\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/12946-The-Title-of-Author.html
For Authors: January 22, 2025 Issue [#12946]




 This week: The Title of Author
  Edited by: Dawn Embers Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

For Authors Newsletter by Dawn

The title of author is one of dispute at time as to whether someone should use it or not. Then there is the option of writer. Both are related to the same activity: writing. Let's consider our options.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B07N36MHWD
Amazon's Price: $ 7.99


Letter from the editor

I have to admit something. Even though I write these newsletters and have been on WDC, writing, for almost 20 years, I don't call myself an author. I use the term writer instead. That is a personal choice but thought it was something worth discussing here in a newsletter.

What is the difference between an author and a writer?

The definition of an author from a google search states that it is someone who writes books, articles or reports. Had to go to the Merriam-Webster diction for the writer definition, which included the term author as an option. It also defined writer as one who writes. The author was one option and the other was writing stock options.

Now, I'd never heard of the stock options part, so that was interesting. Is it just me, or is it strange that author didn't include poetry? Maybe they don't include poetry for authors because they have their own title as poet. Maybe.

If considering the definition from my online search, it would appear that a writer and an author are the same thing. Which is interesting because I know some have felt that an author was someone actually published whereas a writer was just anyone who did some writing. I've always sort of followed that mind set. I have done so much writing but haven't made it to the published stage yet, hence why I call myself a writer.

I guess I can use either term.

Another google search about author vs writer came up with an interesting result. According to the top resource (orange publishers) an author is someone who writes original ideas while a writer might write but not necessarily their own ideas. I guess that would put new story creators as authors and those who write fan fiction as writers. Though some fan fiction is quite creative and new in the idea with just elements from the other author's world. Hard to say for sure either way.

In the end, some still see an author as more of a "professional" and a writer as someone writing in general even if the definitions state otherwise.

What do you think? Which term do you use?


Editor's Picks

 The Clean House Open in new Window. (E)
Flash Fiction
#2333653 by Jacky Author IconMail Icon


 
Image Protector
STATIC
The Bush Open in new Window. (13+)
Roots run deep in the bush. But you'll have to run faster.
#2333682 by Jeremy Author IconMail Icon


 Cold Hands; Warm Heart Open in new Window. (E)
If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen
#2333540 by Vampyr14 Author IconMail Icon


 DEAR ME, Open in new Window. (E)
My letter to Myself Reminding Me of my Goals for 2025.
#2333456 by Seabreeze Author IconMail Icon


 
Image Protector
SURVEY
Dear Me: Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. (E)
What are *your* goals for the new year? Think it over, write a letter and win big prizes!
#597313 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
FORUM
The LGBT Writing Contest - reopens Feb Open in new Window. (18+)
Short story contest (with great prizes) for LGBT characters.
#1980539 by Osirantinous Capricornus Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
FORUM
Poetry Topic of the Month Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
Win Exclusive MBs. It ends at midnight at the end of each month. Suggest the topic.
#2216416 by Sharmelle's Welcome 2025 Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
FORUM
Tales of Seduction ~ Jan. Round OPEN Open in new Window. (18+)
Jan Prompt: Endings
#1702029 by Purple Deep Freeze Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B07K6Z2ZBF
Amazon's Price: Price N/A


Ask & Answer

Do you call yourself an author, a writer, both or something else?

“Writing isn't about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it's about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It's about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy.” - Stephen King

“You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows that they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.” - Erin Morgenstern

“First, you write for yourself... always, to make sense of experience and the world around you. It’s one of the ways I stay sane. Our stories, our books, our films are how we cope with the random trauma-inducing chaos of life as it plays.” — Bruce Springsteen,


*Cat*

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B083RZ2C5F
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/12946-The-Title-of-Author.html