Dyslexic Writing: Reflexive Practice as Authentic Methodology

In this article I begin to examine what it means to be a dyslexic writer, when those two terms appear to be antagonistic. I contextualize the discussion with an overview of some of the recent writing on dyslexia positivity, citing, for instance, the Dyspla Arts Festival and RASP Books as important contributions to this movement. I describe the value of reflexivity as a methodology, using Jane Gallop’s work on anecdotal theory (2003). I justify the use of reflexivity despite notorious twentieth century theory that is suspicious of author as origin, reclaiming the role of writer-reflection as both subjective and valuable. Taking up a position as a writer intrigued by the writing process, rather than the product of writing, I think about the ways in which dyslexia affects and enhances my practice. I finish by looking at the work of two other dyslexic writers and by understanding how “lexics” (Phillips 2005) can be inspired to think differently.