June 2 question – For how long do you shelve your first draft, before reading it and re-drafting? Is this dependent on your writing experience and the number of stories/books under your belt?
Ugh, I am feeling called out by the June 2nd question. In April, I started working on a project I’ve been working on for multiple decades. Then, I got so frustrated with that I decided to do something I said I was NOT going to do. Yes, I started a new project instead. That project is now done. I should probably return to the draft I was editing, but does that story even love me anymore?
I don’t want to talk about this. Trying to get a finished draft of anything right now is making me feel massive guilt and failure as a writer.
Yes, I really need to finish something and share it with the world. I know. Stop looking at me like that, Internet. Here is a cute video of kittens in a box.
Anne Higa 
Thanks for the cute video. Thinking of you today. Regina
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Trying to distract the reader, heh? Well, it worked. I had to watch the kittens.
Hari OM
…hmm, I need to have a first draft even to shelve! YAM xx
Even the stories I’ve shelved still love me even if I don’t love them. i bet yours do, too
I feel your pain. I’ve been working on the same book for over ten years. It can be hard to work on something that you’ve been working on for so long, especially when you’re distracted by shiny new ideas.
Everyone moves at their own pace. This past year hasn’t been conducive to creativity or even getting things accomplished, so you’re doing just fine.
Shannon @ The Warrior Muse (thewarriormuse [dot] com)
That story still loves you. I’m sure of it. After spending a little time away from it, you’ll be able to look at it with fresh eyes.
It sounds like you did finish something, though.
Only you can decide if the draft that’s been in progress for so long is worth continued effort, or if it’s better to shelve it and do something else. There’s no shame in either choice.