Are Published Authors Born or Created?

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Can anyone become a writer, or do you have to be born with the "author gene"? There are countless self help books on every aspect of the writer's craft as well as seminars and retreats to polish your education.  It's enough to make you think the only things between you and a best seller are the right choice of metaphor, a "hook" that won't let readers go until the last word is savored,  and the discipline to park yourself in front of a keyboard on a daily basis.  I imagine David Baldacci, James Patterson, and Walter Mosley were born with the kind of talent that wakes them up night after night with great plotlines that must be jotted on pads, as they contemplate their next 5 novels in the midst of writing number 12, while simultaneously completing the final edits for number 11, and packing for number 10's book tour.

My greatest fear is that no amount of reading, education and sheer willpower can trump raw talent--that if you're not born with it, give it up. 

For the sake of argument and academic curiousity, I plan on reading those "how to" books on writing. I will be my very own project for the science fair. If these resources can spark the lightening strike to my resting abilities, perhaps my inner Dr. Frankenstein will someday shout in triumph, "IT'S ALIVE!" 

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