The number 1 false myth about writers

When people ask me what I do for a living, I keep it simple and say, "I'm a writer". Often the answer is "you don't look like one". When I ask why, the answers are always the same: "You don't dress like a writer" (whatever that means) and "You are too social for that". And this is where most people get it wrong: writers are not (and should not be) hermits who spend their lives typing on a keyboard.

Writing can be a form of protection.

Most writers I have met in my life are timid and introverted. They don't like social interactions and are often afraid of people. Since they are unable to express themselves to others, writing becomes their safe space. A place where they can live out all their fantasies and be whoever they want to be. This is damaging to both their mental health and their writing skills.

What will improve your writing forever?

This is what great writers, including the titans of the past, do to improve their writing. And it's not about learning more writing techniques or knowing every single author that ever lived.

1. Get out more and meet new people. If you are shy, start slowly. If you don't know where to start, take classes in activities that force you to interact with others (team sports, acting classes, etc.).
2. Participate in conversations online. Reddit, Twitter... pick your poison. However, force yourself to talk more and be an active participant in conversations.
3. Publish your writing and listen to feedback and criticism. Sometimes you will even get some beneficial advice.

If you think writing is just about spending your life in front of a PC, what you will get in return is depression and bad writing.