I was reading a craft writing book last night (not sure I'm supposed to admit such things - but there I go...) and I am developing a few insights about how I view the entire writing process.
Lots of people want to write a book - that's (surprise!) where I started. I was an avid reader, and that helped a lot. What that did was show me that my writing sounded clunky, definitely non-lyrical and my heart kind of sank. So I signed up for a writing. class. I don't exactly know that I wanted to BE in a writing class, but there I was. Something had to be done. I started out in the beginner class and learned the art of constructive feedback - both how to give and take.
I honestly don't think many (if any) people can write in isolation and have a publishable piece unless they know what they are doing. If they haven't taken a class for FEEDBACK purposes, I think their chances of success are much lower.
Let me know posts like this are helpful, and I'll continue on....
Randi