Writer-Types: Which one are you?

Writing, scribbling, composing – these are just some of the terms used to describe the all-too common chore you do in or out of class.  Some do it as a hobby, some for necessity (i.e., coursework requirement).

Masterpieces or a writer’s final product comes in various forms and is “consumed” through such forms.  These forms are likely to be called, genres.  While it would be convenient to assign one particular genre to a certain type of writer, it is simply not the case.

Most writers are a horde or combination of one or two, say 1984’s George Orwell – a novelist and a profound essayist.  Still, it would be helpful to learn the distinctions between one kind and another.  This brings us to the brief exposition of five of the most popular writer-types:

1. Ghost-writers

   Raymond Benson for the James Bond and Tom Clancy novels; or HP Lovecraft for the Weird Tales – these are just two of the most famous ghost-writers in fiction town.

   These particular writers are known to simply hide under pseudonyms; they gave up the chance to have their name written next to their masterpiece for a variety of reasons (i.e., they’re legally bound, or want privacy).

   Ghost-writing is a favourable option for some newbie writers as it ensures that they aren’t distracted by the limelight nor directly become a target for horrendous criticism.

2. Journalists

   Their work is bound to be read in news publication, both in print and online.  Their written pieces are anticipated to be pockmarked with pertinent information, as well as, follow a methodical process of exposition (i.e., investigation).

   Journalists, also, observe a certain set of ethics and standards.  Some world-renowned names include Christiane Amanpour, Hu Shuli, and Anna Politkovskaya.

3. Creative Writers

   This type holds one of the biggest sub-categories of writers: fictionists, poets, playwrights and dramatists, and so forth.  The main pursuit of this writer-type is, obviously, to create a written piece under various rationales – from a simple exploration of a fascinating concept, to the exhaustive formation of an abstract idea.

   Due to the nature of this writer-type’s pursuit, they (i.e., writers) are least expected to conform to various literary or writing conventions.  Unsurprisingly, some of the most radical writers originated from this particular writer-type.

4. Technical Writers

   When you want to learn how to troubleshoot that newly acquired printer, what kind of text are you likely to use?  Handbooks.  And the professional writers behind these handbook, manual, or any such like – they are called, technical writers.

   Their job is not just to inform; their job is much more advanced as it involves suggesting effective methods of performing things.  They are responsible not just for a product’s welfare, but most especially to that of the user’s.

5. Essayists

   Last but not the least of the types is the essayist.  These particular writers ascribe to one form of writing: the essay.  This form is probably, one of the most ancient writing conventions ever created.

   One can go to such extent as proclaiming its ‘immortality’ as it continues to become a prevalent tool or form used in writing.  This is attributable to two dominant variables: (a) the essay’s ability to evolve and (b) the essayist’s drive to compose and recreate at the same time.

The list is not exclusive, as there are more kinds out there.  Perhaps, while readers continue to hunt for good material, writers will continue to lurk around.  They may come up in different forms, races, and societal hierarchies, but their thirst for a proper text subsists. Indeed, writing is their way of living; it is their method of making sense and sharing it out.

How about you?  Do you fall in one or two categories?