The INFP Writer

Okay, so the title of this post is a bit of a misnomer because I actually want to talk about a book called The INFJ Writer. But honestly, it’s a six of one, half dozen of the other situation because if you are an INFP writer, I highly recommend you read this book.

The INFJ Writer is by Lauren Sapala, a writer, writing coach, and an INFJ. I don’t know Lauren personally, but I came across her book on twitter, I think, and it immediately caught my attention despite the fact that I’m not INFJ (I’m INFP for anyone who doesn’t know). I actually had one of those moments where the book kinda jumped off the screen at me (do you ever have those? Or off the shelf?).

So I bought the Kindle version, and, boy was I glad that I did. This was in May or June of last year, so it’s been about a year and a half since my first reading, but the book has stuck with me. In fact, I ended up buying a paperback version as well, just so I could pick it up off my bookshelf and flip through it anytime I wanted to. Not as easy or as satisfying to do with an ebook.

If I had to sum up what I got out of this book, it would go something like this:

Trust your own instincts when it comes to your writing process. You’re doing just fine even if other people say otherwise.

Here’s the gist. INFJ, INFP, and in fact the whole NF personality crew doesn’t approach writing the way that the other personality types do. And they often feel bad about this or like they’re doing something wrong. But the fact of the matter is that NFs are actually excellent writers/storytellers, but you have to learn to embrace your way of doing things. Otherwise the writing process is really going to be difficult for you.

Again, most of the book is directed at INFJs although any NF should relate as well. There are dedicated chapters to INFPs, ENFPs and ENFJs, but I found myself very easily relating to the book as a whole and got a lot out of the whole thing.

This is not a craft book. This is more of a mind-set book. Understanding your own personal inclinations when you write and understanding some things about NFs that directly or indirectly relate to your writing process. What I most enjoyed about this book was the way that Lauren puts into words things that I always felt but never had the words for myself. I felt like I understood myself better as a person and as a writer after reading this book. Like someone had flashed a mirror in front of me. But the mirror came with subtitles so I could understand what I was looking at. 🙂

So, if you’re an INFP writer and you’re struggling with your writing or you’d just like to understand a little bit more about yourself as a writer, check this book out. You won’t be disappointed.

The INFJ Writer is available on Amazon in eBook and Paperback.

***Check out my latest release, Productivity For INFPs, now. Available at Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes&Noble.com, Google Play, Kobo and more.

Amanda Linehan is the author of North, about a young woman on the run from her past, the law and an old adversary out to get her. Her newest release is Bored To Death: A Vampire Thriller, about a 300-year-old vampire trying to restore the balance between life and death. She has published five novels. Get a free short story every month when you sign up for her newsletter.