Writers know casting a spell over readers requires the right words, a dash of wit, a winsome cast, and a wealth of imagination. In short, writing takes a bit of magic. Collectively, we share many of the same highs and lows when it comes to mastering the craft and creating a book.

However, as individuals, our writing is as unique and personal as our Patronus. The Struggle™ for one writer is a non-issue for another–my enjoyable creative exercise may be your own personal Dementor. Today, I’ll be sharing some writerly strengths and weaknesses you might experience based on your Hogwarts house.

GRYFFINDOR

Gryffindor writers follow their passion and are always looking to add adventure and drama to their stories. They tackle the blank page without hesitation and don’t mind making things up as they go.

 

Strengths

A Gryffindor story is rarely boring, since these writers prefer to get to the good part. They usually nail pacing on the first go and don’t often run into a mushy middle. Trying to come up with something to do next is a challenge, not a trial.

Because they love to explore the unknown, a Gryffindor is likely to put extra effort into world building and scenic settings. No matter the genre, these writers will make sure you feel like you’re right there with the characters on an adventure.

 

Weaknesses

Gryffindors can struggle to know which ideas belong in their current WIP. Sometimes they force ideas or characters into a story that don’t quite fit, or try to cram a trilogy’s-worth of content into one book.

Gryffindor writers don’t like receiving feedback when it comes to difficult edits or negative reviews. A Gryffindor writer’s gut reaction is to defend their work, but will trust the advice of a good critique partner or close friend who has proven themselves wise and worthy.

 

HUFFLEPUFF

Hufflepuffs are good at working through problematic scenes and plot holes thanks to their unique blend of practicality and creativity. They love brainstorming and organization, and rarely struggle with writer’s block.

 

Strengths

A Hufflepuff writer is resourceful with their time, tools, and circle of friends. They’re great at asking for advice, collaborating with other writers or editors, and doing their research thoroughly and cheerfully.

“Write what you know” is a Hufflepuff’s mantra. They excel at taking true stories, personal experiences, or well-researched events and reworking them into a fictional framework that may or may not resemble the original spark of inspiration by the end.

 

Weaknesses

Due to their practical nature, some Hufflepuffs find it challenging to make their creative pursuits a priority. They might seek out permission before adding writing goals to their weekly To Do, or only work on their writing when they have time off.

Hufflepuff writers can be perfectionists. The kind who get stuck editing the first couple chapters, rewriting character sheets, or caught in the researching rabbit hole instead of writing their first draft.

 

RAVENCLAW

Ravenclaws write stories that they want to read. They have a knack for storytelling thanks to constant immersion, which makes them more likely to incorporate strong themes and symbolism into their stories.

 

Strengths

Love for learning is often what drives a Ravenclaw’s writing, which means they never run out of ideas. Their stories are a way to ask difficult questions, discover new possibilities, or widen their own perspective.

Ravenclaws are smart, well-read writers. They’re good at piecing plot together like a puzzle and often write complex stories like mysteries or thrillers, or– at very least–carry over the rules from those genres into their work.

 

Weaknesses

Ravenclaw writers are slow writers, so time is held precious above all else. This makes Ravenclaws the most likely to become antisocial hermits who do nothing but write, eat, and sleep.

Some Ravenclaw writers struggle with negative comparison or competitive feelings toward other writers of their genre. It can hinder their enjoyment of books/movies/shows in that genre and sometimes in their own writing.

 

SLYTHERIN

Slytherin writers have a strong sense of self and a certain amount of ego when it comes to their own creativity. They work hard behind the scenes to make everything seamless, but are extremely secretive about their process.

 

Strengths

Slytherin writers are good at seeing their strengths and selling points, and aren’t as afraid to market their books. Writing is a way for Slytherins to showcase their creative talent, which is pointless without an audience to appreciate it.

Writing voice comes most naturally to Slytherins. Getting their personality on the page is just as important, if not moreso, than having interesting characters. If you like a Slytherin’s book, chances are good you’d like the writer, too.

 

Weaknesses

Lots of Slytherins tend to be procrastinators. Knowing their unique idea will be safe and secret until they get around to writing, it never occurs to a Slytherin that someone else might have a similar thought and get to it first.

Slytherins are the least likely house to share their work with other writers, beta readers, or critique partners. They like their work to be 100% originally theirs with no outside influences, even if that means making a few mistakes.

 

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What’s your Hogwarts house? Can you relate, or does your process differ?