16Sundays

Funny, the people you meet in the blogasphere. RJ and I connected over the use of Myers Briggs typology and novel characters. She has just written a new novel and agreed to blog for 16Sundays. I have enjoyed all my interactions with RJ but I have to admit, I have only read a few excerpts from her novel. I am looking forward to Hotline Girl.

We have all seen the ‘Which Disney Character (insert any movie/book here) are you?” quiz and, if you are like me, fascinated by which evil our type extinguished and which prince we walked away with. What I hadn’t really though of was that authors were using typology to develop the characters in the first place. 

Thank you for contributing this interesting blog post, RJ – all the best with the promotion of your new novel.

Artist rendering of RJ Conte

Hello! I’m RJ Conte – author of a couple of novels (Check me out here on Amazon.com!)

I am a wife, mother of two toddlers, and can’t get enough of Myers-Briggs. I even used it in typing and creating the characters for my novella, The Hotline Girl, which is going to be released on May 2nd. Pre-order it here!

And please come to my Facebook party on May 2nd to celebrate the release of the book! Giveaways, prizes, and fun, as well as virtual snacks! 😉

Consider yourselves invited! Click here to say you’ll come!

a.     What is a common personality trait of your ‘type’ that is true about you?

I am an ESFJ. This type is known as the epitome of the “mother bear.” I guess I definitely fit that, as I’ve been called a mother by even my very best friends, who are my peers. 😉 I also have an absolute loathing of any change, which is how most SJ types feel. It bites me in the foot a lot. I am trying to overcome that initial deep dread of all things new, and trying to be less predictable and attached to the established tradition. 😉

It’s not very common at all (I’ve never found any!) for ESFJs to be authors. The writing profession tends to be a quiet, solitary, introvert occupation, with a heavy emphasis on intuitives and big imaginations. I’ve always felt like a rebel to my type because of my writing, and that makes me unique. 🙂

b.     How does your ‘type’ affect your relationship with people you love?

I have spent a good portion of my life, at this point, trying to overcome being just my ‘type’ in relating to people. I want to be balanced when viewing people. The normal “ESFJ me” gets attached super easily, wants to be in control, is bossy, and nosy. With the Lord’s help, I’ve learned from parents, spouse, and godly friends how to hone that deep well of love I have for people wisely, and to be cautious and balanced. I think all types need to surround themselves with great people to balance them out!

c.     Has knowing your ‘type’ changed you or your relationships?

I got into Myers-Briggs because I married an INTP – my exact opposite! 😉 He was so different and weird and unique to me. Of course, I was attracted to the differences, but then I began to expect him to think and act like me. We both really enjoyed finding Myers-Briggs and discovering explanations for the opposite things we did and preferred – and showing each other that being different was okay! 🙂

d.     Think about a major life changing event, does knowing your Personality Type give you a new perspective on your thoughts or actions?

Is shuddering okay? Haha! I hate major life-changing events, unless they involve people. Adding a new baby to the home, or getting a new in-law aren’t scary, but amazing events, because they broaden the scope of people I get to love. 🙂 It helps me, in life-changing events, to remind myself that I actually adapt quickly. Even though it can be brutally painful to go through, I am not the type to get majorly depressed, and I can make friends wherever I go. I have my family that loves me, and I am optimistic to watch what God is going to do in my life. 🙂

Look for this book at your ‘local’ Amazon book store.

e. In your novella, The Hotline Girl, that is coming out May 2nd, what are the personality types of the main couple? How does Myers-Briggs help your writing?

I feel like I owe a lot of my realism and character development to Myers-Briggs. I use the theory the most when it comes to writing stories. I can start with a basic type for the foundation of a character, and then assess how they would process and react to fit my plot. Even speech patterns change whether or not my characters are perceivers or judgers. I like to think that a great amount of detail goes into making my characters realistic down to the way they cough, smile, or sneeze. 🙂

In The Hotline Girl, which is a modern real-world retelling of Beauty and the Beast, my main leading lady, Arabella Rose, is ISTJ. Toby Beestlie, my guy, is ENTP. Toby is quite the character. Crude, clever, and cutely clueless, he waffles back and forth between extremes, just like a distraught Ne type might. Arabella Rose is the cool, dutiful, composed ISTJ with the dry sense of humor. She keeps him sane, and he lights up her otherwise lonely world. They are and adorable match, and their romance mostly happens over the phone. I hope everyone gets a kick out of the dialogue. 🙂

Monica, lastly, I love your site. I love reading about the knowledge and dedication you put into understanding people. I love you INFJs, in all of your mystery and intrigue. Thank you so much for hosting me!

Come to my Facebook party, all! 🙂

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