do intps make good writers?

[jetboots]

A few times on the net on on this board I've come to the statement that
a) intps are not good writers
and
b) intps are good writers

Personally I think I am a pretty good writer, as I think most intps are since a lot of writing has to do with either explaining something or being creative in one way or another.

I think I am better at creative writing than technical writing, but just recently I've found myself working as a technical writer (among other things), and while I still am learning a lot, I think I am not too bad and gettin a lot better at it.

I think that because a lot of us see the bigger picture, and if we happen to have some good english skills (or whatever language), then I think we make great writers. Personally I strive to find any kind of creative/explaination writing by INTPs as it is always the clearest and idea focused.

Sure sometimes intps can get a little too zoomed out and get a little lost with the subject at hand, but thats nothing that experience cant help, as it does with so many things.

[garak]

I'm good with the technical parts of writing, and good at being concise, precise, etc. But I'm not good at being "literary," aka artsy fartsy writing. It's also REALLY hard to make myself do all of the writing I'm supposed to do in school and it's mentally taxing. I don't really like it.

[jetboots]

I'm good with the technical parts of writing, and good at being concise, precise, etc. But I'm not good at being "literary," aka artsy fartsy writing. It's also REALLY hard to make myself do all of the writing I'm supposed to do in school and it's mentally taxing. I don't really like it.

well i think that many things that you HAVE to do are "taxing" per say. I personally find things less taxing when i can be more creative, as there are not as many details to conform to.

Would you consider yourself artsy in any other area?

[Edmond Zedo]

I think I'm a good poet and songwriter, but as for literature; novels, I could probably only write for a niche market.

[Edmond Zedo]

Would you consider yourself artsy in any other area?
Oh yes, Sir: Visual art, almost every kind of "design", and a bit of pop/rock music composition.

[Warrior413]

Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein are two of my favorite authors, and they're INTPs. I also think I'm pretty good at writing, just not... "normal" writing.

[garak]

well i think that many things that you HAVE to do are "taxing" per say. I personally find things less taxing when i can be more creative, as there are not as many details to conform to.
Well, programming is taxing to me, but it is sooooo much more satisfying. I feel like I can jump in and out of it as I please and do whatever I want, and the results are really cool. When I write, I always have that end goal haunting me and I'm always worried about how much I'm writing and noting sources and even when I'm totally finished ... I accomplished nothing. All I did was convey some ideas to another person in a really cumbersome, contrived ("fill up x number of pages with text and you pass"), and laborious manner.


Would you consider yourself artsy in any other area?
Nope. Every so often I try to be, but it never works out very well. I always tend to systematize it and it just ends up being sterile. I can appreciate art better than I can create it, but even then it's not something that really retains my attention, so I generally don't care much about it.

[songbird36]

Aside from writing legal opinions (which I do for a living) I also write poetry and have started a novel aimed at 12-14 year olds. It's hard to assess your own ability - all you really have to go on is others' opinions.

I don't think I'd be good at technical or "manual" type writing.

[lexiphanic]

I always try to be funny and dilute whatever topic I am writing about.

[Vagabond]

I could be a good writer if I put the energy and the focus necessary (and indulged my J side a bit) to go through with the process. Bleh, too much work.


Edit: Poetry is a whole different thing.

[mgb]

I am indifferent. Also, in this case, lazy.

[int]

Some people here have mentioned their bad grammar and spelling, but I seem to understand everyone (and ask when I don't, which isn't often seeing as I read almost everything) - so I'd say everyone here is a pretty good writer.

Just an opinion.


And since no-one has bitched about my writing "style," I voted "I think I am a good writer."

[Biff_Loman]

An INTP can achieve excellent mastery of communication skills, if he or she so desires. It is simply a matter of absorbing the rules regarding proper use of language. Training certainly helps; university taught me how to write effectively (although I am rusty).

My first thought is that INTPs have the potential to become great writers but have no inherent advantage or handicap by virtue of their personality type. In comparison: many mathematicians are INTPs, but I suck at math because I always found it tedious and so never learned (I'd love to fix that).

I engaged in creative writing when I was a teenager (who didn't?), but I couldn't see myself doing it now. I have a love/hate relationship with literature, and would feel profoundly silly attempting to write, say, poetry or short stories. To be honest, I would be too aware that I'm writing crap.

[Boneca]

I've always liked writing, and while I can't really judge myself, I have been told by others that my writing is very good.
To me, writing is an art form. It is a challenge to find the most efficient, or most beautiful, way of conveying a message.

An affinity for writing is not very hard to reconcile with our type either. Language is a complex system, which intrigues the NT core, and the different styles available to the writer allow any artistic talent to emerge. Add to that the benefit of a non-social communication method, which should appeal to introverts, and you have a perfect hobby for an INTP.

[PsiKik]

The worst job imaginable is to write documentation, user guides
for software. This I hate with a passion.

I have many ideas for sci-fi short stories but don't have the patience to flesh them out.
Having the idea is enough satisfaction.

Does anyone know what type Philip K Dick was?

[kuranes]

The worst job imaginable is to write documentation, user guides
for software. This I hate with a passion.

I have many ideas for sci-fi short stories but don't have the patience to flesh them out.
Having the idea is enough satisfaction.

Does anyone know what type Philip K Dick was?

Don't know about PKD's personality type. I'm a big fan of certain novels by him, though, such as "The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch". ( Wonder if he picked up the word "eldritch" from HPL? )

I can be stricter with myself when writing for business or in pursuit of a "story" than I am in personal correspondence, such as this. Much more editing and pruning/focus. But I can still be somewhat verbose sometimes, even in those settings. I would like to say that i'm a good writer, except for that minor ( ho ho ) handicap, except that it isn't that minor of a handicap, and i could be just kidding myself. If so, I enjoy continuing to kid myself, i guess.

I have a lot of "ideas for stories" written down that have yet to be made into stories. I'm thinking of what to do with it all now, as i realize that even if i were to become independantly wealthy suddenly, i will never have time to use them all, even the best of them. Perhaps i will take the "cheaters way", that I had always told myself should never be a first novel's premise, and have the main character be a writer, so that I can slip them in to details about his daily considerations. Or maybe do like Borges does, and have the stories themselves be linked "synopses" of stories that are reflective. Unlike many INTP'rs I am very unsatisfied with myself for letting the ideas gather dust. Being a writer was one of the things I first set out to do. K

[Birdsnest]

I am good at a certain style of writing, I would call it "exploratory" writing. Can sometimes be good at creative writing, some stories were published in school paper. I have decent ideas on occasion and can formulate ideas and explore well. But, I am not that good at the grammatical precision, nor do I care to sit there and go over everything to see if I've done it right, or made "run on" sentences, or phrased it to a T.

I am happier just "writing" as if there were no audience but myself. I don't want to entertain anyone with my writing, I really want to more or less write down things so I remember an idea or a finding. So, yes, I can be ok as a writer, but I have a way to go to consider myself 'good'. Its more that I am cursed with a need to write than an ability to do it well. And, I have done some nice short stories and essays, as I almost always make A's in formal English class. But I do NOT like doing formal research papers, oh no.

I have done haiku, poetry, short stories, essays, short newspaper article for a company, and songs for piano.

If I were writing a manual on "how to" I admit I think I would do quite well, because I see the details and I easily know what people need to know, so I am extremely thorough there. Maybe too detailed in fact.

Yes, I'm a writer naturally, my brain really thinks at the speed of writing, and not at the speed of talking. How talented I am, I don't make that judgement.

[synchronous]

I don't know if I would be classified as a good writer. I don't like writing all that much. Ironically, I spend a good portion of every day communicating by writing. Creativity is not the issue. I find it tedious to convert my divergent thoughts into some coherent readable form. I usually like to do a good job constructing my writing works, but, I need a fair bit of time to compose them. I want to make sure I've covered all the angles and take in the whole context. Motivation usually lacks towards the end and I lose interest.

If I'm asked to write an opinion on some issue, I'll want to take some alternative/unusual perspective. Consequently, this does not make me a good writer to able to express the common consensus on some matter. I don't mind technical writing, but, I would never consider a career as a writer. Mind you, I've often had good feedback on my writing works.

[QrioCT]

i suck at writing stories:D unless you just want me to explain things straight. i guess i just dont have the passion to get so excited to actually make it seem interesting.

[waxwing]

I was an English major, but my primary interest was in developing my writing. I will say, though, that while I don't mind editing, I can't stand cookie-cutter writing. I was always prone to getting comments such as: "Interesting idea" followed by "You didn't follow the instructions/format." If I was lucky enough to get a teacher who liked creativity, he'd sometimes overlook an incorrect heading, or the fact that I'd forgotten to write my name on the top.

Anyway, I'm willing to try everything except a really long novel and a really important piece of technical writing.

[booyalab]

I'm capable of writing very well, I think (not to say that's always apparent on HERE ;)) When I was 11 or 12 or so I took to playwrighting. Then my friend Jamie and I would act the play out for our brothers. They were always cracking up so I guess I was pretty good (since they were meant to be comedic)...too bad I no longer have any of the scripts.

[Seraph]

Of course. INTP's are excellent writers. Or maybe I'm just more in-tune with my creative side than most. I hear most of y'all can't draw, and -- not to be boastful or anything, but -- I'm a drawing fiend.

[Edmond Zedo]

I'm a drawing fiend.
It's a DRAW OFF! Post your worst.

[lexiphanic]

I'm capable of writing very well, I think (not to say that's always apparent on HERE ;)) When I was 11 or 12 or so I took to playwrighting. Then my friend Jamie and I would act the play out for our brothers. They were always cracking up so I guess I was pretty good (since they were meant to be comedic)...too bad I no longer have any of the scripts.

Write more.

[Seraph]

It's a DRAW OFF! Post your worst.

You're on. Meet me at the tavern at sundown.

[Edmond Zedo]

You're on. Meet me at the tavern at sundown.
Oh, you thought I was kidding! Post something in Actual INTP Art (The Atelier).

[lexiphanic]

Regarding my experience writing: Wrote for a highschool newspaper, and a college newspaper, and also one bit here for Bungie:

http://bungie.net/Games/Halo/page.aspx?section=Guides&subsection=WalkthroughPages&page=1

Was too busy at the time to finish them.

[cjs55]

I'm a very good writer in the poetic sense, but I'm not by any means your average INTP.

Or maybe, my 'personal uniqueness sense' that INTPs often have is off the charts.

Nah, fuck no.

Your resident fucked up INTP...

[PsiKik]

It just struck me that the quality of the writing in the posts here(intp central) is superior to some of the other forums I'm a member of. The posts here are much more informative and convey a greater amount of information - many more ideas.
This makes me wonder what an INTP talk radio station would be like.

[s]

I have been told numerous times by professors and others I have potential to be a great author (and I sometimes believe it). Now, if only I could proof and complete all of those incompleted writing projects...

[Claverhouse]

...This makes me wonder what an INTP talk radio station would be like.

Long silences ?



Claverhouse :ph34r:

[lexiphanic]

I have been told numerous times by professors and others I have potential to be a great author (and I sometimes believe it). Now, if only I could proof and complete all of those incompleted writing projects...

I believed they used the terms: 'So much potential"

[jetboots]

It just struck me that the quality of the writing in the posts here(intp central) is superior to some of the other forums I'm a member of. The posts here are much more informative and convey a greater amount of information - many more ideas.
This makes me wonder what an INTP talk radio station would be like.

I agree with your generality.

I think intp radio would be cool if you get the right type of intp in there. It would sound very honest and authentic to me, i think. i dont see any intp being that typical radio announcer; thats a very good thing.

[Edmond Zedo]

It just struck me that the quality of the writing in the posts here(intp central) is superior to some of the other forums I'm a member of. The posts here are much more informative and convey a greater amount of information - many more ideas.
That's the drugs talking.

[jyakulis]

I do well at open ended assignments. Whenever there are stringent requirements for the paper I find myself stressing to meet them all and basically ruining all my creativity. Most of my english teachers either thought I was an outstanding and gifted writer or just plain horrible. Seems to be love/hate depending on what teacher I get.

[andthesunburnedouttonight]

I'm a very good writer. This isn't my opinion. This is the opinion of anyone who has ever read anything I've ever written. I scored perfect on a standardized test on the writing test four years ago. I don't have the attention span (or the drive I suppose) to write anything lengthy like a novel (I lose steam and shelf it partway through), but I'm pretty good with short subjects. My strongest areas in writing are probably analytical or humorous writings. People love my humorous writings. I could probably succeed as a humor columnist.

I'm also a perfectionist with word choice and linguistic conventions (spelling and grammar). This is obviously typical of the INTP: I can tell by reading everything that the rest of you have typed! Look at the writings of any other personality type and you will probably find plenty of "how r u" and "lol".

[Vagabond]

What's wrong with "lol"... :huh:


...I'm partly an INTJ don't mind me. Lol.

[jetboots]

Well then, an overwhelming amount of good as opposed to bad writers, nice.

Next time I run into the page that was saying writing is a bad career choice for an intp, I shall give the author this link. ( I lost all my bookmarks when I was installing new OS --i fogot to save them:D ) Its a black page with white writing is what I do remeber.

Just playing my part in making internet information slightly less garbage filled:P

[ohnoaninfp]

I think I am a good writer when it comes to expressing my self, however I only seem to know hpw to express anger and sadness.

[glassmoon]

It just struck me that the quality of the writing in the posts here(intp central) is superior to some of the other forums I'm a member of. The posts here are much more informative and convey a greater amount of information - many more ideas.
This makes me wonder what an INTP talk radio station would be like.
I was amazed too at how clear and accute is the writing in this forum. Funny I didn't know this side of the INTp, I saw this type as a more logical-annalitical untill I came to the forum...

[Polystom]

I'm a good writer. So long as board flaming may be considered literarily valuable.

Never written any formal fiction, but ideas, usually science-fictional, pop up all the time. And in classic INTP form, ideation is almost always the means and the end.

I'll put The Tomorrow Corporation in writing. One day.

[cjs55]

I think most INTPs would make excellent technical writers: Clear and concise, but also able to imagine anothers perspective. Thus being able to write for the understanding of someone with less knowledge than the INTP posseses on the subject.

[andthesunburnedouttonight]

I think most INTPs would make excellent technical writers: Clear and concise, but also able to imagine anothers perspective. Thus being able to write for the understanding of someone with less knowledge than the INTP posseses on the subject.Yes!

[Sugarbooger]

I hate writing, but I'm good at it. I'm bad at writing in the sense that I have huge diffuculty writing anything at all, however I don't think I ever write anything bad.

[Rhu]

Don't worry. Writing bad things is easy. Just start with a racial or ethnic slur and see where things go from there!

[Ptah]

I voted "I don't know".

I know I have weaknesses that contribute to poor-quality narratives (grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc). But I feel I have a very good sense of writing at levels higher than the actual narrative -- plot, theme, etc. I'm not sure that counts.

As for technical writing; I have difficulty serializing my thoughts in a way that expresses them clearly to another. I see an organization, but can't easily see the order in which it should be expressed as discreet elements.

[dubbeltop]

do intps make good writers?

Probably depends on the subject....

[Patric]

I think INTPs may be better writers based on rhythm. Because they are introverted and because they are observers, they probably recognize all the different rhythms in nature, and can transmit their own rythyms when expressing themselves, whether it be in writing, or in speech. This rhythm is actually a separate language, apart from the one being considered. It's an unconscious narrator. It tells the person: "I trust you, and that you are following my wavelength."

Another good argument for INTP good-writing ability may be their willingness to break things down for the sake of clarification, as others have pointed out. When I write, for example, I try to break it down to the bare bones (if I can) because it satisfies my yearning to be understood in an uncertain world.

Finally, INTPS have an urgent need to express whatever they have worked out in their heads. Immediately, when I saw this topic, for example, my head started to spin. I had to get it out on virtual paper. Given that conversation alone is (sometimes) an awkward template, writing could be the ideal tool, as you can refine it as you go.


Note: the above is just an assessment of myself, knowing that I am definitely an INTP. Therefore, I am reasonably certain it would apply to other INTPs as well.

[King Rat]

i write well enough to impress a few previous english professors. i also have some good ideas that could result in a good book, but never bothered to go through with it. guess thats pretty typical for most of us, eh?

[TONE381]

I'm a good technical writer, but as far as writing a book would go, I really doubt I'd have any fans.

[Intension]

From what I have seen here, I would say INTPs are somewhat better than average writers. I see good writing, but I also see a lot of sloppy prose riddled with grammar and spelling errors.

[AkuManiMani]

From what I have seen here, I would say INTPs are somewhat better than average writers. I see good writing, but I also see a lot of sloppy prose riddled with grammar and spelling errors.

Well INTPs have what can be considered very deep and articulate thoughts. Its just that most (including me) are rarely motivated enough to commit to putting said thought to paper. I'll use myself as an example.

If I have particularly low motivation or its on a topic I don't particularly have interest in, atm, it will be sloppily written -- if at all. When I'm "in the zone" (i.e. highly motivated) I treat my writtings as a work of art.

[Intension]

Normally my writing be good, but mood can affect me. I can remember one time I sent an email after an emotional break-up, and I resorted to all lower case text punctuated with ellipses rather than periods, like a stream of consciousness. Very unlike me.

[bonsai]

I've never thought I was a good writer. (especially from a grammar/mechanics standpoint) I tend to be incoherent and my thoughts too jumbled/incomplete for people to understand what I'm trying to convey. Though on occasion I've been told I'm a good writer.