Lately, I found a personality test for writers on the ‘greatstorybook.com’ website. I read that there are many different types of writers and I was curious about what type I am.
According to ‘greatstorybook.com,’ there are eight different types of writers:
Inspired Writer
Eternal Writer
Logical Writer
Savvy Writer
Closet Writer
Literate Writer
Hesitant Writer
Innovative Writer
The first question was, which type I think I am, and I spontaneously replied ‘Inspired writer’. As it turned out, I was wrong.
After replying to 31 questions the result told me, I am an ‘Eternal Writer’, just like Agatha Christie and Laurie R. King.
I admit I’m honored to find myself in such illustrious circles.
This is apparently the writer type I am:
Detailed Description
Many Eternal Writers have a genius intellect, but you know from personal experience that this doesn’t mean everything is necessarily easier because of that. If anything, it’s something of an annoyance because people tend to disregard anything you do as something you hardly had to work at in order to get done. You are, after all, a genius. So, of course, you can do what you do – or so the common thinking seems to be.
But you know that if you want to actually accomplish something, you still have to do the work to get it done. While not many people will really appreciate this, one thing you will find is that other professional writers, editors, and agents will indeed appreciate your abilities and the efforts you’ve put into your writing.
Eternal Writers are people who typically like to do things on their own, learning what they need to learn in order to reach a new goal. You’re the typical autodidactic, do-it-yourself learner. Your general interest in life drives you and when it comes to researching any kind of topic for the benefit of your writing, this is an enormous advantage you have over most writers.
However, you may be starting to realize the truth of the old saying that “no man is an island.” Ultimately, your choosing to let other writing professionals into your life will be one of the defining career-building decisions you can ever make.
There isn’t anything you can’t do, and you know that. At the same time, fear of success tends to hold you back. If you are truly successful, then people will start to expect even greater things from you. They will want to know more about you, your personal life, how you do what you do. You’ve probably been put on the spot before and know that this can be a very uncomfortable position.
You also know that all too often, the words you’ve said when taken out of context can be twisted into a completely different meaning. Some part of you isn’t sure this is the type of life you want, but would you prefer to be seen as the typical flakey-creative type? Probably not.
As an Eternal Writer, you also feel the need to be recognized for your work. You want people to understand you and your concepts and thoughts, even if at some level you suspect they probably never will. Does that really matter? You have a duty to use your abilities for the benefit of others – even if that actual benefit seems small to you personally.
You probably don’t realize it, but the words you say and the things you do have a great impact on other people. Truly. Whether you realize it or not, you do have that particular kind of power (which is rare) and you should put it to good use. The reason it’s important for you to realize that is because people need writers like you. You are the type of writer who inspires people and gives them hope. So do that.
Be aware too that your words also have the power to pull people down, so be cautious about the kind of writing you put out in the world. This isn’t something all writers need to worry about, but you do. Because you are the particular type of writer that you are, you are held more accountable. Your words are your ultimate tool, and you wield them well. Don’t underestimate the damage you can do to readers by taking their hope away. Not many writers are even capable of doing that, but you actually are.
That said, there’s a lot you still need to learn in order to get where you want to be as a writer.
If you’re thinking of joining a class or convention or book fair, do so. Even though you like to figure things out on your own, the best way to meet others in the publishing business is to attend these kinds of classes and events. It’s where other writers are and you never know what you’ll glean there. Even if you don’t learn new information, you’ll be inspired to keep going, and you need that extra kick every once in a while.
Just don’t give up when you hit another wall. It’s important that you keep going, and on some level, you know that to be absolutely true. Don’t worry about what will happen if you do step things up in your writing. Don’t worry about what will happen if you don’t. Just decide what it is you want to do and do that.
This is a very detailed and interesting description of what kind of writer I am. I recognize myself in parts of it. I am extremely curious if other writers are experiencing the same positive outcome of that test.
Would you mind taking it and let us know in the comments what you think about the result? I think we all could use a break and a little bit of fun.
on Just Publishing Advice:
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Email unsubscribes. Yup. I’ll be that one. I don’t care what anyone says, if done right and if it’s your cup of tea, author email lists work. At the end of the day, everyone’s journey is different so none of us are in the position to say for absolute certainty what works and what doesn’t work for someone else.
