By far the best view I’ve read on the matter. ‘Not by turning inward’, he says. Arthur Levin in an interview –
OLSWANGER: You’ve worked with many writers over the years. In your opinion, how does a writer grow?
LEVINE: I think writers grow by pushing themselves to be more honest and revealing about themselves in their work. They grow by reading and turning outward, not by turning inward and becoming self-referential. The writer who says, “Oh, I only concentrate on my own writing–I don’t read other people’s books” is missing out on the opportunity to be exposed to new voices and approaches that help one grow.
And taking risks. That’s another way that writers grow.
Contested Realities 