There is an old saw which says everyone has a novel in them. If it came to fruition, all would be novelists.

2 minutes ago, Libby Drew said:

Several years ago, my sister called me up to ask how she could go about becoming a novelist. "Well," I said. "The first step is to write a novel. Have you done that yet?"

"Oh. No. Not yet."

Writers on this site, and in general, don't give themselves enough credit, in my opinion. Sticktoitiveness is the key when it comes to writing, and most people abandon their project before a single chapter is ever written. 

Yes, writing is hard work, especially if you pour your heart and soul into it.