As you compose or arrange, let the choices you make come out of a specific vision for the piece.
Vision, and intentionality of that vision, can be lost in the mechanics of voice leading, notation, melody, harmony – not to the mention learning the skills notation software – can take front seat, second, and third row – put vision into the way way back.
But the best musical writing I hear – regardless of ensemble type, difficulty level, or source material – has a clear vision that sustains it. It has intentionality.
And meanwhile, I hear a lot of writing that demonstrates good writing but no clear vision. The choices on page 4 are not connected to the choices on page 1. These pieces can be technically well written, but they have to overcome their lack of vision. Indeed, they might need to be better written to overcome that challenge.
Take the time to clarify your vision – what you want to say, but also what musical vocabulary you will use, what musical ideas will be anchors for the piece.