Revisiting old story

I've been drifting in and out of this forum for years and yesterday I found an old story I wrote 'firebird' and when I read it was fascinated by how I used to write. My language has changed considerably.

But I thought it was beautiful, a bit creepy-stalker-esque-male character but nothing I haven't tried to rework except it wasn't finished, not really, and I don't want to ruin it, but don't want to leave it alone

I envy how I wrote it, bad in places, but great in others. I just love how it sounded and has potential in my opinion just so conflicted because I've tried to continue it down four different paths the last few days and they all SUCKED because I was transferring 2013-me to my 2008-me writing styles that ended up clashing horribly. It's annoying me.

Should I keep at it? Or leave it/try to wrap it up into a very short story? I am so glad old theads don't get deleted on here, I keep finding old stories I posted, it's a goldmine

In my opinion if you're struggling to continue writing it then let it go. I usually never come back to old stories simply because I believe that innovation doesn't come from rewrites. BUT, if you believe that it has potential to be something great and you are really dedicated to seeing that happen then by all means keep trying.

Valid point, just that I believe I began to get somewhere, then lost/forgot/gave it up and now I am looking at it, it has potential, just I think my style is a bit too different.

Could just leave it for another few weeks/months/years? Who knows. Aw thanks for replying anything, good point!

What if you rewrote it using your current style of writing? Just dump everything you have and completely start over.

I'd keep the draft, and if you're so fascinated by it, rewrite it. Drafts exist to not be touched again, basically. The story itself can be rewritten, or edited, but they're always touched in a new document. You keep the preserved to remind you how you've changed.

Sounds amazing! I think you should totally revisit it and get on working on it but still save the original draft. Actually you've inspired me. I have this story that I started about 4 years ago. I think I should revisit it too.