What Is an Author?
An author is someone who creates written works. The term author typically refers to a professional writer, and can also be used to describe the creator of any type of work, whether it is an essay, article, book or song. The concept of authorship has undergone significant evolution and can have profound implications for literature and culture. Understanding the historical and philosophical underpinnings of authorship can help writers better understand their roles and responsibilities, and strive to create works that will leave a lasting impact on readers.The terms author and writer are often used interchangeably, but the word author carries a more serious implication than simply "writer." Authors create and generate ideas for their works, while writers simply execute them in writing. The word author is more than just a title; it is a privilege granted by copyright law to the first person to write and publish something. Authors can be found in every field, from literature to science, and even the creators of movies are called authors when their works are released under copyright protection.Often, an author will work with an editor and a publisher to get their works published. The editor may look for ways to edit or improve the piece, and a publisher is in charge of the logistical aspects of publishing the work. A publisher may be in charge of obtaining copyright, arranging for publication and handling all the logistics involved with bringing the piece to market.Some critics, such as Roland Barthes, have analyzed the significance of the author's role in literary texts. He argues that the author's presence in a text can become its dominant feature, influencing interpretation and meaning. Barthes advocates a move away from this author-centric view, suggesting that the death of the author can liberate a work and make it open to countless interpretations and possibilities.In many cases, information about the author of a text can be found at the beginning or end of the work itself, on the cover of the book or magazine, in an introduction or bibliography, or in online resources and article databases. In addition, a respected author's name is often cited in other articles and books, adding to the authority and reputation of his or her work.Choosing adjectives to describe an author can help to build the character and add depth to a story. Some good choices for an author include "silent," "focused" and "cheery." The latter can show that the author is a happy or positive person, which could make them popular with other characters in the story. Other words to consider include "intelligent" and "wise." "Wise" can indicate that the author has a lot of knowledge or experience, which could make them an expert on the subject matter of their book or story. This could make them someone other characters would turn to for advice or inspiration. "Focused" suggests that the author is highly focused on their work and will do anything to get it finished.