Reworking old unpublished material can be highly beneficial. As our writing skills improve, revisiting old work allows us to apply new techniques and insights, making the material stronger. Time away provides a fresh perspective, revealing new angles or ideas. Unfinished works can be completed with renewed energy, turning potential into reality. Instead of starting from scratch, reworking old material saves time and effort, utilizing the foundation already built.
In 2008, I joined an online writing community called EditRed until it closed. Weekly assignments to write flash fiction based on prompts allowed me to explore contemporary fiction rather than historical novels. Participating in EditRed was a great way to experiment with different styles and formats. Flash fiction, with its brevity, captures fleeting moments and unique objects powerfully. I still feel attached to those pieces, even if they seem unconventional. Sometimes, the most “out there” stories resonate the most deeply.
Revisiting those stories became an experience in magic realism. Each one holds its own unique charm and potential. My favorite is the atmospheric piece “What That Noise,” which captures the essence of a spooky yet comforting Halloween night, contrasting the lively, chaotic outside world with the serene, magical interior of a barn. “Everywhere She Looked She Saw Silver” contrasts a child’s innocent wonder with the harsh realities of mercury. I explore themes of imagination, resilience, and the bittersweet nature of experiences. These stories aim to find beauty and magic in unexpected places, even amidst adversity, reminding us how feelting moments shape us and stay with us throughout our lives.
