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What Type of Writer Are You?

Anybody Can Write a Novel

Chapter 9 “Types of Writers” – Section 1 “Self-identification”

With Links to Supplementary Material

While there are still a few topics in the genre section that I need more time to think about and research, I feel the need to take a break from it and move on to another section of major importance—Types of Writers. There are many types of writers—each separated by their motivation for writing. It is important to know what writing groups you fall into, so that you know your strengths, weaknesses, and can devise strategies so that your motivation can meet with your medium in order to create the best possible story. Today, I'm going to list the types that I will be later discussing, as well as giving readers the chance for input, in case I forget any of them. Remember that many writers will find themselves identifying with several groups, and that writers of any of these groups have the potential to create quality stories. Also, just because you find yourself in a group does not mean all pros or cons will apply to you--this article serves as a very simplified identification that we can use to later learn strategies for stacking up the pros and eliminating the cons that actually do apply to each of us.

Type 1: The Career Writer

If you have read and written all your life, and can dream of nothing else than becoming a published author that writes for a living, you are an aspiring Career Writer.

Pros: Singular dedication towards the craft gives you a leg up on style, marketing trends, and gaining reader interest. Some initial interest in learning and optimizing skills.

Cons: Economically difficult, and the singular focus on writing limits your opportunities for relevant real-life experiences. High temptation to focus on publishing instead of writing, reading, and learning.

Type 2: The Indie Writer

If your primary focus is on writing something totally original, in a style all your own—readers and critics be damned—then you are probably an Indie Writer.

Pros: A recent increase in interest in this writing style. Fewer creative limitations. Possibility of complete originality.

Cons: Low chance of literary success. So focused on originality, that you lose the power of traditional style. Stories often difficult to read. Writer often refuses to grow—viewing learning as conformist.

Type 3: The Marketing Writer

If you are being hired to create a story based on trending genres and story-types, you are likely a Market-based writer, working with a publishing team.

Pros: Economically sound career allows focus on the craft. Team of writers and editors and researchers at your disposal. High likelihood of success with audience.

Cons: Low level of originality. Team and Publishing company may limit your ability to infuse quality into your work. Little to no artistic control of stories. Less public recognition as an author.

Type 4: The Casual Writer

If you have a career and interests outside of writing, with storytelling being a hobby that you take particular interest in, you are likely a Causal Writer.

Pros: More experience in matters unrelated to writing, broadening what you can write about. Near-limitless time to work on developing your story and skills. No need for literary success. Much more open to learning about the craft of writing.

Cons: Must do more research into developing and learning writing skills. Less likely to write more than a few works.

Type 5: The Fan Writer

If you are the type of person who becomes interested in a show, book, movie, or other existing story and enjoys writing fan-fiction or in genres similar to those stories, you are likely a fan writer.

Pros: You read more than the average writer—teaching you many skills and strategies for your own story. You often see story flaws, and objectively know how to fix them. You possess a higher desire and willingness for learning.

Cons: A tendency for low self-esteem when it comes to original works. A focus on making your story similar to existing works and worlds. A lower likelihood to leave comfort zones, especially when it comes to writing stories that might be published.

Type 6: The Revolutionary Writer

If writing is a means to an end, a way of getting a message or enacting change, personal growth, and reform for the readers, then you are likely a Revolutionary Writer.

Pros: Greater depth inherent in every story you write. A willingness to learn if it means a higher chance of mission success. A great amount of mission-based dedication to writing.

Cons: Often comes across as sounding preachy. Difficulty not using subconscious manipulation of audience. Tendency to put the message before the story.

Type 7: The Niche Writer

If you have a very particular topic that you write about—often autobiographical in part—and are known for your work in that topic, you are likely a niche writer.

Pros: Ease in finding a niche of readers who have a similar interest. Great expertise in your topic of interest. Recognition for your expertise in a particular field.

Cons: Difficulty finding readers outside of your niche. Must find new ways to explore the same topic, or else become very repetitive—resulting in few returning readers.

Type 8: The Personal Writer

If you write primarily to express yourself, to explore your own interests, to deal with your own emotions, or to make a story just in the way you want, you are likely a Personal Writer.

Pros: Usually direct and honest in the reason for your writing. High motivation for continuing to write. Universal human experience will lead to many readers empathizing with your very emotional story.

Cons: Lower likelihood to learn new skills. Higher temptation to write in a way that is exclusive and difficult for your audience to understand. Difficulty accepting criticism because it feels like a personal attack.

Type 9: The Literary Writer

If you have an English or writing degree, or have read more than you fair share of classical literature that you consider the epitome of storytelling, you are likely a literary writer.

Pros: A higher than average grasp on storytelling, tools of writing, philosophy, and style. A great amount of reading experience. Analytic mind when it comes to writing.

Cons: Intellectual elitist attitude which lessens the likelihood of accepting criticism or learning from contemporary sources. Dry, slow, and haughty storytelling style. Belief that the best literature has already been written leads to low motivation for writing anything new.

Over the next few weeks, I will be looking at each of these types, and expounding on how each can overcome or work within their flaws, and maximize their advantages in order to create the best possible stories. Feel free to identify which group you belong to, in the comments, and discuss how you overcome the weaknesses you are prone to.

Feel free to comment with other suggested resources. Any questions about writing? Things you want me to discuss? Comment or send me a message and I will be glad to reply or feature my response in a later article. If you enjoy my reviews, please feel free to share my articles with friends, add it to your favorites, become a watcher on my page, or send send a llama my way!

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