Is it best to hone your writing skills by writing short stories before attempting to try a novel? I've done a little short fiction, even winning a monetary prize before. A few months ago, I began a novel (which was based on a screenplay that I wrote). I've got 33 000 words so far, but I've realized that I don't really the story as is and need to make some big changes.

Although I don't regard the novel exercise as a waste, I do feel a bit bad that I have to start again from the beginning, with 33 000 words that aren't in a presentable form.

So I was wondering if I should stick to short stories. Not only would they result in more tangible finished works, but it'd also be less of a commitment to get reader feedback. Nobody wants to read a first draft of a novel. But most people will gladly go through a 5000-word short story.

What do you think?