A competent writer, working their face off, can become a good writer.

Maybe they need to work their tail off too, come to think of it.

This is because the way to get better at anything is in the hard work.

You can’t control how people accept your art. You can’t control what you are born with.

But you do have a say in your actions.

In fact, this is the secret to getting better at anything.

So be encouraged! You can bet better.

But as pointed to here, it will take hard work over a long period of time.

It feels like I am just reminding myself of this sometimes.

I am approaching the heart of this book with two theses, both simple. The first is that good writing consists of mastering the fundamentals (vocabulary, grammar, the elements of style) and then filling the third level of your toolbox with the right instruments. The second is that while it is impossible to make a competent writer out of a bad writer, and while it is equally impossible to make a great writer out of a good one, it is possible, with lots of hard work, dedication, and timely help, to make a good writer out of a merely competent one.

-Stephen King, On Writing