Why is this so hard? Maxie sat at her desk with his chin on her elbow, staring at her computer screen. I know I am a good writer. I have lots of stories to tell. But when I sit down and have to stay in this chair for hours and hours, some days it seems like a prison! I need to plan a lunch date with Sherri and I haven’t seen Mom all week, I saw a great pair of shoes in the window of the store downtown, and my list could go on. I really do want to write and I love to see my articles in print. But this part is oh, so hard.
Maxie probably never considered that her personality could be a factor in why writing is so hard for her.
Many systems are in place to help you assess your personality. The LINKED Assessment System would immediately know that Maxie was a Socializer personality.
LINKED offers four categories of personalities.
- Socializer—your life-of-the-party person
- Mobilizer—your get-it-done person
- Stabilizer—your keep-it-peaceful person
- Organizer—your everything-in-order person
Maxie’s Socializer personality loves people and she is often afraid she’s missing something fun if she’s sitting in her office writing with no one else around. But Maxie’s love for people and curiosity about everything around her serves her well and fills her head with unending ideas to write about.
The Socializer’s writing is colorful, descriptive, fast-moving, and reflects the love of telling a good story.
On the other hand, Mobilizer Brent finds writing to be a challenge to prove himself. He loves to set goals for his projects and then take each step necessary to reach that goal. When a publisher approached him to write a series of articles on the history of outboard motors in this country, he was excited.
Before he even said yes to the project he was making a mental list of all the boating enthusiasts he knew and how he would approach that article. “I will be glad to write that for you,” was his reply. “When is your deadline and are there specifics you want included?”
The Mobilizer writer’s goal is to get writing projects done as well and as quickly as possible. Once the decision is made to write an article or a book and he or she knows the guidelines, this writer is full speed ahead to check each step off the list. Not easily discouraged, the Mobilizer writer will stick with the task until it is done. This writer is not easily distracted. There is nothing Mobilizer writers like better than accomplishing the goal at hand.
Mobilizer’s writing is logical, easy-to-follow, and complete.
Jake is a Stabilizer writer who loves what he does. His easy-going personality allows him to write a while, then dream a while. He has great ideas for stories and once he decides on his focus, he follows it through with solid research.
The Stabilizer writer is steady and competent and loves to write at his or her own pace. Known for their laid-back and peaceful style, these writers excel at finding the most direct and easy way to accomplish a goal. This writer is a good and faithful friend and because of his love for people finds it comfortable to interview others to glean first-hand information.
The Stabilizer’s writing is well-researched, with just the right amount of sensitivity and heart.
Corrie’s reaction to receiving a detailed assignment was positive. “This article is going to be great. There is so much information out there and I can use my words to share every detail with the readers. I am going to outline the article now.”
Organizer writers, like Corrie, are creative. deep thinkers, and, of course, well-organized. When doing research for their work, their cry is usually, “More!” long after the article or book need has been satisfied. Because he or she is detail-oriented, the Organizer writer will have a plan for his or her project and will stick to it. The perfectionist tendencies of this personality often make it difficult to hit the “Send” button. In the back of their minds, they always feel it could be just a little bit better!
The Organizer’s writing is strong, detail-oriented, and is usually clean with few mistakes.
Each personality has its own strengths and appeals to publishers and editors. And no matter what your personality, you can use those strengths to make your writing stronger and garner more writing assignments.
With even a little knowledge of personalities and how readers might respond to your writing, you can write to reach more people. Keep in mind: Your Socializer readers will love the fun parts of your writing so give them lots of stories and illustrations. Your Mobilizer readers want just the facts and will enjoy a few bulleted lists and lots of information. Your Stabilizer readers will love to find peace, refreshment, and calmness in your writing. Organizer readers will love to learn from your writing so make sure to fill it with details and “meat.”
Many writers are unaware that personality information is, indeed, helpful in becoming the best writers they can be. But taking not only your personality but that of your reader into consideration as you write can be a benefit to all.
Linda Gilden is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, certified writing and speaking coach, and personality consultant. Her passion is helping others discover the joy of writing. She and Linda Goldfarb are the coauthors of the new LINKED Quick Guides to Personalities. Linda’s favorite activity (other than eating folded potato chips) is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren—a great source of writing material! www.lindagilden.com