noun
writer; author; literary person
Refers to someone who makes a living through writing, especially literary or professional writing. Slightly formal and often used in professional or descriptive contexts.
彼は文筆家として生計を立てている。
He makes a living as a writer.
その文筆家は多くの随筆を発表
That literary person published many essays.
著述家 is a formal term for a writer or author, often used for scholars or those who produce substantial written works. 文筆家 is more general and can include journalists, essayists, and other professional writers.
Compound of 文筆 (writing, literary activity) and 家 (person, specialist). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term has been used since at least the Meiji period to denote professional writers.