Discovering What Type of Writer You Are and How to Use it in Your Poetry

No two writers have the same writing style. While there are various forms of writing, whether it be poetry, journaling, or even penning a letter to one’s grandmother, each wordsmith (amateur or professional) has their own way of putting pen to paper. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses behind your method can help you compose better poetry and facilitate improvement in the way you communicate your ideas. Below, we explore some common types of writers – and you might find you relate to more than one. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it might help you to start identifying areas in which you flourish best.

The Secret Writer

Closet writers are all around us, but most of them are hesitant to share their work with the outside world. This might be because they believe their poetry and compositions are not yet on par with greatness, or they might just wish to keep their sacred creativity hidden from an audience that would misunderstand them. It is often secret scribes, however, who write most freely and without constraint, and usually surprise their audiences with how fresh their ideas are once they do decide to bravely share their work.

The Run-Before-They-Can-Walk Writer

Impassioned and impulsive, these writers often do not really understand what it is they are trying to do, only that they know it will turn out a masterpiece. Throwing caution to the wind is rather liberating. The problem arises when looking back and realising the piece shows no sign of technical mastery or consideration for tone or voice. For poetry writers who often find they have the passion, but not necessarily the technical skill for constructing poems, it might be wise to first do a little research.

The Bookworm Writer

There comes a point in an avid reader’s life when they consider whether or not they could be a writer too. If you spend hours immersed in literary works each week, then you might imagine that you understand what the process will require of you. Often, such writers unknowingly lean towards their favourite author or poet’s style of writing and might lose innovation and creativity in the process. While it is helpful to borrow inspiration from one’s favourite creators, bookworm writers are encouraged to take the time to develop their own personality and artistic flair.

The Chaotic Writer

Some creative types bloom where chaos abounds. Somehow, in the conglomeration of words and intentions, a brilliant idea emerges that ties it all together in a neat package. These are the artists who grab the nearest scrap of paper to pen down a concept they find inspiring, usually upon seeing or hearing something interesting. Some even have catalogues of images or soundtracks that encapsulate the essence of their poetry, and they feel making sense of these muses is a matter that will sort itself out. If this poet wishes to draw out the magnum opus from the mess, however, a little structure and organisation are helpful too.

The Researching Writer

Thoughtful, methodical, and exceptionally careful with additions of everything from descriptive details to punctuation marks, researching writers take their time. These are gifted magical maestros that see their poetry as a whole new world to dive into and thoroughly explore. Poems from such poets are often longer and include a rich tapestry of detail and intricate stories. This same meticulous proficiency, however, means that completing a written piece or meeting a deadline is more difficult, and sometimes it does not hurt to overlook the minutiae in favour of time.

The Emotional Writer

Putting thoughts to paper is a cathartic experience. If you find you are attracted to the melancholy, sombre, or sentimental, and often wish to capture the precise feeling you are experiencing, then you are probably an emotional writer. For these poets, it is all about creating poignant and soul-stirring work that connects the author and audience – heart to heart. While dramatic and doleful themes certainly have their place, these poets must be careful not to overwhelm or drain their readers with nothing but intensity.

There are other kinds of poets too, such as those who want nothing more than to share their opinions and others who desire to inspire and change the world. No matter the categories into which you fall, picking up your pen and saying something you feel is important through your poetry is always worthwhile.