What defines a Spiller Writer?

Last year, I conceptualized five distinct writer archetypes: teacher, spiller, artist, hesitator, and skipper. After engaging with thousands of writers and guiding them through a test, I believe the concept of Writer Archetypes holds significant merit.

In this article, we will focus on the Spiller Writer, known for their confessional writing style.

If you're curious to know if you're a Teacher Writer, feel free to take the Writer Archetype test. Over the next four days, I'll delve into the other archetypes.

Understanding the Spiller Writer

Often referred to as a "confessional writer," the Spiller Writer tends to share deeply personal narratives, and this applies to bloggers as well as fiction authors.

Among all archetypes, Spiller Writers excel as natural storytellers. Their primary focus is on weaving narratives, and they often invite their readers to glimpse into their innermost thoughts.

These writers find it easier than others to express vulnerability and authenticity, which naturally draws an audience.

Fiction penned by Spiller Writers is typically character-driven, reminiscent of works like Bridget Jones's Diary or the novels of Jane Austen. When recalling a Spiller's story, readers often remember the characters first, akin to a confessional blog post.

My all-time favorite novel is Little Women, which I have revisited nearly every year since childhood. Louisa May Alcott perfectly embodies the Spiller archetype in her storytelling.

The Essence of Spiller Writing

Spiller Writers possess what seems like a magical ability: they can narrate personal experiences that resonate deeply with their readers, providing insights about the readers themselves.

In essence, they articulate personal tales in a manner that feels relatable and universal.

A recent example involves a Spiller Writer who shared a concert experience during a Ninja Writer call. Every participant who provided feedback noted how her story evoked memories of their own experiences.

Challenges Faced by Spiller Writers

Despite their strengths, Spiller Writers must remember to engage their readers actively. They need to perform the delicate balance of making their narratives relatable, even when it feels inherently personal.

For Spiller Writers, it’s crucial to include a takeaway for the audience. This can be subtle but should always be present. What lesson or thought do you want to leave with your reader?

For instance, one of my students shared a concert experience that included a poignant lesson about celebrity interactions, prompting readers to reflect on their own similar experiences.

Much like rockstars, Spiller Writers share a stage with their audience, thriving on the energy of engagement, while also maintaining a degree of separation.

Signs You Might Be a Spiller Writer

• You enjoy personal essays and are comfortable with vulnerability.
• You primarily write for yourself, regardless of readership.
• Journaling is a common practice for you.
• You have numerous ideas but may find them harder to come by than your Teacher Writer peers.
• Your audience seeks insights into different lives through your writing.
• Storytelling comes naturally to you.
• You often struggle with concluding your narratives.
• You might forget that your writing is for an audience.
• You would write regardless of compensation if you had a receptive audience.
• You prefer some distance from your readers, possibly opting for a pen name.
• Your writing often prompts readers to share their own stories.
• You find it challenging to write unless you feel a strong desire to do so.
• Direct interaction with your readers can be intimidating or draining.

Embracing Your Identity as a Spiller Writer

As a natural storyteller, you don't need to conform to prescriptive writing styles. How-to guides or listicles may not resonate with you, and that's perfectly fine.

If you feel the need to produce such content, emphasize the storytelling aspect in your writing. The reasons behind actions can be as compelling as the steps taken.

For example, instead of writing a generic piece on workplace productivity, share a personal anecdote about a time you struggled to stay awake at your desk. This approach is likely to engage your readers more effectively.

For those crafting fiction, focus on developing a compelling character to convey your story. This method will likely be your creative sanctuary.

Essential Systems for Spiller Writers

Spiller Writers benefit from systems designed to:

• Remember to include their readers in the narrative.
• Break free from self-focused writing when pursuing professional opportunities.
• Establish and uphold personal boundaries.

Inviting Readers into Your Narrative

Utilizing a structured framework can help balance personal expression with reader engagement. For example, my blog post structure includes a clear "takeaway" at the conclusion to invite reader reflection.

Tackling Unwanted Writing Tasks

To sustain a writing career, you may need to engage in projects that don't excite you. Just like any profession, writers often face assignments beyond their interests.

A useful strategy is to tackle the less enjoyable tasks first, akin to Mark Twain's advice to "eat the frog" first thing in the morning. Completing mandatory tasks first allows for rewarding yourself with the writing you love afterward.

Establishing Personal Boundaries

When writing about sensitive subjects or sharing deep personal experiences, it’s vital to set clear boundaries.

Consider adopting a pen name to create a protective barrier between your private life and your readers.

Establish your boundaries now—before they become necessary. Decide on your interaction levels, including whether you will respond to emails or read comments, and identify topics you prefer to avoid.

Blending Writer Archetypes

Most writers embody a combination of archetypes. For instance, Spiller-Hesitaters are those who haven’t yet fully embraced their Spiller identity but show potential.

Spiller-Teachers

Spiller-Teachers balance the Spiller's tendency to overlook reader engagement with a healthy dose of Teacher traits, often enjoying direct interaction with their audience. They are typically successful bloggers.

Spiller-Artists

Spiller-Artists blend the Spiller's narrative style with the Artist's perfectionism. They may require systems to ensure they share their work with the world. Their meticulous approach often results in high-quality pieces. Harper Lee exemplifies this blend with her singular yet impactful publication.

Spiller-Skippers

Spiller-Skippers combine Spiller traits with a Skipper's motivation for financial gain. These writers find it easier to tackle assignments they may not enjoy, as they are driven by the potential for payment, whether through personal essays or self-published works.

Secret Weapon for Success

Shaunta Grimes is a writer and educator based in Northwestern PA. She lives with her husband, three talented children, two individuals with dementia, a close friend, a cat named Alfred, and a yellow rescue dog named Maybelline Scout. Follow her on Twitter @shauntagrimes. She is the author of Viral Nation, Rebel Nation, and the forthcoming The Astonishing Maybe. Grimes is also the founder of Ninja Writers.