracking=None, prev_content=None):
         guidelines = get_style_guidelines()
         fw_list = '", "'.join(guidelines['filter_words'])
         
-        history_str = "\n".join(past_critiques)
+        # Exclude current critique from history to avoid duplication in prompt
+        history_str = "\n".join(past_critiques[:-1]) if len(past_critiques) > 1 else "None"
         
         refine_prompt = f"""
         Act as a Senior Editor. Rewrite this chapter to fix the issues identified below and ELEVATE the writing quality.