If you spend much time around writers, you will eventually hear someone talk about the English teacher who made them hate writing.

It’s too bad because English teachers are wonderful people. Students who did poorly in those classes sometimes blame teachers for killing their writing dreams.

First, you should never give a teacher that much power over your life. And second of all, the skills to be successful as a writer don’t have much to do with what you learned in English class.

Nevertheless, some students look at their bad grades and wonder, “Am I cut out to be a writer?”

This question assumes that you are born a writer, or you aren’t. The truth is that you aren’t born anything… you choose to be what you want to be. If you want to be a writer, it’s entirely within your power.

Here are some wise words from author R.L. Stine:

“People say, ‘What advice do you have for people who want to be writers?’ I say, they don’t really need advice, they know they want to be writers, and they’re gonna do it. Those people who know that they really want to do this and are cut out for it, they know it.”

In other words, what makes you “cut out” to be a writer is your decision to do the work. You don’t need anyone putting their mantle on you or giving you approval. It’s just something you decide to do.

The only question that remains is… do you WANT to be cut out for it? If so, you’ll find a way to do it.

Today’s Challenge: Ask yourself honestly how badly you want to be a writer and what you are willing to give up to make room for writing in your life.