Are you a writer or an author?

I’m not sure there’s a definitive ruling on what being an “author” means but informally I feel that “author”, in terms of publishing, is a title given to someone who’s been traditionally published. Is that outdated now, with the rise of self-publishing? Really simply, to me “author” describes someone who’s completed a piece of writing work, whether that’s an article, essay, non-fiction book or a novel. That piece of work has also then been shared, purchased, thrown out into the world for perusal – and good luck to it.

You know what comes before being an “author”?

Acknowledging that you’re a writer

Being a writer. Say it out loud and see how that feels! If you write, you’re a writer. I don’t care if it’s on the back of receipts or in fancy-schmancy software like my beloved Scrivener. You may never want to write for the eyes of others, but simply because it’s how you make sense of the world.

Totally fine by me. My job isn’t getting my lovely clients’ work on to literary agents' desks or shops’ shelves. My job is getting said lovely clients to their desks, to the page, to the notebook or back of an envelope scribbling words that get them closer to their goal. Because without words, captured somewhere, there’s no book, or essay or article.

Who can become a writer?

Anyone. Absolutely one of my hills to die on.

If you’re neurodivergent and want to write, look for relevant accommodations to assist you. Experiment to see what actually works for you – for example I didn’t find that a reading pen helped with my ADHD but I adopted software that’s really useful when I’m struggling to focus, or fibromyalgia tiredness is grinding me down – I use it to read emails or long text to me. So much easier to actually understand what my brain is looking at when I'm also hearing it which is probably also why I love subtitles on the telly.

As part of Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024, the British Dyslexia Association’s resources offer ideas on appropriate support at work, and also give lots of suggestions for to help your brain, in areas ranging from communication and organisation to using readily available tech solutions or buying specific software. Also very straighforward and sensible for tired brains, I reckon.

Personally I’m all for brainless solutions. Anything that means there's one less piece of information that I need to hold in my head all the time. That's why we have hooks in the hall for our housekeys. The joys of never - lol - rarely misplacing them ever again is a game-changer.

Let us know what's made a difference to your dyslexia in terms of work accommodations and any personal innovations you've made! Check out our services if you think that body-doubling might help you to make progress in your journey as a writer.