I’ve always felt that to be a good writer, you need to be a good reader, as in someone who can read and take in a lot, especially in the genre you write in. You can and should still read for fun. However, while doing so, take notice of things that draw your attention in the work, note things like tone, word choice, events, etc. Ask yourself why you take notice, and if you can integrate those things into your writing. While I’m big about putting my own spin on them, I do like to integrate ideas that I find in what I read into what I write.
An example
A good example comes from my current story. I took the idea of a ghost trapped in a location, unable to leave until possessing someone from the Light Novel series I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level. The character of Rosalie is trapped in Halkara’s factory due to that being the location of her former home. She killed herself there rather than go through an arranged marriage. They free her by having her possess Halkara, then forcing her out, as she couldn’t depossess Halkara herself. After trying multiple approaches, that fail to free the poor elf from her possession, they finally succeed with a combination of alcohol and a cold bath.
It’s a very silly story, overall.
The opposite is also useful
Anyway, as I do try to be a good writer (not to toot my own horn), I try to find aspects I like throughout any story I read, as well as ones that annoy me. For example, one that always bugs me is two characters realize they’re in love, then immediately bang. This is especially annoying when one or more characters is modest or shy or has dealt with something like rape or some other trauma that would make having sex remind them of said trauma. They can get over it, but to jump straight to banging if they have a trauma like that in their past comes off as unrealistic and annoying to me.
And yes, this is why Raven and Evi don’t bang at the end of the story.
https://wwwalexjbrock.com/opinion-a-good-writer-is-also-a-good-reader/