Don’t Resurrect Early Writings

Summary

The author, J.F. Danskin, advises against revisiting and editing early, unpublished writings, emphasizing the importance of focusing on new projects to utilize the skills honed through experience.

Abstract

Since early 2020, J.F. Danskin has written multiple novels, a feat that might suggest natural writing speed but is actually a developed skill. Despite having several abandoned projects before his first published novel, Danskin resists the urge to rework these early 'practice' pieces. He asserts that it's more beneficial to apply the lessons learned to fresh writing endeavors rather than wasting time trying to improve writings that represent an earlier stage of his skill set. Writing, as Danskin points out, is a craft that improves with continuous practice, and his own progression from practice to published work underscores this.

Opinions

Danskin believes that it's not talent but developed skill that allows him to write novels quickly.
He acknowledges the difficulty of completing his first novel and the existence of abandoned projects that preceded it.
There is a temptation to edit early writings, but Danskin considers this a waste of time.
Starting new projects with the knowledge gained from past experience is seen as more productive than reviving old writings.
The author reinforces the idea that writing proficiency increases over time with dedicated practice.

Move on — you’re a better writer today

I’ve written several novels since early 2020. You can see my work here.

At first glance, it might appear that I have a talent for writing quickly. But in fact, this is a skill I developed. It wasn’t an easy process to complete my first published novel, and I had several abandoned projects that came before it.

Today, there’s a temptation to go back and edit those ‘practice’ writings.

However, I’ve realized that it would be a waste of time. It’s more important to focus, and quicker to start something new (using what I’ve learned) than to resurrect an earlier piece of writing.

After all, writing is a skill — you get better with practice.

Read on:

Author skills

Don’t Resurrect Early Writings

Move on — you’re a better writer today

So You Want To Be an Author…

From practice and experimentation to multiple published novels.