Enneagram Authors: Type 6 – The Loyalist
About the 6
Description from The Enneagram Institute
The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.
Basic Fear: Of being without support and guidance
Basic Desire: To have security and support
Today I’m interviewing author Anne Rhys!
Interview with Anne
Can you share a little bit about yourself and what you write?
I’ve been writing on and off since I was 12, but I’ve been writing seriously for the past 6 years. I’m a short girl and chai tea drinker. I’ve had experience with several genres in short story form, but for the moment I’m writing contemporary and historical fiction.
What is your Enneagram type, and how do you feel about it?
6w7. From what I’ve read, it seems to fit, though some others seem to vaguely fit in small ways.
Do you find that your enneagram type impacts your writing process? How so, or why not?
I think it does, in a way, with my personality, but I don’t stop to consider if I’m acting like my type.
What strengths do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?
I suppose the eagerness, or how I slowly process drafting and planning as I go.
What weaknesses do you find in your writing or process that tie in with your enneagram type?
I’m a pantser, which for a 6 is not the best, since we like plans.
Do you think your type impacts how you create characters?
It may, but I’ve never stopped to consider if it did, or how it did.
Do you think it impacts how you world-build?
I’m not that great at world-building, nor do I do it much with contemporary. So I guess it might a little bit, because I don’t want to plan out so much?
Do you think it impacts how you outline?
I think it does somewhat. I’m a “Pantser” so I don’t really plot or outline. But sometimes I get so caught up in planning (or back story) that I don’t want to write the story yet!
Do you think it impacts your prose or writing style?
I’m not actually sure with this one!
Do you find that many of your protagonists are a similar type to yours, or very different?
In general, I think most of my characters have at least a few things in common with me, whether it’s personality, quirks, or dislikes. I’ve never tried to type them myself.
If you have a strong wing, how does it impact your writing process, if at all?
Good question! I suppose the spontaneity affects the way I write my projects.
What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process (plotting, writing, editing)?
Basically I would love to skip every aspect of writing a book except the drafting. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m less perfectionist while writing, so drafting comes so much easier than other parts of writing.
What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the writing craft (setting, characters, theme, plot, prose, etc.)?
Characters and back story are my favorite, sometimes dialogue.
I am not the best at plot, especially ahead of time; though sometimes all I want to do is plan, and never write.
Do you have any writing “rituals” (drinking tea, lighting a candle, putting on music) to get you in the mood to write?
I have a writing playlist for some of my projects, so most times I’ll have that playing in the background, or I’ll drink some tea and eat some trail mix.
What most inspires you to write?
Prompts and concepts of stories, brainstorming, and talking to other writers.
What is your reason for writing?
To inspire others and bring a light to others through my fiction writing.
Anything else you want to share?
In conclusion, my 7 side is my writer side and my 6 (dominant) side is real life.
About Anne
Anne Rhys is a twenty-something Christian writer with a passion for stories that entertain, inspire and provide God-honoring content. You can find her at her site Inspiring Joy Through Writing.
Wow, what an interesting interview. It makes me want to look further into Enneagram types. Until now, I have mostly ignored them since I don’t fit any type clearly.
Thank you! I’ve found these interviews really interesting to host, too. It’s been fascinating to read about the relationships between personality and writing!
I’ve personally found the enneagram to be a really fun system to learn about, and super helpful for understanding yourself and others better. If you do look into it, The Enneagram Institute site and Ian Morgan Cron’s book “The Road Back to You” are great resources! :)
I actually find this super interesting, because Anne said that her 7 wing is her writing side and her 6 is real life, and as a 7w6 I feel like this actually applies to me too, but in reverse! I’m always afraid to start drafting something because I’m always afraid that I haven’t planned it sufficiently and that my plot’s gonna be a mess! So that’s super interesting!
That is interesting! Thanks for sharing!