Writers are aliens who live on their planet inside their minds.
What are the personality traits of a writer?
A lot of introverts are probably googling the best jobs for introverts and writer comes up. So they want to know if this job aligns with their personality as alignment and values are extremely important to introverts.
The personality traits of a writer have a lot of common themes.
Introverted mind
Introverts’ ability to spend a long duration alone makes them great writers.
This doesn’t mean extroverts can’t be great writers. But focusing on getting writing done alone in a room for hours would drive them crazy. This is where introverts thrive.
Writing takes a vivid imagination to spit out words and articulate thoughts in a clear manner.
When introverts are alone with their thoughts, their minds are supercharged with energy.
The next step is to release that energy onto the paper.
Why would introverts make great writers?
- It takes solitude to sit quietly with one’s thoughts and write
- Introverts are natural thinkers, thinking about what to write comes to them easily as talking does to an extrovert
- Introverts have a preference for articulating then speaking regarding communication
- Introverts have a built-in empathy system that allows them to make their writing relatable
Creative chaos
The mind of writers is a beautiful mess.
It is simply spitting all of their thoughts onto the proverbial page and organizing them.
Everyone has a degree of creativity but writers have an abundance. Being able to get out these creative thoughts from a loud mind is also a form of therapy.
A writer’s creative process comes from a place of clarity. Listen to when writers make their best work or best-selling novels, the common denominator is they are always surrounded by nothing in a peaceful and remote place to gain clarity.
By observing the products of creativity – in art, music, architecture, programming, theater, writing, business, and an infinite variety of other forms – we tap into a bottomless well of inspiration. – Paul Jenkins
How do you boost your creativity:
- Find places of peace without any distractions
- Watch movies and try to look for deeper meanings outside of the entertainment value
- Expose your minds to new environments or travel to another city if possible
Learner of humans
Everyone has a story.
The best stories are made up of everyday people. The best way to understand people is to observe and have meaningful conversations with people.
Having a conversation with people is not dominating the entire conversation. It requires the skill of listening.
Being a student of life by learning about personal stories is a strength most writers have.
Years ago, I was a guest on a Podcast in New York. The host had told me he had been doing the podcast for many years. He said he started out interviewing a homeless gentleman.
Another example is the Facebook Page, “Humans of New York”. It is a collection of personal stories from people who live in New York.
These stories take you on a roller coaster of emotions hearing stories ranging from sad, tragic, happy, or inspired.
The common theme between the podcast and the Facebook page is being a student of life by learning about others.
Creepy observation
Life is on big matrix of systems and patterns.
Everything has a pattern. People don’t notice these patterns because they are consumed with engaging in the patterns.
Great writers have a knack for spotting these patterns in everyday life. It is like connecting the dots or putting a puzzle together.
Observation is a skill that comes naturally to me. It has allowed me to better understand others and my environment. This skill comes off as weird in social settings but if you choose an environment where you see the worst of people, you can learn a lot.
The next time you are traveling, get to the airport early and people-watch.
You will be able to write an entire book based on what you saw.
“Do stuff. be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. stay eager.”
― Susan Sontag
Reflection superpower
Being able to sit back and carefully analyze events in a way that connects the dots is a superpower.
Many writers can use reflection as a tool. They collect stories, moments, or times in their life to make sense to themselves so they can carefully explain them to others.
Writers need to have the ability to break down complex life behavior into simple stories so that the average person understands them.
Being reflective breaks down the emotional components of humanity. Emotion is the one thing that always draws readers in.
“People who read your writing tend to think your writing reflects your life’ – Henri Nouwen
Benefits of being reflective:
- You can become self-aware which makes you a great personal storyteller
- Gives you a deeper understanding of complex topics
- You can apply your reflective knowledge in your writings
- You can connect the dots regarding patterns in human behavior and habits
- You understand your strengths and weaknesses as a writer
This post is to see if you have some of the personality traits that make a writer and to see if writing is the career for you. This also has nothing to do with the business side.
A cheat code in life is to do things that you are naturally good at.
First, you have to figure out if your personality aligns with what is required.