Writing a Book as an ESFJ

The more I learn about myself (as an ESFJ - Fe Si Ne Ti), I am realizing what processes work best for me.

External Feeling (Fe)

The first lesson was that I needed regular feedback and multiple touchpoints when it comes to creating. Writing blogs and short posts on social media provides me with quick bursts of positive affirmation, which directly feeds my need for tribe approval. When I feel good, I write more. As a result, I end up with a bunch of short thoughts and ideas that need to be sewn into something more cohesive and comprehensive. 

Testing Developing Content in Facebook Groups

One way to pull these ideas together and testing it before making it widely available to the public is by posting developing content within Facebook groups.

What I have found is that posting snippets of content within groups is like a comedian testing jokes inside comedy clubs. What tends to do well in groups, also does well with the larger audience. As a result, I can either spend more time developing the material or leave it alone altogether. 

Updating Existing Content for Deeper Depth and Wider Awareness

Another strategy that I'm playing with online is the updating of published Facebook posts and blog articles followed by alerting readers of the change via a comment in the discussion area.

“Why would you do that?” You ask.

Good question. First, by updating existing content, the author can add additional thoughts and ideas based on feedback from the readers. Doing this, one is able to add further depth.

Second, Facebook doesn't currently notify people on edits made to posts but it does alert them when another comment is made. Additionally, by posting the new information as a comment, as well as an edit, both new and old readers will see the same stuff.

What’s Beyond the Blog Post?

While driving home one night, I asked myself the question, “What is smaller than a book but larger than a blog post?” A Google search didn’t immediately give me what I needed, so after a few revised queries, I found a list of publications that fall under the novel.

• Novel: 40,000 + words
• Novellas: 17,000 - 40,000
• Novellettes: 7,500 - 17,000
• Short Stories: 3,500 - 7,500
• Flash Fiction: 53 - 1,000 words

That was helpful, but I don't see myself writing fiction anytime soon. So, what about nonfiction?

I didn't see a neat listing like the one I posted above. What I found is that in the fiction category one can write shorter books while on their way to full-length publications.

• Short eBooks Singles: 4,000 - 30,000
• Books: 30,000 + words

Introverted Sensing (Si)

One idea for me (and for you should you see value) is to continue writing short posts on social media. Take those and build upon them until they become blog posts. Combine those blog posts and make small eBooks that can sell on Amazon. Finally, combine those smaller eBooks and grow them into full-length titles. Rinse and repeat.

This process of collecting and building upon existing information supports my Si.

Introverted Thinking (Ti)

"So, what do you want to write about?" you ask.

Would it be surprising to learn that I don't have an answer to that question? While I'm still learning about my type, I've come to believe that the Ti cognitive function for ESFJ in its inferior position hinders me from seeing what I really want without first exploring my thoughts and feelings with others (like, right now with you).

The thought of writing 30,000 words seems daunting. If I can do what comes naturally and write in shorter bursts, I believe the books will practically write themselves.

Thoughts? Am I using and understanding my type correctly?