An author is the originator of a work. In most cases, the word author has the same meaning as a writer, but the term has a bit more weight to it because an author creates the ideas behind the writing and the finished product, while a writer just executes the words and doesn’t usually develop plots or create characters.
An important thing to keep in mind is that an author may have a very different perspective and point of view than the reader, which can be an interesting part of reading a book or article. For example, if an author believes that the use of force is wrong, then they will probably not portray the hero as using it in their story. Likewise, if an author is a misogynist then they will probably not portray women well in their stories. An author also might have some very strong opinions on social issues, which could impact the way they write their books or articles.
In the case of an academic journal, it is typical for the author of each article to have some kind of credentials or affiliation. This information is typically listed in the foreword/introduction or back cover of the journal. Some authors may also write articles for other publications such as newspapers, magazines, and blogs. It is very common to see these kinds of articles written by people who are considered writers and have some type of professional writing background.
Regardless of the writing background, there are many people who consider themselves authors even though they have never written a book. People who write press releases, blog posts, and articles for their job are all considered writers. Some of these writers may not have any writing training or education, but they still have the ability to come up with their own words and sentences and put them together in a way that will make sense to readers.
There is also the matter of people who are known for writing a particular genre. For example, there are some writers who are known for their horror novels. Other writers might be known for their biographies or romances. It is important for people who want to be recognized as authors to focus on their strengths and areas of expertise.
One of the main problems that can occur with becoming an author is if one becomes too wrapped up in their fame. This can cause the author to lose sight of the original purpose of their writings and become influenced by the applause they receive. This can lead to an author creating work that is not as good as it might have been if the writer had not allowed themselves to be swayed by their reputation. For this reason, it is important for an author to remember that their work should always be based on their own thoughts and opinions, not those of others. For more information on how to be a better author, check out our article on the subject.