While this essay isn’t really a review of literary works, I think it still goes well with the theme of literature. It began as a rant I once had to myself, but I turned it into a slightly more formal essay for Mrs. Lambert’s class. If you’d like, you can think of this as a bit more of a peek into my brain, at least when it comes down to what I identify as in terms of writing. And in case you’re wondering, I identify as a writer.
Approximately 81 percent of Americans want to write at least one book. Does that qualify someone to be an author? To answer the question, those that wish to write a book are more than likely going to be a writer, not an author because they are less likely to dedicate their career to the craft. That sparks another question: what sets an author apart from a writer? The literal definition of a writer is “a person who has written a particular text,” and the definition of an author is “a writer of a book, article, or report.” While the words seem to be defined differently, they are too similar. As a solution, the definitions of “writer” and “author” should be further altered to avoid confusion.
A form of leisure, writing is often used as a way to deviate from the everyday. Many writers practice their craft to share it with those close to them. Some publish their stories in smaller works like literary journals and magazines, but not all writers strive to become famous for their work. Unlike authors, writers are not pressured to create something new; rather, they have the choice to continue a book or not. Therefore, a more accurate definition of a writer would be any person with a desire to write.
Authors are almost the opposite of writers in terms of their qualities. If a new definition of author was created, it should be worded something like “a person who writes not only for pleasure, but also for a living.” What begins as a passion for writing turns into a way of life for authors. Writing is more than a hobby; it is a career. When one takes into account how much work (deadlines, editing, revisions, etc.) an author has to devote to one story, it is clear that there is a divide between the two types of artists.
As briefly mentioned, the two are quite different when dissected, however, they do share some similarities. A thin line divides authors and writers, making them seem to be opposites. They have similar origins: finding pleasure or satisfaction in writing something into existence. Although, writers and authors take separate paths and end in different destinations, so to speak. For example, writers, often, do not have to devote their time to writing. If they wish, a writer can begin a story one day, then finish it some time afterwards. Authors, however, must create a story and produce a manuscript within a timeframe set by their editor. In the end, authors are more pressured to write for their earnings while writers do not experience the same.
Due to their similarities, the terms “author” and “writer” are misused. A writer creates stories for leisure and might publish their work(s) to let others experience it. Alternatively, authors write for work before writing for pleasure. As one can tell, the divide between the two is slim but divided, nonetheless. As for how one can determine if they are a writer or author, consider how much time and effort one puts into a story or book idea.