The Courage to Revisit Your Old Writing

What I Learned When I Decided to Rewrite Night Shade

The Journey Back to an Unfinished Story

I started Night Shade back in December 2019, full of excitement for Daniella's story and the vampire romance world I wanted to create. But like many writers, life got in the way, other projects took priority, and the manuscript sat untouched for months.

When I finally decided to dive back in, I faced a choice that every writer knows: do I continue from where I left off, or do I start over?

I chose to rewrite what I had first, and I'm so glad I did.

Discovering Strength in Earlier Work

What was most exciting for me was discovering that I didn't need to change too much of the original work. Sure, I knew a lot less back then than I do now about craft, pacing, and character development. But the foundation was solid. The story I'd been so passionate about was still there, still worth telling.

It's funny how you can surprise yourself as a writer. Going back to that earlier version of Night Shade, I could see both how far I'd come and how some instincts had been right from the beginning. The voice was there, the characters felt real, and the world I'd started building had good bones. It just needed the refinement that comes with experience.

The process taught me something valuable about trusting your creative instincts, even when you're still learning. That first draft wasn't perfect - far from it - but it had heart. And sometimes that's the most important thing you can capture in a story.

Growing as a Romance Writer

Rewriting also showed me how much my technical skills had improved. I could see places where the pacing dragged, where character motivations needed clarification, where the romance could be more emotionally engaging.

But instead of feeling discouraged by these discoveries, I felt energized. I had the tools now to make the story everything I'd originally envisioned.

By the time I finished revising that first third of the book, I felt more connected to Daniella's story than ever. It wasn't just about fixing what was wrong - it was about honoring what was already working and elevating it to match my current abilities as a writer.

Why This Matters for Any Writer

Whether you're working on your first novel or your tenth, there's something powerful about revisiting old work with fresh eyes. It's a reminder that growth doesn't invalidate your earlier efforts - it enhances them.

If you have a manuscript sitting in a drawer somewhere, maybe it's worth taking another look. You might be surprised by what you find. The story that felt impossible to finish a year ago might just be waiting for the writer you've become since then.

For me, going back to Night Shade wasn't just about completing a paranormal romance novel - it was about recognizing how much I'd grown and trusting that the stories that call to us are worth pursuing, even when the timing isn't perfect.

If you're curious about where Night Shade ended up after all that rewriting, you can find it here.