Reflections on Rewriting: My Journey with Older Writing

There is a peculiar pleasure that comes from revisiting my older writing. It is both a joy and a jolt to re-read a story that I wrote long ago, especially one with characters that I now find hard to relate to due to their past actions. This experience is twofold: it’s thrilling to see how far I’ve come, yet it also brings to light the ways in which I’ve changed and the characters I once imagined are unrecognizable now.

Improvement and Change

For me, writing has evolved over the years. It's not just about the words on the page but the evolution of the characters and the story itself. My characters in older versions of my story are a prime example of this. In the past, a character might have acted in ways that I, the current, more evolved version of myself, can hardly fathom. These re-reads are like peeling back layers of personal and creative growth. I often find myself reading these older stories with a mix of amusement and dismay, sometimes wondering if I could ever have written such a thing.

Personal Growth

Reflecting on old stories is a reminder of my personal and professional growth. It’s almost like re-living parts of my student years, when I was just starting out and exploring different styles and narratives. Back then, my characters were wooden and lacked the depth and nuance they now possess. While these older writings aren't always perfect, they represent a crucial phase in my development as a storyteller. They serve as milestones that highlight the journey from a novice to a more mature and seasoned writer.

Mixed Feelings

When it comes to revisiting older stories, there is a spectrum of emotions to navigate. There are moments of joy, where I remember the excitement of creating something new, and moments of discomfort, where I cringe at certain decisions I made. The nostalgia of looking back at something I love, like discovering a forgotten movie or book, is an undeniable pleasure. However, when it comes to novels, these feelings are mixed with a touch of bitterness. They take too much time and effort to be revisited with the same enthusiasm as they were initially written.

The Impact of Time

Time has been both a blessing and a curse in my writing journey. As I grow older, I become more forgetful, which sometimes allows me to rediscover things I’ve created but had forgotten about. This has been a double-edged sword because while it’s exciting to unearth these lost creations, it can also be disappointing when they don’t live up to the standard I have now. Yet, there are stories that stand out for being truly remarkable. The realization that I once wrote something so good and never finished it can be both inspiring and a call to action to finish what I started.

Conclusion

Ultimately, re-reading older stories is a journey of self-discovery and improvement. It is a reminder of my continuous journey as a writer and a testament to the evolution that time brings. Whether I find myself loving, cringing, or simply reminiscing, these experiences shape who I am as a writer and storyteller. They serve as a foundation for my current work and a path forward in the future.