Of Writers and Authors

Experience has taught me the difference between the two. I still slip into the bad habit of using the terms interchangeably. Perhaps it is because I work as both, on a weekly basis. Sometimes I am both in the course of a single day, like I plan to do today.

Each of them is creative by nature, turning thoughts into words that readers transform into mental images and feelings. The same skill set is required. The creative process and goal are similar. It is what happens after “The End” that separates the two.

I know writers, and I know authors. I also know writers who mistakenly think they are authors. So as not to offend any of those, I will use my work as an example of how the two differ. Writing is exactly what I am doing as I type this blog post. When I finish it, I will post it and walk away, probably never to read it again. The process of writing it was the goal. It satisfied the need in me for a creative outlet. The words will hang suspended somewhere on the internet for only God knows how long. They may return to haunt me, but if they don’t, I’m done with them.

Likewise, I have written two books. They exist only as files, and that may be the end of them. If that is the case, I will not mourn their silent passing. They will have served their purpose, to improve my writing and to provide a venture into subjects I had not visited before…or since.

On the other hand, I have authored nineteen novels, seven short story collections, and one non-fiction book. After writing “The End” for each of them, I found a publisher. I corrected awkward wordings, errors, decided on a final title, and made changes the editor thought best. I provided input on a cover, wrote a blurb and a bio, and came up with a dedication. Shortly thereafter, a book was born.

The creative process over, in my mind, I still could not truly claim the title of author. Giving life, after a literary fashion, is not the end of an author’s responsibility. The book deserves to be marketed, promoted, and shared by the author. Opinions of my parenting skills aside, I did not abandon the job to others. Death Rides the Red River was published in 2005. I’m still promoting it, hauling copies to book signings, and talking about it on podcasts.

I could claim that I do all that for my books because that’s what an author does. The statement would be true enough. However, it doesn’t get to the heart of the matter. Heart is where the difference between an author and a writer lies. Authors invest their heart and a personal, lifelong commitment to their work.

Jack LaFountain

Author of Faith, A Mann of God novel.