This is going to be a long reply. you see writing is something i could talk about all day. firstly, i studied development studies/media,journo at uni. I was always into my writing, but it took me a while to get cynical enough to go from sappy to good. basically for me the thing that really helped was sharing my writing with people who knew what they were talking about. Now whenever i write something i try and get as many people who know what they are doing to talk to me about it. I am lucky that a lot of my friends are excellent editors and writers, but that comes with my industry.
Dont get me wrong, i am a writer, but its not a money making thing, not at this point, so it comes second when i wish it could come first. I spend the majority of my time at work wishing i was writing anything other than what i actually have to.
I think one of the most important things in writing, is writing what you dont know. I recommend a book called 'bird by bird' cant remember who its by... i think reading has been one of the keys to the improvement of my writing... i read what i hope to oneday achieve. work out your own style, then read someone who is similar, different whatever and get motivated..
anyway, thats just me... what would i know... but feel free to use me to edit you any time.