A friend of mine gave me this same advice, more than one time:
Artists needs to practice, practice, practice... Writers need to read, read, read!!
Thanks for the what to read sections, I agree that reading popular books is a good to know what the public likes. if you want to write for public that's the best thing to do.
But for me, I write for myself... I strive for better works but won't do something just because it will sell.
I haven't posted any of "real" stories on steemit yet. since I write mostly in arabic. But I posted for two challenges Short Tens and Trapped.... I also think you'd like my Sides of Conflict analysis post