What does it mean to be a REAL author? (AI and creative writing)

I keep seeing a distinction between real authors and hackers or spammers, but it's been around since before AI. I still remember being vilified for self-publishing. Although I'm concerned about AI on a broader scale, and definitely feeling its impacts as a creative provider, I'm also cautiously optimistic because in some cases, it can do the boring, soul-crushing stuff. Like most creatives, I'm overwhelmed with possibilities and struggle to stay organized. Many famous authors had a personal secretary, why can't I? I shouldn't I outsource things I don't enjoy - rich authors have been doing it forever. Artists concerned about how they are perceived are more limited than creatives already using the tools at their disposal, with different goals: artists want to create, magicians want to create work that matters (more people reading, buying and supporting). The threat of AI is graver if your identity is bound in the rules you've set yourself for creation. But art has no rules, and the greatest struggle you will face is wrestling with your own time, talents and productivity.