Publishing a novel used to be very difficult; the writer had to convince an agent and a publishing company that his or her story was worth the investment.  Today, with websites such as Amazon and Smashwords, anyone can publish a novel.  But publishing isn't the key; it's building the skill of the writer's craft through education, practice, and hard work.  It's true that you could read any book out there that's been published, but to become fully immersed in it and hungry for more when you're done is a task relatively few talented authors can accomplish for you.  Here are my attempts.