Writing can captivate our imagination, allow us to be swept off our feet and into another world. It is a form of expression that can help rejuvenate the soul. Writing can pave a path for authors who have a natural gift at understanding the written language. For a dyslexic, becoming an author can seem a very challenging and unlikely career path. But being dyslexic is only a limitation in the technical forms of writing, where things like spelling are most important. They are important, don’t get me wrong, but we live in a wonder age where spell check exists! Being a dyslexic author is a gift and allows writers like me to unlock a well of creativity. In this post, I’ll highlight what struggles, strengths, and triumphs I’ve faced in my writing journey.
Unique Perspective:
What is dyslexia? Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading, writing, and spelling. It can often be a massive hurdle and was for me. However, having persevered through the struggles of learning to read and write, I can now offer a unique perspective to my author voice. I can think outside the box, perceive patterns and connections that others might miss. Having a dyslexic mind can bring an alternative viewpoint and a fresh innovative approach to storytelling. I believe this helps bring my stories to life, captivating readers in unexpected ways.
Overcoming Obstacles:
The journey to become an author is not without challenges for anyone and made more challenging for someone with dyslexia. The struggles I have faced with reading comprehension and spelling correctly can create self-doubt and frustration. Yet, it is precisely these obstacles that fuel my determination and resilience. I’ve learned to adapt. With neurofeedback theory I trained my brain to work faster. I rely on technology like spellcheck to help me. The most helpful aspect for me now is my editing team and proofreaders who help make my books flow.
Unleashing Creativity:
Dyslexia can help authors possess a remarkable ability to think creatively and outside the tradional literary norms. Our brains are uniquely wired to see the world from different angles, enabling us to craft vivid and imaginative stories. Dyslexia fosters a deep sense of empathy, allowing authors to create rich characters and narratives. This is what I like to call, my superpower. It breaths life into my writing and the fantasy worlds I create, a level of creativity that many people struggle to achieve.
Embracing Technology:
In this age, technology has become an invaluable tool for me. Writing software, text-to-speech programs, and grammar-checking tools have revolutionized the writing process. These tools empower dyslexic authors to focus on using our ideas and storytelling ability without being hindered by the mechanical aspects of writing. I’m grateful for the time we live in and the accessibility of having writing be a career option for me.
Advocating for Inclusion:
Dyslexic authors can be champions for inclusivity in the literary world. Often, we can break down stereotypes and challenge societal misconceptions about dyslexia. By sharing our personal stories and triumphs, we can inspire others with dyslexia to pursue their passions and embrace our strengths. We can help foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, opening doors for aspiring writers who have felt discouraged by this learning disability.
Being a dyslexic author is amazing and can have a difficult journey. It means being resilient, creative, and having the determination to follow a dream. Dyslexia may present challenges, but these challenges become a catalyst for growth in a writer to find their author voice. By embracing our differences, we can redefine ourselves and write the stories we have inside our unique minds without fear of how others will perceive us. For me, that is what it’s like to be a dyslexic author.