I don't think that the writer is regarded as a freak by Americans
In Europe, a writer is supposed to improve up until he's about 75
A good editor understands what you're talking and writing about and doesn't meddle too much.
My favorite short-story writer is John Cheever
Writing is like a contact sport, like football. You can get hurt, but you enjoy it.
Curiously, the United States is full of writers who have one big work in their life and that's all.