I think the right path or should say the way to go about it is, never stop learning. Continously try different things. Theres more than a life-times worth of knowledge in music, so don't stop learning. Delve into theory, learn tricks from different guitarists (guitartricks is a gold mine for that), learn other's songs and try to understand them (the arrangement, scales and modes, harmonies, and so on).

Some people can learn on there own and some can't. Having someone there with experience will help you, especially with technique problems or just any questions you may have along the way. Learning on your own is good too, but I would suggest getting books and some videos so that you have something to work on.

Learning to read music definitely helps, I myself have gotten into that lately. I have definitely seen improvement, more in my comprehension and grasp on what I'm playing. I feel like I've finally gotten the missing piece in place.

As for songwritting, I think of it as a craft. The more you know or more tools you have the easier it is to punch out songs.

Just keep at it man