The Author, The Writer, and The Reader

This article is for any and all writers, authors, and creators out there.

It’s actually a desperate plea, because I’m seeing creators give up because of other creators.

Before I continue, let me preface with my background.

I began writing when I was eight but learned to read when I was fourteen. It wasn’t easy, but I knew that words were spelt how they were pronounced. Given that most of it was entirely illegible to those reading it without being Neurodivergent, but I got through it – and later translated those works for publication.

Because of my education, I write the same way I speak.

As you’re reading this, tell me – do I sound unintelligent? 

I’ve officially been writing – for public consumption – for eleven years. Over a decade of my life has been dedicated to creating written content that is appealing and enjoyable to everyone. 

In that time, I’ve had many fellow writers and authors complain about my style. Telling me that I’m not grammatically correct, I write passively, and that I make spelling mistakes.

Ironically, making these comments while doing the same themselves.

I write as I speak to keep it understandable for everyone – including those having to read a translated copy. 

I keep my work short, in the same way I wish others did – because over-description is a killer for many books. 

When reading, specifically as an author, I put my work aside. I read as a reader rather than as a writer and author.

I do this, knowing that most novels created in this century aren’t going to be grammatically correct in the traditional sense. And they shouldn’t be.

Oscar Wilde was known for writing with poor grammar. So was Shakespeare – yet, many of our grammar rules are based on his works.

A well loved quote by Wilde is:

George Moore wrote brilliant English until he discovered grammar.

Oscar Wilde

If you’re reading a novel, you should read it for the story rather than grammar.

And, when you’re reading a fellow writer’s or author’s work, read it – not as a creator, but as a reader.

Readers enjoy novels for the telling, adventure, Utopia and escapism. 

If we judge creators based on their understanding of grammar in the English language, we will fall into the rabbit hole that leads to racial and national discrimination against those whose mother tongue is not English, as well as discrimination against Neurodivergent people like myself who prefer to write in an effortless reading style.

So many creators are still learning. How long do you think it took before Agatha Christie learnt and wrote with every grammar rule?

The English language is forever evolving, grammar that we had to abide by a century ago is now obsolete. 

If you can read the content, understand precisely what is happening, and enjoy it – why fret?

In conclusion, if the content is understandable – don’t be upset about grammar differences. Let people express themselves in their own way; just give them a helping hand when asked.

Don’t be a creator while reading – it takes the fun out of the activity.