Writing the Book on Dyslexia

Dyslexia is something that is more often than not misunderstood, both by sufferers and non-sufferers alike. Dyslexics are usually thought of as people who are no good at reading or writing, a stereotype that Naomi Folb, editor of the recently launched book Forgotten Letters: An Anthology of Literature by Dyslexic Writers, is committed to changing. The book itself consists of a collection of poems written exclusively by dyslexic writers, all of varying experience, age and background. We spoke to Naomi in order to explore what motivated and inspired her to create this innovative book.

Having recently completed her PhD in dyslexic identities at Goldsmiths University, Naomi, who is herself dyslexic, describes how she always enjoyed writing poetry and books.  “Although I was – and am – a terrible, stuttering, slow, reader – I loved books as an object.” As her studies continued, her interest in reading and writing developed.

“The other reason is that I did an MA and BA in literature and this introduced me to concepts of identity and representation.” This enthusiasm for literature seemingly gave rise to her first ideas for the anthology as a project. Similarly, it is evident that a central motivation for the project was her personal experience of dyslexia: “Despite being told I was dyslexic when I was 7 years old, I had read very little about dyslexia. What I had read was that dyslexics did not make very good readers or writers.

However, postmodernist and feminist theory led me to understand that these books on dyslexia were not written for me. The authors were always speaking about dyslexia but never to dyslexics. I came to wonder why this was, and if we might understand dyslexia differently, indeed as a difference rather than a deficit, if the reader and writer was assumed to be dyslexic.”

Evidently, Naomi was determined to change the common conception of dyslexia as something that prevents people from being able to write and enjoy literature, and the idea for Forgotten Letters was born.

Naomi is clear about her opinions on the interpretation of dyslexia; “I never set out to define dyslexia. I did not want to understand what it was, rather I was interested in interpretations of dyslexia, and the experience of being dyslexic…what I was interested in was opening up a discussion about the way in which dyslexics perceive their experiences. I do not accept that dyslexia is a sign of an abnormality or that dyslexia is something that can be overcome with ‘pride’. I do not see dyslexic writing as a category for itself. I think dyslexic writing is important, critical even, for understanding dyslexia and contesting the perception that dyslexics need to be spoken for.”

Clearly the motivating factor  behind Forgotten Letters was not only about changing the wider perception of dyslexics as non-writers, but also to go a step further into proving their literary worth and the importance of the message that their writing can put across:

“I think that we have to start seeing dyslexics as having a great many opportunities for innovation. Dyslexic writing is not something that you can simply define but there is a way of thinking that a lot of dyslexics share, which enables them to do things with language, as in finding new ways of thinking and seeing the world, that is very exciting and interesting.”

Indeed, for Naomi, these plans don’t end here. On the future, she says, “I want to publish writers by dyslexic writers but also offer writers expertise. In the course of my PhD I have learnt a great deal about dyslexia, and writing, and of course there is much that I still do not know. What I can provide dyslexic writers is an opportunity to discuss their own writing projects and give fair and helpful feedback so that they can develop as writers.

At this stage we are trying to reach as many dyslexics as possible, who like writing and want to publish their work and let them know about RASP and the kind of service we provide. We have also just opened submissions for another anthology. This one is going to be a bit different, I’m not going to give too much away but the theme of it will be ‘subversion and disobedience’.”

More information on Naomi’s book and other similar projects can be found at www.r-a-s-p.co.uk