@michaelhealy · Joined March 2021
On “Aphantasic Author”
I'm part of a writing group and in the process of writing a novel. The feedback so far seems positive, but I still have a lot to learn. I have discovered that I do things a little different to many of the people in my group. As Elliot Finer below said, I too search for images on Google when required to describe even the most basic of objects or scenes. For specific location settings throughout my story, I have assigned them to real life locations nearby and have visited them with a note pad taking down real time observations, noting the sounds, sights, smells etc. In regards to plot and storyline, I wrote the whole thing from start to finish with no thought to structure and then once finsihed the first draft spent a lot of time planning, cutting and moving things around to make it work. I find that the Scrivener app cork board is very useful for this.
On “Recognizing people”
I have the exact opposite, so much so that I seem to recognise almost everyone I have ever seen. I once did an extensive set of online tests which afterwards suggested that I might be classified as a 'Super recogniser'.
On “Photographer with aphantasia”
I'm a professional photographer also. It seems quite common as has been suggested below.
On “Are you an Art type with Aphantasia? (Musician, Artist, Writer, Dancer) I’d love to hear your stories!”
Hi,I am a professional photographer and an amatuer writer. Like yourself, I also learned I have aphantasia a couple of years ago.My full time job is photographing ancient art / antiquity and have been writing a novel, on and off, for many years. I enjoy reading (both actual and audio books) but am terrible at drawing or any other forms of art. I like listening to music but have never had any noteworthy experience of playing music myself. In regards to dancing, only occasionally and after a few too many drinks.Don't know if this would be any use to you?