I went to Northwestern University with the intention of majoring in theater, but I soon realized that I enjoyed preparing the role more than being on stage, and I began to write. Once I decided to become a novelist, it took me a long time to find my voice and develop my craft. I became a professional potter and ran the studio for several years. Working in clay turned out to be wonderful training for writing. If I were to teach aspiring writers, I'd first show them how to throw pots.
Improvement comes through practice.
They say that it takes seven years to make a potter. It took me seven years to learn to center the clay on the wheel. Now, I can take seven years off and sit down and center on the first try. Take advantage of serendipity. If you glaze it blue, everyone will like it whether it's any good or not.