Writing is one of my biggest passions. Writing is something that I have fixated on with an intense tunnel vision, putting this hobby of mine on a pedestal with the words "I must be exceptional at this.". For some, writing is not necessarily an inborn hobby - our brains are unique from one another, similar to a fingerprint. Despite how easy it looks to connect the pen to paper or fingertips to the keyboard, writing has its feats. Depending on the subject and the genre, writing can be understandably difficult. It is often overwhelming in the beginning - there you are, staring at a blank sheet with no definitive direction and no template. The story is crystal clear in your mind, but projecting the imagery into words onto paper is dizzying. Once you find your opening, you are stuck with implementing a good pace and describing the settings. However, no need to fret, I've been here, too. The best writers have endured failure and worked through the motions of experimentation. 

"Practice makes perfect," they say, which rings true for practically every hobby imaginable, including writing. From personal experience, writing in my free time drastically increased my skill. Reading will also give you ample knowledge, further expanding your vocabulary and ideas in the storytelling process. 

One of the best ways to practice writing is to write about things you are passionate about, such as a video game series or a historical period. Remember that as you practice, it will not be graded or picked apart - have fun writing to your heart's content. Upon completion, editing and proofreading your work is also a good way of evaluating your style and things you should work on, such as punctuation or wordy sentences. You should write every day and stick with this consistency, which will improve your skills and motivation. 

Many people publish their work online as personal blogs, fictional fan sites, forums, etc. Doing so will accumulate feedback, some in awe of your work while others attempt to give constructive criticism. It's imperative to note that when publishing your work online, a door opens to the feedback you have little control over. Many writers find positive and negative engagement helpful, further pushing and allowing them to understand their viewers on what they could improve and what they do best. However, writing is a form of art - not everyone will like it, and that is okay. There is a difference between unnecessary negative comments vs. constructive criticism - the latter is healthier to absorb and process. 

Reading books is a fantastic way to broaden your vocabulary and stretch your writing muscles. Authors often have distinct writing styles, from plots to writing characters from differing points of view. Whenever I read captivating stories, I catch myself itching to write.  

Most writers, myself included, will push people who want to get better at it by practicing every. Single. Day. I encourage you to write for at least an hour a day, be it in the Notes app on your iPhone, Microsoft Word, or the traditional pen + paper.