Interview With Stefan Liner - Creative Process, Dyslexic Discoveries & More

Ever wondered how someone with dyslexia finds their creative voice? This week’s podcast guest, Stefan Liner, shows how embracing curiosity can turn reading struggles into an art form. He is a creative filmmaker and author who brings unique insight to living with dyslexia.

In this episode, we talk about how Stefan’s love for film led him to question how his mind works, how he tackled reading challenges in unexpected ways, and the writing process behind his short book, “Eddie and the Lizard Man.” You’ll hear how dyslexia can be a different kind of superpower, especially when you have the right support system. It’s a heart-warming and eye-opening conversation filled with laughs, discoveries, and real-life stories.

Stefan’s Unconventional Path

When you hear Stefan’s background as a filmmaker, you might picture flashy sets or big budgets. In reality, he began with simple gear and a desire to tell stories. He’d take everyday moments and spin them into little films that made people feel something. That spark was always there—it just showed up in different ways before he realised it could be called “creativity.”

In our chat, Stefan mentioned how reading scripts was especially tough. He said he’d read one line over and over, then skip entire sentences. At first, he assumed it was just lack of concentration. Over time, he realised it was something more:

“I loved making short films, but the words on a page sometimes felt like a foreign language. Dyslexia shaped how I see the world.”

His story reminded me that feeling stuck doesn’t mean you lack talent; it means you might need a different approach. For him, filmmaking became a way to communicate visually when words were elusive.

Facing Dyslexia Head-On

Many of us think reading and writing are the only ways to learn, but Stefan found his stride once he accepted that dyslexia made him a different kind of learner. He shared practical steps that helped him become more confident:

• Using Visuals: Embracing pictures, diagrams, and mind maps to spark ideas.
• Reading Out Loud: Hearing words helped them stick better than just seeing them.
• Friendly Tech: Voice-to-text apps and audiobooks were a game-changer.

Dyslexia forced him to explore fresh methods, but it also helped him grow. He became determined to create things that others in the dyslexia community could enjoy. His voice came through in ways that went beyond the written page. That’s the beautiful paradox—dyslexia can feel like a wall, but it can also invite a brand-new perspective.

The Making of “Eddie and the Lizard Man”

Near the end of our chat, Stefan opened up about writing his short book, Eddie and the Lizard Man. It’s all about a boy on an unexpected adventure, meeting a curious creature along the way. The story tackles dyslexia in subtle ways—moments of confusion and bursts of insight woven into an imaginative narrative.

He didn’t set out to write a heavy, educational piece; he just wanted to create something that would speak to people who felt misunderstood. He used simple language and playful dialogue. He showed that you can create in a style that fits your strengths, no matter what label someone might give your learning process.

If you’re curious about this short, heartfelt read, you can find it on his site: Eddie and the Lizard Man. It’s a small book with a big spirit, perfect if you’re looking for an inspiring tale that’s easy on the eyes and saturated with hope.

Growing Together Through Community

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was the value of sharing ideas with others. Stefan highlighted how crucial it was to find people who understand dyslexia—either because they live with it too or they’re simply open-minded.

He said that once he started talking about his experiences, doors began to open. Filmmakers, friends, and even casual acquaintances offered tips or connected him to resources. That sense of not being alone hit home for him, reminding us all how community transforms the way we navigate learning hurdles.

Feeling supported gives you the freedom to try new projects without fear of failure. Stefan’s journey shows that having the right folks cheering you on can spark big changes in how you see yourself. In a world that often values reading ability above everything else, it helps to surround yourself with those who celebrate diverse minds.

• Seek Out Groups: Online or in-person, finding others on the same path reduces isolation.
• Share Your Work: Whether it’s a film, a poem, or a doodle, feedback can boost your confidence.
• Support One Another: Small words of encouragement can shift someone’s mindset entirely.

I love hearing stories like Stefan’s because it reminds me that we all learn differently, and that’s something to be celebrated. Especially in a creative field, diverse learning styles add variety to the projects and stories we share with the world.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia can spark creativity in unexpected ways—visual thinking is a real strength.
• Personal stories can open doors to deeper understanding, leading to supportive communities.
• Short books and films can simplify big ideas and make complex stories accessible.
• It’s worth experimenting with different tools and approaches to tackle reading challenges, so you can find what works for you.

Ready to dive deeper? The full episode is waiting for you at the top of this page. Stefan’s story reminds us that dyslexia isn’t a limit, it’s a call to think differently, create freely, and share what moves you. If you’d like to support this podcast and help us keep sharing stories like Stefan’s, feel free to visit our donation page.

Thank you for reading. Don’t forget to listen to the full episode and keep exploring the extra resources we’ve mentioned. You never know which piece of advice or story will light a spark for you today.