Can Dyslexics Be Great Writers?

Ever feel like your head is packed with stories you want to share, but your fingers freeze when you try to write them down? That’s where many of us with dyslexia get stuck. In a recent episode, we explored a question from a Dyslexia Support group: “We live by stories and lived experiences but struggle with writing. Is it possible to get those ideas out of our heads and contribute in this way?”

We dug into all the twists and turns of bringing your voice onto paper, or screen, without feeling like you’re battling a dragon. The conversation circled around why stories matter, how we perceive language differently, and how anyone can find tools that actually help. Below is a snapshot of what we covered and a few practical tips to point you in the right direction.

Discovering the Power of Stories

Sometimes we think writing is just about grammar or spelling, but it’s actually about stories and human connection. That’s the real key behind anything worth reading. We don’t simply enjoy facts and figures, we enjoy how people make sense of them.

When you have a story to tell, you might not always be able to wrap it in perfect punctuation. Yet, that raw, real-energy is what makes the best content so memorable. It often starts with a simple shift in perspective: your story has value, so don’t wait for everything to be polished before you share it.

“Your unique take on the world has power, even if it’s written in a slightly scruffy way. What matters is the heart behind it.”

This truth came out loud and clear in our podcast chat. We realised that the fear of not being polished can hold powerful voices back.

Turning Ideas Into Words

Getting words out is the biggest hurdle for many people with dyslexia. Ideas flow through the mind like a race car, but each letter feels like it’s stuck in traffic.

So how do you transform a big swirl of thoughts into something readable? It helps to start with tiny steps. Record a few sentences on your phone or jot down bullet points in a notebook. Don’t try to write an entire piece at once.

• Speak your thoughts before typing them
• Use tools like dictation software or voice memos
• Keep it simple: short paragraphs, short sentences
• Edit later, after you get the core idea out

Think about your writing roots, too. Some people thrive with a keyboard, others like pen and paper. Experiment. If your ideas come alive when you’re out walking, try a phone recorder. You can organise it all later when you’re at a desk.

Tools and Tactics That Help

We also covered different ways to make the writing process less daunting. Not every tool works for everyone, so consider this a buffet of options rather than a one-size-fits-all guide. The goal is to remove barriers and let your message flow.

One trick is to spend less time worrying about the final shape of your text and more time capturing raw thought. Tech can help a lot here. Voice-to-text apps and proofreading tools can clean up the worst of your typos. Then you can refine it if you have time or hand it off to someone to help tidy up the grammar.

Another strategy is collaboration. Team up with a buddy, family member, or colleague. You talk, they type. You can repay the favour by offering insights they never thought of. It’s surprising how much synergy can happen when you shift from a solo job to a collaborative one.

1. Use voice-to-text for drafting
2. Lean on readers or community groups for feedback
3. Consider hiring a proofreader for crucial projects
4. Reward yourself after each writing milestone

We also reminded ourselves to show grace. Writing frustration is real, but it doesn’t have to stop you from sharing your wisdom.

Overcoming the Fear of Writing

Fear is the tricky part. Many dyslexic creatives worry about sounding silly or being judged for mistakes. In the episode, we shared stories of people who waited years to publish scraps of writing that were full of gold. They feared readers would judge them for the occasional misspelling.

The biggest lesson: our personal experience is shaped by the obstacles we face, so we often have a unique perspective. Hiding that perspective because of fear means others miss out. It’s worth reminding yourself that everyone reads words differently, and folks who resonate with your content might only care that it’s genuine.

It’s fine to let someone edit your work. You’re not failing if you need help with details, you’re just using your resources. That’s a big difference. People with dyslexia aren’t short on ideas or intelligence, we just decode language in a way that can feel bumpy to others.

Once you realise that, the fear can loosen its grip, and you’ll write with more confidence. When your voice is free to come through, your words stop feeling like a chore and become a chance to connect with others.

• Stop aiming for perfect, aim for authentic
• Find a friend or tool to review your writing
• Remember, it’s never too late to share your story

If you can accept that writing is a process, not a performance, you’ll experience far less stress.

Key Takeaways

• Everyone has unique stories no matter how they spell.
• Experiment with dictation, bullet points, or quick sketches before you write.
• Collaborate with friends or tools to refine your words.
• Overthinking leads to writer’s block, so just get started.
• You don’t have to do it alone—community can provide encouragement.

If this topic resonates with you, there’s more to discover in the full podcast episode. Scroll up to the player at the top of the page and press play. Dive deeper into the stories, tools, and personal experiences that empower dyslexic voices to break free through writing. Your story matters. Give it the stage it deserves.