I’ve been asked how do I find writing with dyslexia a lot and there isn’t an easy answer, because, in general, writing can be a challenge for anyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re dyslexic. It’s still scary stuff. Putting out a story that I’ve written terrifies me, just like every other writer.
What makes writing a bit more of a challenge is putting into words what I want to say. Using the correct word, spelling it right, and ensuring the grammar is correct (which most of the time it’s not). At least I don’t have to physically write (pen and paper) the words anymore. Thank goodness for technology.
Still, I’ve always been a creative person, even as a kid I remember telling stories and talking… a lot. So, when I was in the First Grade, about age 6, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia. At the time I didn’t understand what it meant. What I learned was that I would need to repeat the First Grade and go into special classes so I could be retaught how to read, spell and write. I would need to take these classes for the rest of my time in grade school. The hope was to have me ready for Junior High.
Overall, the classes weren’t too bad. They allowed me to explore more creative ways to learn, which was what I needed. I learned how to read, and I grew to actually enjoy reading (not until high school, but still). For me, reading became movies in my mind, so the more details the author put into their story the clearer the image, and by default the clearer the story.
This also meant that I remembered the stories better. I found then, and now, that once I read a story I can pretty much tell you everything about it, even years later. I don’t have an identic memory, but usually when I read something it sticks.
As you can imagine, this affected my writing greatly. I love details. I love descriptions. The more that I put into my story, the better I believe the novel is. Sadly, this isn’t quite true. I’ve been spanked for too much detail and too many descriptions, so I’ve had to learn to find a happy medium. Easier said than done.
Despite this I write for all the senses; sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. I want my readers to see the stories the way I do, so ensuring I hit on all five senses is my way of ensuring this. Calling on all the senses is what I need from my reading it was one of the tools I was given to help me with my reading and I find that it works well for my writing.
Since I’ve grown up with Dyslexia, I don’t have any other reality when it comes to writing and reading. I look for details, I create the movie in my mind and go from there. When I’m asked what’s it like writing with dyslexia. I shrug and say, “I don’t know any other way. So, it’s fine."
Well that is all for this week. I hope you have a great day. Remember to click on the little heart below to let me know you stopped by. If you have any questions leave them in the comments, I promise to respond. Until next time take care.