I became a writer by writing. I remember almost all of my undergraduate creative writing teachers saying,
Just write,
and things will happen
Quoted by Carrie Oeding from her teachers in her BA English.
source: https://phdincreativewriting.wordpress.com/2011/12/04/how-carrie-oeding-became-a-writer/
Well worth the read. Reading any writer’s story provides inspiration to see how others have found their path to publication (if that is your aim).
Keep in mind though that what works for one won’t necessarily replicate for others. You need to find your own path. And, as Carrie says, you do that by writing. And writing. And writing some more.
Yes and yes. You can’t be a writer by talking about it, outlining, or reading about it. You become a writer by writing. Simple as that.