Webster's etymologies, as far back as they can be traced:
author: "to increase, produce"
writer: "to scratch; to tear"
I think writers do both. The difference seems to be that writing is composing, and authorial actions are quantifiable or measurable. As in:
Have you written the next chapter of your novel?
Have you authored your 1500 words today?
"Author" and books are related because published books can be counted. Most people have no other way to take the measure of a writer.
OK -- this question's settled. Now: Have you written the next chapter of your novel? Have you authored your 1500 words today?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Are You a Writer, or an Author? Part III
Labels:
author,
book title,
dictionary definition,
etymology,
name,
self-image,
writer or author,
writers
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment