This is my Insecure Writers Support Group post for February 2026.
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Many writers have written about the experience of rereading their work years later. Have you reread any of your early works? What was that experience like for you?
We 'meet' the first Wednesday of every month. If you're interested in learning more, click on the link above. And don't be intimidated by the size of the group. We're not expected to visit everyone on the list.
I wrote three novels before publishing any and debuted with the third. Then I followed that by writing and publishing WIP #4.
(To clarify, WIPs 1 & 2 are paranormal romance; WIPs 3 & 4 are western historical romance.)
The first two manuscripts got put on the back burner for several years before polishing them and publishing them under a different pen name. I had done several rounds of edits before setting them aside, and I still cringed when I went back to them--especially the first one.
Side note: I've apologized repeatedly to my first critique partner. I truly don't know how she slogged through the original draft of WIP #1 without losing her mind.
When I finally resurrected those first two manuscripts, I had become a much better writer and was able to make significant improvements. Distance and time really do help objectivity. The books I've written since then (my westerns) never really made me cringe. In fact, I re-read all my books once every couple of years (because I miss the characters), and I actually feel proud of them when I do.
No book is ever perfect, and I'm not deluded enough to think I'm God's gift to fiction; but I've worked hard to learn the craft, and I take time to polish my stories. I've reached a point in my writing career where I can feel good about the books I create.
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IWSG is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. It's a monthly bloghop that offers a safe haven for writers to express their feelings and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. It's also a venue for offering support, both in the form of comments and positive posts. Writers of all kinds are welcome.
We 'meet' the first Wednesday of every month. If you're interested in learning more, click on the link above. And don't be intimidated by the size of the group. We're not expected to visit everyone on the list.
It's great that you improved so much after writing your first two stories. That's what we all want to see in our writing.
ReplyDeleteMy first manuscript went on the back burner for over twenty years and I'm glad no one got to read it until I completely rewrote it.
ReplyDeleteAn amazing journey. It's wonderful--- that you re read bcs you miss your characters. It shows how much your work means to you. That is truly wonderful---.
ReplyDeleteI've reread some of mine because I too missed the characters.
ReplyDeleteI love that you reread them and love them. I do too -- though I struggle with wanting to change things right and left. LOL! Perfectionists, eh?
ReplyDeleteHealthy approach! Writing is hard and one should be proud they did it! Yup, we can always find something, but the story is usually solid.
ReplyDeleteNONE of us is perfect in regards to our writing abilities. We grow and learn each day, Melissa. Thank you for sharing this insight with us. Stay strong, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI still like many of my short stories, but yeah, returning to book 1... it definitely needed a facelift. Thank goodness for time and perspective.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful feeling to be able to feel good about your work, isn't it? Here's to your muse continuing to dance on your shoulder.
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