I can’t be a writer because I can’t spell

I met a boy at a writing event. He was in grade six. He told me, “My teacher said I can’t be a writer because I can’t spell.”

I was so angry. We talked about writing and creativity, and about how spelling isn’t the critical part of writing. What I wish I’d also done was pull out one of my books, asked him his name, signed it for him, and added:

Maureen Bush Grade 9 English Report Card: Good writer, poor speller.

Don’t let anyone else define who you are.

All my love and faith in you,

Maureen Bush

Smoky night moon