As you may know, I really love personality types systems of all kinds, and I already made a bunch of posts on them. Today, we'll look at MBTI (16personalities) and see what are each type's strengths in writing fiction but also what areas would be great to work on. There will be links to the explanatory posts on the types included. Let's get into it!
INTJ
• strengths: long-term vision, structured thought, strategic planning, character arcs
• let go of the need to control every variable. Learning vulnerability will deepen not only your writing but your relationships as well
• write expansive and complex projects, you have what it takes to complete them
• watch out for getting trapped in endless planning and never executing
• don’t isolate: trusted critique will help you refine your work
INTP
• strengths: abstract thinking, originality, curiosity, love of paradox
• be careful not to overthink - aim to actually finish your work, not for it to be perfect. Push yourself to share your work before it feels “complete"
• watch out for starting dozens of projects and finishing none
• embrace feedback as part of the process, not a judgment of your intellect
• careful not to burnout from overanalyzing
ENTJ
• strengths: decisiveness, leadership, big-picture clarity, execution power
• practice humility by writing from perspectives unlike your own. Learn to pause and reflect rather than always pushing forward
• watch out for over-prioritizing results or output over depth and emotional truths
• explore emotional vulnerability - both in your characters and yourself
ENTP
• strengths: quick thinking, wit, verbal creativity, improvisation
• use brainstorming sessions to collect all your ideas, but pick one project and see it through. Use deadlines as fuel
• embrace structure. Creativity doesn't die with discipline
• learn to sit with boredom, it will benefit your growth
• commit to seeing one draft through to completion. Cultivate patience and allow a single story to deepen over time
INFJ
• strengths: depth of insight, moral clarity, symbolism, foresight, emotional complexity
• don’t isolate your creative process. Find one or two trusted readers to support your work. Balance your inner world with outer validation
• tackle topics like inner transformation, social change, reception, identity, healing
• journal your emotions before of after writing for grounding and clarity
INFP
• strengths: emotional depth, personal truth, rich imagination, moral compass
• beware perfectionism - done is better than perfect. Watch out for imposter syndrome and emotional overwhelm
• structure is not your enemy
• set small, sacred rituals around writing - candles, music, sacred time
• trust that your voice matters, even when the inner critic screams
ENFJ
• strengths: empathy, charisma, impact, leadership
• use your emotional intelligence to craft powerful, transformative narratives
• take space for your OWN story, not just others’. Journal for yourself. Let your truth emerge without needing to inspire anyone first
• write about people and relationships
• protect your creative solitude. Not every insight has to be shared right away
ENFP
• strengths: energy, passion, versatility, unique voice
• follow your passion, but try to focus. Too many ideas can lead to burnout. Consistency won’t kill your creativity, it will sharpen it
• use visual boards or playlists to anchor you to one project at a time
• practice finishing things. Boundaries (in time and energy) are a form of self-love, not limitation
• use creative constraints (like daily word counts or specific themes) to stay focused
ISTJ
• strengths: precision, research, memory, structure, discipline
• allow yourself creative risks. Art isn’t always tidy, so try a genre that scares you. Break one writing rule intentionally
• build timelines, character sheets, and outlines - your detail work is top-tier
• experiment with surrealism or emotional themes
• allow more intuitive processes - freewriting, improvisation
ISFJ
• strengths: emotional subtlety, memory, realism, gentleness
• your empathy and attention to detail make you a master of quiet, powerful stories. Tap into your memories to write with emotional truth
• put yourself in the narrative. Let your voice matter too. Explore bolder stories where you take emotional center stage and watch out for putting others' needs above your own
• take creative risks from time to time and be more bold in your writing
ESTJ
• strengths: discipline, clarity
• apply your organization to create productive writing routines
• explore writing that requires emotional depth or moral ambiguity
• let go of control. Let a story surprise you. Allow a little chaos into your stories; not everything has to go according to plan
• treat writing like a project: deadlines, outlines, deliverables
ESFJ
• strengths: emotional intelligence, connection, harmony, social realism
• say what you really think, not just what others want to hear. Journal privately if needed - your truth is worth expressing
• create alone-time to hear your own voice and focus more on yourself
• be a bit bolder, speak the truth even if uncomfortable
ISTP
• strengths: precision, logic, minimalist clarity, observation
• push into emotional terrain. Write about something that scared or changed you
• keep writing tools nearby to capture ideas
• try journaling emotions, not just events. Watch out for disinterest in emotional parts of writing
• explore and learn more vulnerability
ISFP
• strengths: eye for aesthetic beauty, emotional honesty, sensory imagery
• your writing should feel like a painting, full of sensory detail and soul. Your sensitivity is a strength, not a flaw
• create even when no one’s watching
• follow your emotions in writing, but also practice grounding
• don't be scared of judgement and critique - it helps you get better in your craft, so share it with others
ESTP
• strengths: boldness, energy, observational skill, speed
• infuse your writing with action, humor, and momentum. Use dictation or voice memos if you think faster than you type
• writing isn’t always fast or flashy. Learn to edit slowly. Let silence be your teacher
• write fast drafts and ignore editing until later, when your ideas are put on paper
• don't rush the writing process, learn how to stay still and patient
ESFP
• strengths: expressiveness, warmth, emotion, spontaneity
• bring your charisma to stage plays, dialogue-heavy fiction, or performance poetry
• use personal experiences in your writing
• allow yourself to turn your attention to yourself - into your pain and discomfort as well. Learn how to be alone and use it for writing
• connect with other writers, share and discuss your ideas and issues you encounter in your craft
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