It’s a simple question, but one that can be hard to answer.
Logical writer? Emotional writer? What does it mean to be one over the other? Isn’t a writer just a writer?
This can be a hard question to answer, because it’s not something most writers think about. Writers just write, don’t they? In an ideal world, yes, but in reality there’s more to it.
Now, when I talk about the differences between emotional and logical writers, that doesn’t mean logical writers don’t have emotions or that emotional writers aren’t logical. I’m also not referring to the differences between plotters (outliners, architects, etc.) and pantsers (discovery writers, gardeners, etc.). Although, aspects of both can apply to emotional and logical writers. For instance, emotional writers often cringe at the thought of outlining, while logical writers wouldn’t be caught without one.
When I say emotional or logical, I’m simply referring to what type of energy you bring to your writing life.
There is no right or wrong answer to this. It’s simply a way to help you determine your natural writing tendencies on the path to achieving your most creative life. Figuring out which type you are can help you bring the joy back to your writing and make writing something you actually look forward to.
Ok, so how can you tell which type you are?
The Emotional Writer
Emotional writers lead from the heart. They use their emotions to guide their writing. I found that this type of writer primarily uses what’s referred to as “feminine” or receiving energy. Ideas for their writing come in like a download from the external world, essentially.
Another way to think of the emotional writer is to imagine a writer that primarily relies on their intuition. This is not the same as being a “pantser” or “discovery writer,” although emotional (or intuitive) writers also enjoy discovering their writing as it comes to them. This often means their first drafts are messier and more web-like and may require much more editing than their logical counterparts.
However, this also means that emotional writers who write fiction, for example, are usually more in-sync with their characters from the beginning. Once in-tune with their heart-powered writing style, emotional writers can be true magicians with the written word.
The Logical Writer
A logical writer leads with logic. No surprise there.
This means they lead from the brain. I found that this type of writer is far more structured throughout the writing process. From beginning to end, logical writers love law and order in their writing. They love using outlines and can typically plot like nobody’s business. Not only are they good at it, but they thrive on being able to mentally break down a writing task into manageable chunks.
Whether it’s a novel, a non-fiction book, blog posts, or articles for a client, they like to plan it all out before starting the actual writing. They logically construct their writing in such a way that usually keeps things neat and tidy. Logical writers use energy that is detail-oriented. This is not the same thing as simply being an outliner or plotter. We can refer to this type of energy as “masculine” energy. That means they are more achievement and goal oriented and can think through their ideas before putting them out into the world. As opposed to their emotional counterparts who intuitively receive them.
Using the same fiction writing example above, a logical writer would instead write in a much more formulaic and sometimes predictable way. However, once in-tune with their brain-powered writing style, logical writers can churn out book after book or article after article like a well-oiled machine.
Is one better than the other?
Of course not.
There isn’t a type of writer that’s better than another, but knowing which type you are can do wonders for your writing life. Again, it can be incredibly liberating. Paying attention to and embracing your natural preferences will go a long way towards helping you live your most creative life and toward answering this ever important question. It could mean the difference between being full of energy and creative juice or being stuck staring at a blank screen more often than you’d like. Or even worse, wanting to quit being a writer altogether and no one wants that.
So… are you an emotional or logical writer?
Thank you for reading. If you found this helpful and would like to learn more about igniting your creative spark, nerd out about writing, or simply want to connect, the best place to find me is at jeffaybar.com. Reach out anytime. You can also find me on Twitter.com/jeffaybar.
Jeff Aybar is a writer, writing & creativity coach, Sci-Fi/Fantasy nerd, INFJ, veteran, and lover of all things creative. You can get a free copy of his guide for writers and artists on starting the creative journey by signing up to his newsletter HERE.