a writer of a book, article, or other written work
Old French autor, from Latin auctor 'originator, author'
Authors create the intellectual and cultural content that shapes civilization
Historically 'author' defaulted to male pronouns and male literary canon. Women writers faced publishing barriers and were often published under male pseudonyms (Brontë sisters, George Eliot) or excluded from literary histories.
Use 'author' for all genders, but when discussing literary history, acknowledge women's contributions and systemic barriers to publication and recognition.
Women authors have shaped literature across centuries despite institutional exclusion. Recognizing works by women writers and non-binary authors corrects historical erasure in canon-building.
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