The subject of old writing is complicated for writers, having a reputation for being the absolute epitome of terrible work. Old writing does not see the light of day; it is hidden and forgotten until accidentally unearthed. I’d like to try to change all the negative connotations it holds into something that’s a little bit more on the positive side.

Find the hidden gems.

This is one thing I try to do every time I read my old writing. I find every joke that makes me laugh, every sentence that wows me, every metaphor that seems a little bit unusual. So if you ever feel tempted to tear your writing to pieces, first ask yourself these questions:

• Does it make you laugh?
• Is there a random sentence that you love?
• Did you have good grammar / spelling?
• (If handwritten) Does your own handwriting appeal to you?

If you say yes to any of those questions, you’ve found one of the hidden gems in your work! It’s that simple – finding anything that you somewhat like.

Does it hold any memories?

Maybe your work was written during a particularly memorable time of your life. If it was a good time, cherish the link it has to your piece. If it wasn’t a good time, maybe remember how writing might have helped you to cope or how it helped you to rise from a difficult situation.

Sometimes memories are the things that hold us back from getting rid of old things. That might be a good thing in some cases, but if you desperately need to declutter, no one’s going to stop you.

What did you learn from it?

Sure, maybe your old writing is bad now, but it was your best back then. Believe it or not, you’re better now in the present. Maybe you’re a little bit better, maybe you’re a lot better. Either way, it doesn’t matter because you’ve improved. Ask yourself, what have you learned from it that makes you better now?

After all, the more you write, the better you get. That piece of writing you might hate was a stepping stone to where you are now.

So what do you think?

That’s all the tips I have for now!

Has this changed your perspective on your old writing? What are you writing now, as compared to the past?

Tell me in the comments below!