How would you suggest a struggling writer begin to gain recognition?

Persistence, mostly. Try to keep in mind that every writer you’ve ever heard of had to work from the ground up, so you shouldn’t get discouraged if you’re not seeing the kind of following you’d like. You need ten followers before you can have twenty. You need twenty before you can have a hundred. You have to start somewhere. Post as much work as you can as often as you can. The recognition will follow.

In the mean time, focus all your energy on the work. Remember, the work is always what matters. The work matters the same amount, whether the number of people reading is fifteen or fifteen hundred, the work is always valuable. Practice. Learn. Get better.

Recognition will come. What you need most is patience and a love of your art.