Tips for Dyslexic Writers

Hello friends!


Dyslexia is a huge pain in the rear-end, especially when you're a writer. I should know, seeing as I am a dyslexic writer. From this far into the post, I've already respelled "dyslexia" once and "especially" at least three times.

Indeed, dyslexia is a treacherous thing!

I have overcome it for the most part. I still struggle with it from time to time, but that does little to stop me from writing.
And sense I have the experience, I thought I would compose a list of tips for writers like me. So I did! Here it is:

1. Use a computer

I figured you probably already do this, but typing as opposed to writing by hand was revolutionary for me. It's like my hands remembered where each letter was on the keyboard, and memorized the pattern of each individual word as apposed to making scribbles on paper (not that scribbles on paper are bad, as I've said before, I love them).
Even now, I'm much better at typing then I am at writing by hand.



2. Change your document's color to yellow

I have not personally tried this, but it has been recommended many times. Changing your paper or your document to yellow supposedly helps with focusing, specifically when reading.
Again, I have not tried this, so I can neither confirm or deny it.

3. Change your font

You may find that different fonts are easier to read. Below are three fonts I have used, the last two are the ones I prefer.

Find the right font, time yourself to see how easy one is to read compared to another if you want. This makes proof reading and editing so much easier.And don't forget, if you don't want your completed document to be written with the font that is easiest for you to read, you can always change it to a different font later.

4. Don't just use spell check; rewrite the words you've miss spelled

It's super easy to let spell check handle everything. Write, see the red line, and select the proper spelling. But this won't help you memorize how to actually spell the word.
So instead, look at the proper spelling and rewrite the word yourself. Even if you already know the spelling, and just got mixed up. It's a good exercise and will build your word generating powers.


5. Practice your hand writing

Keep a journal. Write poetry, short stories, and writing exercises down by hand. Make sure to use the neatest hand writing you can, paying close attention to what you are doing. Messy handwriting is one of the factors of dyslexia, and practicing it as neatly as possible as often as possible will train your hand and mind.
Just make sure that you aren't straining yourself.

6. Find your weaknesses and spell them out (out loud)

This one is similar to number 4. Write for a while without editing anything (keeping a journal would help with this), then look back at your spelling. Pick out words that you've repeatedly miss spelled, and keep them in a list.
Find the proper spelling, and repeat it out loud instead of writing it.

Some of my most common miss spelled words are 'especially', 'lightning', 'nauseous', and 'similar'.

7. Read, read, read!

Focus on the spelling and order of words. You probably won't be getting much out of the story, so reading something you've already read would be best.
This should help with memorizing and understanding grammar, even if you already know it. Then when you're writing a phrase similar to the ones you've read, your brain can recall the proper order and spelling.

8. Keep your eyes down

This has transformed writing for me. Don't look at the screen, look at your keyboard. Look at you hands, and just type. I know it's really tempting to look back up at the screen, but resist the urge!
Looking down has helped me get so many more words out in much less time, because I'm not focusing on the spelling or what I've already written.

I especially do this during NaNoWriMo, when I need to get words out faster. Now that I think about it, maybe I should try writing blind folded sometime...

9.  Don't sweat it

As cliche as this final tip is, it's true. I'm not saying don't fix your spelling when you can, but sometimes you just can't. Sometimes you spell a word so wrong that even spellcheck can't help you, and you really don't want to take the time to find the proper spelling.

So don't. Just keep going, maybe make a note describing the word so you'll understand later (I've had many typos that I couldn't understand when I came back to them), and come back when you've finished the chapter, or maybe even the whole story.


I hate to leave this list on a odd number like this, but that's all of my tips.
Of course, none of these are fool proof and might not work for you. These are just my ideas and methods.
Are you dyslexic? Have you tried any of these tips before? If you have, which ones helped you the most?

Please feel free to respond to these questions, and maybe ask some of your own. I'd love to hear your thoughts!


Yours truly, 


                                       Edna