Just What Kind Of Writer Is The INTJ?
Intro:
I decided to use MBTI as a system of trying to help new writers find their voice and style. If you don’t know what the MBTI is or you need a quick overview click for my intro article here.
I think that personality has a big influence on writing, understanding your personality will be key to understanding how to come across to others. There are many writers who have become popular based on the personality of their writing style, this is often referred to as voice. A writer’s voice can be incredibly magnetic and engaging.
Think about it like this, if you were stuck on a long bus ride with someone you’d rather them be interesting enough to listen to or boring enough to lull you to sleep. You never want to be in the middle. Writers will die by being lost in the pack. How should you stand out? By understanding what makes you unique, what is your flavor or style. Understanding this as a new writer will help you understand what kind of audience to attract, and what kind of things to write.
I am absolutely not saying that you should base your entire writing career in a multiple choice personality test. In fact there could be incredible value in doing exactly the opposite of what you’re comfortable with. For new writers, however, it’s best to learn to walk before you run.
Please use this as a guide to suggest a direction and don’t take this as gospel.
Note: For the MBTI experts.
I am not breaking type down by cognitive functions, or even the letters. I think these things are nuts and bolts details that are for those interested, not everyone. Type descriptions should be fluid and comprehensive to better understand the whole archetype of character.
Type overview:
The INTJ is a type that has almost reached mythic status in the MBTI community. It seems like almost everyone has typed as an INTJ at least once on an online quiz. They are referred to as masterminds and evil geniuses. In real life (and not the internet) INTJs are gentle and intelligent people who love to study about all sorts of phenomena.
They love to learn new information, but it is different from the ENTP or INTP. INTJs learn information because it will serve some purpose or it has something to do with the world itself. They study subjects and will be more likely to want to apply the knowledge they gain in some measurable way in the real world.
They can seem robotic, as if they don’t have any emotions. This isn’t true, they prefer to experience emotions privately and don’t like people prodding them into performing them.
Examples of famous celebrities:
Aubrey Plaza, Stanley Kubrick, Magnus Carlsen, Donna Tartt.
What kind of writer are they?
While they are definitely represented in the science fiction genre, unlike the ENTP and the INTP they can gravitate to different sorts of genres as well. The INTJ does not share the detachment of the ENTP and INTP and prefers to think about the processes of reality.
They can write all sorts of things, their shy and reserved nature in a social setting does not hinder them to share emotions over the page. Whereas ENTPs and INTPs ignore or disregard emotions, the INTJ understands them but is afraid to express them. The INTJ uses writing to express themselves in a way that they feel safe doing.
Advice to the writer:
The INTJ may have a hard time getting themselves to do something like writing. The fear of being criticized for what they wrote, or what they said, may deter them.
They would benefit from knowing someone who can help the INTJ put themselves out their and shoulder criticism.
Takeaway:
The INTJ is an intelligent person who is also very shy and reserved. They may be their biggest obstacle in getting started but once they can get themselves started they can be quite accomplished writers.
