I’ve interacted with hundreds of writers in plot workshops, conferences, and private consultations over the years, and before that hundreds of kids in speech, language and learning therapy. I continue to marvel at how complex the learning process. What works for one writer, one kid, one person doesn’t make sense to another. One approach emboldens one writer and intimidates another.
I also continue to marvel at the complexity of emotional responses to learning. One writer shrivels up and blows away when confronted with seemingly overwhelming challenges. Another writer methodically works her way through obstacles and setbacks to arrive at her destination.
Though every writer is different and at the same time all of us are exactly the same, I see definite patterns that separate writers (and kids and people) into two distinct though often overlapping categories: Emotional Writers and Logical Writers.
I write about how these two groups help define character-driven writers versus action-driven writers in an earlier post. The test provided there is designed to help you determine your writing preference / strength.
In today’s post, I divide those two types of writers one step further.
When learning how to plot, emotional writers find they excel at creating three-dimensional, living and breathing, emotional characters. They are also more likely to suffer from insecurity and fear. Usually able to manage their emotions and appear emotionally mature on the outside, internally their emotions deplete the energy to go forward. Emotional writers often start and stop, languish and begin again.
Logical writers when learning to plot are often able to bypass the stickier and weightier personal emotions and keep moving forward.
I know how much emotional writers appreciate and have benefited from The Plot Whisperer both for the plot support and for the insight into their own writing life.
Now, as I hear from writers using the new and improved Writing Blockbuster Plots to plot out their stories, I am gratified to have the two different resources to support all different kinds of learners and writers. Logical writers looking for a straight forward approach to developing the plot and structure, appreciate the step-by-step, logical presentation of examples, models, and charts in Writing Blockbuster Plots.
Logical writers are often able to produce a new novel every year or more. When they stumble it’s due more to a lack of knowledge of the craft than a reaction to their emotions. Faced with not knowing what to do next, they come up with a logical plan how to find and master what they need to know.
Emotional writers, when undertaking writing a story with a plot from beginning to end, often come face-to-face with their own fears and anxieties. Particularly susceptible are writers with unprocessed personal backstory wounds. Working through internal emotional hurdles can slow outward progress. Their writing becomes a vehicle to explore their own internal landscape. Time spent rallying the courage to persevere provides direct experience into the hero’s journey and a rich tapestry of emotions for their stories.
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