What should every aspiring writer know about writing?

Writing is like any other learned skill—playing an instrument, hitting a golf ball long and straight, making flaky pastry…. You have to do it. A lot. In order to see real growth. You also need to read. A lot. You have to really want to get better, and you have to love doing it even when it’s not going well. Be brave and determined and use only the criticism you find helpful. Ignore the rest.