What differentiates an author from a writer?

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This is perhaps a question that we don't ponder about much and yet when we try to search the internet about this we find so many versions of the answer that it confuses us even further. I think the best place to begin is to understand the historic difference between the two. Lets us trace the history of the two words:

WRITER:

In old times education was not given to everybody. In fact there were occasions in history where education was strictly reserved for the royalty or the religious clergy. Although this was not always the case but the fact still remains that not everybody had the luxury of learning the ability to read or write. 

Thus there arose a need for small group that could help people at times when help in matters of writing and reading. This involved from writing letters to official paperwork, etc. Thus the people who had the ability to write were actually sought after for their talent. In some courts and offcial government rule, being a 'writer' was a paid job. 

Thus originated the term writer. With time the meaning changed as the demographics  changed. Ability to read and write became common and thus the word 'writer' became generic in its use. 

AUTHOR:

Usually a writer who has a publication under his or her belt is called an author. The writings of authors have traditionally encompassed book, journals, scientific and research papers. 

This meant that traditionally that an author got paid for the content of his work if it was liked by the readers. On the other hand a traditional writer got paid when he or she accomplished their necessary writing duties (of court, personal, governmental...)

Now that we know the historic context, we might be able to get to the root of the matter ourselves, Much of their usage has changed over the period of time and sometimes the words can be used interchangeably due the fact that the professions overlap. For example an children's book author can also be a travel writer.

It would be important to note that the two words may not be synonymous and yet the context they might be used in can be the same. In fact you may use the two words synonymously in several contexts, and still be able to convey your thoughts without a problem or making a mistake.