One can argue that the true test of a writer is to have readers and followers as well as book sales with good reviews. But what if you want to write, but are unsure if you have the right personality or temperament. Years ago  I read the book “Please Understand Me” by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates, both of whom are therapists and diagnosticians. Don’t roll your eyes, this is not a self-help book.

This is a book, test included, that tells you what your personality is and how it affects different areas of your life. For instance I am an INFJ, a rare  species representing only 1% of the population. The NF is important because this type is attracted to words, and INFJ’s tend to become either creative writers or preachers.

Now if you find out you are an NF which is ‘intuitive’ and ‘feeling’ this means that you value and perceive possibilities over facts and that you are prone to making decisions based on value judgements over logic. It is an overstatement to say ‘if it feels good, do it,’ but that is close to the truth. I would bet that if you are an NF you are a good reader, love to read.

And if you are an INFJ, that means the I is an introvert who draws energy from within, someone more solitary, whereas an extrovert finds energy from being around people. The J is a ‘organized lifestyle’ as opposed to a flexible one.

I have two links to websites. This one will tell you about the four temperament types. And this one will tell you about four types of personalities, Guardians, Idealists, Artisans, and Rationalists.

Even if you do not feel you want to be a writer, but want to learn more about yourself, both sites and the aforementioned book are fun to explore. Then again you may not have the personality or temperament for it. But INFJ’s love it.

And of course, if you want to be a writer, no matter what your temperament or personality, no one is going to stop you.