I think of writing as an ongoing learning process. Which is why my first three novels will (rightly) never see the light of day.

My published novels and short stories vary in quality. Some earlier pieces I'll admit are flawed, but I make them available because I'm proud of them for other reasons and they represent where I was at that point. I can see improvement with more recent work, but I have no doubt there is still much to learn, and much more room for improvement.

Ruthlessly honest critiques are of vital importance if one is to improve. I seek mine from various sources I can rely upon to be merciless in this respect, ahead of publication. I have to be humble and listen. Critiques aren't necessarily always correct, but without being open to them I risk adding vanity to folly by exhibiting failures.

Great article by the way.