Random Musings

Old Writings, Seen in New Light

I've shared some of my older written pieces from high school and later in my portfolio.  Things that I was exceptionally proud of back in the day.  One summer, in high school, I attended a summer creative writing camp.  I had a blast at that.. but I honestly came out of that camp thinking I was a good writer.  Now I look back at the work I produced while I was there (and after) and I have to think.. Did I really think this was good?  I looked at that writing, copying it into my portfolio here, and can only think that while the ideas were good.. their portrayal, word choice, and rhythm are just.. Not good.  I don't know how I thought they were good.  Some people have given me reviews here, suggesting the good parts, and offering advice on ways to make them better.  They are definitely helpful.  And I'm probably my own biggest critic, now that I'm looking back on something that I put aside for so long.  I'm trying to decide how much effort I wish to put into those pieces.  Currently, I'm focused on prepping for NaNoWriMo, and then I'll be lost in the throws of the novel itself once November rolls around.  So for now, I'm taking in the reviews, and I'll assess the pieces again later.  But, is it worth much to bring those old pieces back into the light, given them a full overhaul?  Or should I just start on new stuff, focus on Creating, rather than editing?  In truth, there is a great deal of value in editing the old, making them better.  Editing takes a lot of practice.  So yes, I should give them a huge overhaul, at some point.  At some point.