I take it pretty seriously, I guess.
I've never really gotten around to actually writing a fanfiction, and I've yet to start writing a novel (although I do have most of the series planned out. Four separate series' within a larger story already.), but I love it. I've known for some time that it's something I'd like to do with my life. I would love to write a story that people come to love. Yeah, it'd be great for it to be the "next" Harry Potter or something, but even if it remained somewhat unknown, I think I'd be content.
And I know I'm a good writer. I also know that there's plenty of things that I need to work on. There is no such thing as "perfection." I can simply just keep becoming better and better at it. Striving for perfection whilst also realizing that you can never achieve it is a good way to drive yourself to always become better.
I'll be taking my first Creative Writing class next semester. Granted, it's High School and it might not give me the greatest learning experience, but there's always something to gain. Even if I don't learn anything directly, the practice will be great.
For example: one thing I know I need to work on is beginnings. I know how to write the middle of stories, where everything happens (at least I believe I do). I know how to create endings that will leave readers confused, conflicted, heartbroken, and ecstatic (again, at least I believe I do). But getting the story all laid out and ready to go? It's probably the hardest part of writing the story. I think that's why I gravitate towards roleplays: the setting and beginnings are already laid out for you. All I need to do is jump in and start writing.
Other than becoming a novelist, the only other thing I might be interested in doing as a career is something involving theater. I want to enjoy my life, not get some job just for the money. So I'm thinking I might, perhaps, double major when I go to college. Or something. I'm not sure yet, but I have a few years before I get to that point.