Some children are determined not to let go of their creativity, and so they pursue artistic disciplines with tenacity. These are thought as more reliable disciplines of vocation. Perhaps I knew that deep inside I'd always been a writer, but I dared not expose that truth for fear of criticism. If you golf, you are a golfer. It's perception, my friends.
Writing is perceived as the domain of the highly intelligent and naturally talented.
Natural talent does help, but it does not make a writer. As far as intelligence, I don't buy that, either. Writers are MADE, not simply born. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you do not mix that God-given talent with discipline and perseverence, it doesn't matter one whit. So, step one.