are there writers here?

If you write, you're a writer. The only way to get better is to write more. I mean, sure, reading what other writers have to say about their process for writing can be useful. Analyzing works you admire to see what the writer did is important. But in the end, you have to put those techniques into use in your own work and figure out what you need to do to get the effect you want.

Also remember that every writer hates their own writing at least some of the time. Writers are more prone to imposter syndrome that pretty much anyone else. It's OK.

And keep in mind that the heart of writing is rewriting. Don't over analyze your first drafts — just write and get it down. Then go back through and figure out what you need to in order to make it work. Then do it again. And again, until it reaches a point where you're willing to let it go. It won't be finished — writers never finish their work, they just abandon it.

Don't be shy about sharing your work with people whose opinions you trust. Having beta readers — or literary guinea pigs, as I prefer to call them — is essential, and they need to give you feedback better than "It's good I like it." Being part of a writing group can be helpful because you'll be dealing with other writers who are going through the same things you are.

Also, don't take constructive criticism personally and don't be defensive. Constructive criticism is not an attack on you or your writing — it's feedback that you should consider. You don't have to accept it. You may disagree with someone else's feedback about your work. But think about it. Don't just dismiss it out of hand.

And, again, keep writing.

Hi there,
I am a writer. I literally signed up to this platform like ten minutes ago.

Tips on improving writing:
1) Read more. That's what everyone says. You say you don't have the time/attention span. I suggest short stories. Poetry. Listening to audiobooks while you walk the dog, drive or do housework.
2) Write every day. Even if it is just for ten minutes. Revisit your writing after a break. Re-write it.
3) Imitate / mimic your favorite writers style. Find something you wrote. Place it beside something you love to read. And then re-write what you wrote but in the style of the writing you love.
4) Join a writing group. Cities and small towns all have writing groups, they are a great place to start sharing your work, get feedback and start improving your writing. Also good networking opportunities which can lead to future reading gigs or publishing opportunities
5) Be kind to yourself.

Hi there, good to see you trying. Maybe trying too hard, I've been writing for 7 years now. Maybe a bit like you, I write, I research, I read. I've bought more books on how to write and downloaded more tips on grammar until verbs, nouns, adjectives adverbs, etc. scream out of my ears. I take notes by the hundreds, I sketch people outside of supermarkets for use later in plots, etc. Spent a fortune on instruction manuals. I WASTED MY MONEY. I invested in the book "Stephen King On Writing" The best money I ever spent. It is not an advert for Stephen King books but what a fantastic book it is for writers at any level. I also paid for Grammarly for editing purposes, which was another folley because it is USA orientated and I'm British. The last tip I give with actual writing is for you to check out REEDSY on the internet. Do not let yourself down, and do not try pretty words. Sit down on your arse and write what your mind tells you. If necessary try starting your story at the end and work up to it, just write and read, I do 3 books of various sizes per month. Mr King does more than 80 per annum. (I am not a KIng fan and find a lot of his books hard going. But good luck and buy a copy of the bible, for story ideas.

Read Ray Bradbury. He’s known as a “soft” science fiction writer but he’s written a lot more. He’s lyric. His wordplay is almost poetry. Start there.

Then read James Joyce “Dubliners” these are short stories as is a lot of Bradbury. Pay attention to what feelings the writings generate.

Good luck

There's a great site called Scribophile.com

There, you critique the work of others and earn points to submit your own work for critique. You can't be thin-skinned about criticism, but it's a great way to learn how to make your prose lean and clear.

Write to your hearts content. The audience awaits you! 😊

It matters not if there is competition. It's for the audience and yourself that you should write.

I do not consider myself as a good writer either but it is something I enjoy. Several things you can do, and yes reading more is one of them. You should write as often as you can. Anything is ok even if it is just a daily diary. Another thing is listen to writer’s podcast and join a local writer’s club if there are in in your area. Lastly, find a mentor, someone that you can confide in that will share their experiences and offer advice..

Best of luck

I used to be. From about age 8 to age 25, I was always writing short stories or working on a longer "novel".

Just gradually lost interest I guess.

I think that all attempts at creativity have a positive influence on us, irrespective of whatever merit any work we produce has at any literary level.