As I have read new books and new genres I have expanded my own writing. I like to think it has gotten better. As each book is edited I learn more about what I need to focus on when writing. Each comment or suggestion will continue to make me a better writer.
What has helped me is finding other authors to talk to. The struggle is real, and only other authors can truly understand the highs and lows of writing.
To me literary success is having someone, anyone, enjoy my stories and relate to them. Knowing that even one person has read it and enjoyed it makes me unbelievably happy.