An author is a person who writes, typically professionally. While the term writer is used to describe anyone who puts pen to paper, author packs a little more weight since they create and generate the ideas behind their work.
The evolution of the concept of authorship has profoundly impacted literature and culture. Writers who understand the historical underpinnings of this idea can approach their craft with a greater sense of purpose and responsibility.
This mindset helps authors transcend the personal and craft works that are meaningful to the larger audience. Writers who aspire to be authors must commit to crafting discourse that contributes to society and withstands the test of time.
A good way to demonstrate your author’s commitment to their craft is to share their relevant experience and qualifications on their website or in their bio. This information can validate their expertise and help build a trusting relationship with readers. For example, if your character is a novelist, you can include the number of published novels they have written and what their latest work is about.
If your author is a freelancer or a journalist, you may want to mention any awards they have won or publications they have been featured in. This can give readers a sense of your character’s credibility and help them make an informed decision about whether they want to read their books.
One of the most influential authors in modern history was Marx, who’s theory on class struggle and capitalism helped shape political ideologies and policies worldwide. Likewise, Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis revolutionized the study of human psychology and continues to influence both academic study and therapeutic practices today.
The Traditional Idea of the Author as a Genial Creator
Many historical writers and literary critics have elevated the author to a position of singular authority, imbuing their work with personal meaning and significance. The rise of the author coincided with the advent of English empiricism and French rationalism, which focused on individual experiences and perspectives.
Foucault’s critique of the idea of a singular genius author as the sole meaning-maker has helped challenge this notion. He argues that the “author function” is a social construct that can be shaped by cultural and institutional forces.
Your character’s outlook on life and their passion for their subject matter can affect how they write. If they’re a positive person with a cheerful attitude, they may write about happy subjects that can make other characters smile. If they’re more skeptical or pessimistic, their writing may reflect this in an overly negative or critical tone. You can also use adjectives to convey an author’s personality and style, like “focused” or “cheery.” If your character is “focused,” it can show that they are dedicated to their work and will put in the effort to get it done. Similarly, if your character is “cheery,” this can be a sign that they enjoy their job and are energized by it. This can also make other characters want to interact with them and learn from their wisdom.