msndr-blog

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Kedermawanan Yusi Avianto Pareanom dalam Rumah Kopi Singa Tertawa

Kalau saja predikat dermawan boleh disematkan pada Yusi Avianto Pareanom, itu karena bukunya Rumah Kopi Singa Tertawa. Mengapa tidak? Dalam buku tipis, kurang dari 200 halaman itu, dijejalkan 18 kisah untuk pembaca. Cukup murah hati, ketika kebanyakan penulis memilih untuk menyimpan stok cerpen untuk terbitan selanjutnya.

Semua cerpen yang disuguhkan tak pernah jauh dari kenyataan sehari-hari. Yang justru menjadikannya masuk dalam deretan favorit saya. Kebanyakan menyoal kebetulan-kebetulan menyebalkan yang terjadi dalam hidup. Mirip kolom Sungguh-Sungguh Terjadi di Kedaulatan Rakyat yang sungguh ndilalah, dengan versi lebih panjang dan menggelitik. Beberapa karya bicara tentang refleksi personal, ironi, dan tentu saja topik cerita sejuta umat – cinta dan perempuan.

Hanya saja, jangan harap Yusi Avianto Pareanom menulis untuk membawa anda lari dari kenyataan. Apalagi berharap setelah membaca bukunya anda bisa mendapatkan pencerahan dan motivasi menjalani hidup. Karena jujur saja, buku ini memang tak memiliki niatan untuk bicara masa depan. Yang ada soal sekarang dan lebih sering, tentang yang sudah lewat. Tetapi untungnya, hanya satu dua saja yang dibawakan dengan getir. Lainnya masih dibumbui dengan humor khas yang membuat anda sering merutuk dalam berbagai ekspresi: takjub, sedih dan mungkin marah.

Dalam ‘Ajal Anwar Sadat di Cempaka Putih’ misalnya, kita dibuat kasihan dengan protagonis malang, si Anwar Sadat, yang hidupnya berakhir nahas di hari pertama ia memijak Jakarta – dikeroyok setelah dikira copet. Padahal tangannya cuma tak sengaja mampir ke dada dan pinggang seorang perempuan. Ketika ia berusaha menyeimbangkan diri saat tergelincir sehabis turun dari metromini. Sewaktu kita mengira cerita hanya akan sampai disitu, penulis membawa kita lebih jauh. Kita digiring untuk memahami perempuan yang tak langsung mengantarkan Anwar Sadat ke ajalnya. Pada akhirnya kita mau tak mau dibuat maklum dan kagum, bagaimana kebetulan saling menghukum hidup antara keduanya. Tapi sialnya ketika pembaca sudah terlanjur percaya pada cerita, muncul fragmen-fragmen yang membuat kita tak bisa menghindari pernyataan: ‘ini nyata apa nggak sih?’

Begitu juga dengan ‘Hukum Murphy Membelit Orang-Orang Karangapi’. Satu cerita pendek ini begitu emosional. Sepanjang cerita, pembaca diajak berkali-kali mengalami perubahan emosi: senang. penasaran, dan sedih. Kombinasi cerita yang sebenarnya mudah ditebak, tetapi tetap tak membuat diri berhasil menghindari keterkejutan.

Bercerita tentang seorang yang tak sengaja menemukan teman semasa kecil di tengah tugasnya di Rotterdam. Sukemat, teman lama yang dulunya tak begitu beruntung itu, berubah menjadi yang paling sukses diantara semua teman sepermainan di Karangapi. Namun begitu, pertemuan keduanya harus diakhiri begitu cepat. Tanpa kemungkinan keduanya bertemu lagi. Ketika Sukemat yang sedang mabuk, sempoyongan berusaha menghajar lelaki yang meremas buah dada teman wanitanya. Ia justru jatuh dengan kepala menggaduk lantai ditemani sebotol single malt scotch yang tadinya hendak ia gunakan menghukum si peremas. Cerita belum berhenti sampai di situ. Si tokoh lantas menceritakan berbagai kemalangan teman masa kecilnya, yang apalagi kalau bukan disebabkan si Murphy. Semuanya berakhir dengan…’kurang aduhai’.

Sedangkan cerpen yang juga menjadi judul buku ini, Rumah Kopi Singa Tertawa, ditulis dengan gaya yang lain. Mengambil latar sebuah kafe, sepanjang cerita hanya ada petikan-petikan percakapan di meja-meja acak. Penulis seolah lepas dari ceritanya sendiri, dan pembaca dibebaskan tuk berimajinasi. Belum lama saya tahu, kalau gaya penceritaan mirip Hills Like White Elephants milik Hemingway ini dimaksudkan sebagai kritik. Penulis kelahiran Semarang itu menganggap terlalu banyak cerita berlatar kafe yang menempatkan tokohnya di pojok – diam, mengawasi dan kontemplatif. Padahal jarang ada kafe yang menyediakan ruang untuk diam. Kafe begitu riuh dengan obrolan-obrolan yang tidak saling sambung satu dengan yang lain.

Namun, di antara semua cerpen ada satu yang berhasil mencuri perhatian saya. Itulah ‘Tiga Maria dan Satu Mariam’. Cerita ini bisa jadi mengamini jalan hidup perempuan yang bak Maria atau Maryam: pelik. Bercerita tentang empat perempuan dengan nama serupa. Keempatnya datang dengan latar belakang dan persoalan hidup yang berbeda-beda. Tetapi sialnya, kesamaan nama seolah menautkan mereka dalam nasib yang tak kalah sukar dengan perempuan suci yang hidup ribuan tahun lalu itu. Lewat cerita ini muncul kekaguman pada Yusi Avianto Pareanom. Karena mampu menghadirkan cerita tentang perempuan seolah ditulis oleh tokoh itu sendiri.

Cerita tentang Maria Larasati Tunggadewi adalah yang paling bikin kelu. Gadis yang baru ‘mekar’ ini belum lama menyadari, kalau sepanjang hidupnya ia ‘digarap’ bapaknya sendiri. Mengatasnamakan kesembuhan sang istri, si bapak bertindak bejat dan menyebut tingkahnya sebagai ‘ritual penghukuman setan’. Si bapaklah yang meyakinkan Maria kalau setan dalam tubuhnya yang membuat ibunya jatuh sakit.

Sebagai sebuah kisah yang sejak awal sudah jelas maksudnya, tetap saja saya dibuat dag-dig-dug. Cerita keakuan dan diksi yang polos – khas anak-anak, membuat semuanya nampak jauh lebih nyata. Akibatnya, kisah Maria masih menghantui setiap jeda pikiran saya.

Jadi, mengapa tak bisa menyebut Yusi Avianto Pareanom seorang dermawan? Kalau dalam kumpulan cerpen setipis ini, anda bisa mendapatkan 18 cerita; banyak topik dan sudut pandang; humor yang tak berkesudahan; juga kengerian yang tak bisa diramalkan?

 Nilai: 3/5

Judul: Rumah Kopi Singa Tertawa

Penulis: Yusi Avianto Pareanom

Penerbit: Banana

ISBN: 978-978-1079-26-6

Cetakan: pertama, 2011

Jumlah halaman: 172

[msndr-blog]

Tiga tulisan yang membahas social justice warrior. Spesifik ditulis untuk mengkonter video sepanjang 24 menit yang diunggah seorang jurnalis kondang ibukota.

Apa SJW itu? Sebuah Konter Argumen (Bagian 1)

Apa SJW itu? Sebuah Konter Argumen (Bagian 2)

Apa SJW itu? Sebuah Konter Argumen (Bagian 3-Habis)

[msndr-blog]

Sebuah denial dini hari. Enam jam sebelum jam kerja.

[msndr-blog]

[Sharing] Pengalaman Pertama Buat Web Sendiri pakai Domainesia

Kalau kamu sedang merintis personal brand atau pun online shop, jangan lupa memasukkan ‘membuat web’ dalam to-do list kamu.

 Dalam waktu dekat, saya akan meluncurkan toko online yang menjual hasil rajutan saya. Konsepnya bukan cuma berjualan barang, tetapi ada misi sosial juga. Lewat toko itu, saya juga mencoba mempromosikan semangat slow living, mendukung komunitas lokal dan peduli isu-isu sosial.

Selama proses persiapan, ada satu hal yang kerap menganggu pikiran. Pertanyaan, “membuat web atau tidak?”, selalu muncul di benak saya.

“membuat web atau tidak?”

Selama ini, membuat web selalu lekat dengan kesan ribet, lama dan mahal. Hal yang membuat pemula seperti saya keder duluan. Akan tetapi, mengandalkan media sosial sebagai satu-satunya cara self-branding dan lapak berjualan juga tidak selalu menguntungkan.

Kita harus bersaing dengan akun-akun bermodal besar yang mampu membayar buzzer. Lalu dituntut untuk sering update dengan konten menarik, meski materinya sama. Sudah begitu, terpaksa mengorbankan koneksi personal yang seharusnya dibangun lewat media sosial. Namanya juga media sosial, masa promosi dagangan melulu?

Setelah menimbang alasan-alasan tersebut, akhirnya saya memutuskan untuk membuat web. Toh, kalau dipikir membuat web adalah sebuah investasi. Apalagi bagi generasi milineal yang menghabiskan banyak waktunya dengan internet. Web bisa menunjukkan tingkat keseriusan dan profesionalitas dalam bidang yang digeluti. Tak perlu terganggu dengan riuh topik dan trend di media sosial yang kerap berganti. Karena dengan web sendiri, kita bisa fokus dan konsisten dengan isu yang dikuasai.

Singkat cerita, pilihan saya jatuh pada Domainesia. Domainesia adalah perusahaan layanan registrasi domain, hosting dan web yang berbasis di Jogja. Kebetulan Domainesia sedang membuka lomba blog. Iseng-iseng saya mencoba ikut, dan ternyata ada promo bagi pesertanya. Dari yang awalnya cuma pengin dapat gratisan, jadi tertarik daftar domain sama hosting deh, hehe.

“…dengan web sendiri, kita bisa fokus dan konsisten dengan isu yang dikuasai.”

Untuk mendaftar cukup klik pesan pada paket yang diinginkan. Isi formulirnya dan pilih apps yang akan digunakan untuk membuat web. Setelah selesai, kita akan mendapatkan invoice berisi nominal yang harus dibayarkan dan kode berita transfer. Saya sendiri pesan paket Bisnis Mikro seharga Rp 75.000 yang sudah termasuk diskon 25%. Murah kan?

Langkah selanjutnya adalah mentransfer biaya sesuai invoice yang dikirimkan. Jangan lupa menuliskan berita transfer untuk mengaktifkan fitur Instant Deploy. Fitur tersebut memastikan apps yang sudah dipilih untuk segera aktif dan membuat kita bisa langsung mengutak-atik web sendiri.

Benar saja, seusai transfer saya langsung dapat email kalau web saya sudah aktif. Ada perasaan senang karena akhirnya punya web sendiri. Meski tak menampik ada rasa khawatir, karena saya sangat awam dengan desain dan pengaturan web. Sayang kan, kalau sudah punya web tapi berhenti di tengah jalan karena bingung?

Namun, ternyata kekhawatiran saya sama sekali tidak beralasan. Karena Domainesia memberikan panduan lengkap untuk awam seperti saya supaya bisa membuat web sendiri. Panduan tersebut tentu saja sangat membantu. Mulai dari mengatur static webpage ketika web masih under construction; membuat database; menginstall sertifikat SSL, membuat children domain dan masih banyak yang lain.

Masih bingung? Hubungi Customer Service saja.

Walaupun sudah ada dokumentasi dan panduan lengkap pengaturan web, namanya juga orang awam, pasti sempat bingung. Itulah yang terjadi dengan saya, dan bukan cuma sekali.

Pertama, saya sempat bingung ketika saya gagal menginstall sertifikat SSL. Sudah saya ikuti semua tahapannya, tetapi di langkah terakhir nama domain saya tidak muncul. Sudah dicoba berulang kali, tetap saja tidak bisa. Padahal, sertifikat SSL ini sangat penting untuk menghindari pencurian data. Apalagi untuk toko online, di mana transaksi kartu kredit, transfer dan login harus dijaga kerahasiannya.

Akhirnya, saya menghubungi customer service dan diarahkan untuk menulis tiket ke bagian teknis. Saya pikir setelah itu hanya akan dibalas dengan ujaran ‘silakan coba lagi’, layaknya ujaran ketika gagal fingerprint di kelas. Eh, tidak tahunya saya dapat email pemberitahuan kalau sertifikat SSL-nya sudah berhasil di-install oleh Domainesia.

Kedua, saya juga sempat bingung ketika akan mengintegrasikan email domain dengan gmail. Di bagian ini, ada banyak istilah teknis yang saya tidak pahami seperti control panel URL, SMTP, dan PO3. Saya sempat berkali-kali gagal karena memasukkan data yang tidak sesuai. Di posisi itu saya bingung, karena data yang dimaksud berbeda pada setiap pemilik domain. Sudah mencoba untuk cari jawaban sendiri dengan googling dan baca help forum, tetapi justru semakin bingung.

Lagi, saya putuskan untuk bertanya pada customer service. Ternyata, jawabannya lebih jelas dan sederhana. Terlebih mereka sangat ramah. Responsnya juga cepat dan tanggap.

Nah, sisanya tinggal berkreasi sesuai dengan keinginan. Yang pasti, punya web sendiri membuatmu lebih stand-out dari yang lain. Ditambah, kamu pasti jadi merasa lebih bersemangat dan tertantang untuk mengembangkan brand dan usahamu. Siapa tahu web justru jadi pintu awal kesuksesanmu?

 Omong-omong, cek toko online saya juga ya. Kunjungi threadgedy.com

[msndr-blog]

Kenapa dunia itu ada, jawabannya tak pernah memuaskan. Maka, mereka ciptakan kepercayaan supaya dunia lebih masuk akal. Kepercayaan lah yang membuat hidup lebih bernilai. Walaupun hidup penuh penderitaan dan ketidakpastian. Kini kepercayaan tak lagi diperlakukan sebagaimana sebelumnya. Alih-alih menciptakan ketentraman, kini kepercayaan (sedikit banyak) mencipta penderitaan dan ketidakpastian. *lanjut baca lagi* *udah gitu doang* *udah sebulan ga update* *demi feed yang seragam*

[msndr-blog]

Kukira, mereka yang tak tumbuh bersama rasa benci adalah yang paling beruntung. Mereka tak usah mengeluhkan ketidakberuntungan dan takdir yang tak bisa diubah. Tak perlu juga diam-diam mengutuk banyak hal. Mereka tak mendendam pada yang meremehkan. Lagi, tak merasa perlu meniatkan semua hal untuk pembuktian. Akan tetapi, siapa yang tak tumbuh bersama rasa benci?

[msndr-blog]

Diantara banyak hal yang patut dipuji dari buku ini, saya pilih kepiawaian penulisnya dalam mengekploitasi detil suasana. Ada kengerian yang membuat saya hampir tak bisa membedakan antara nyata dan khayal. “Tapi mulutnya seperti ubur-ubur, mengembang dan mengatup dalam gelombang pelan, menyimpan racun. Lalu aku melihat, kata-kata kotor muntah dari perutnya, dari hatinya yang telah mati dijalari sirosis, seperti cairan jorok yang penuh gumpalan bekas makanan dan gelembung gas bau, menyemburi seragam bersih perawat itu sehingga ia terjengat satu ubin ke belakang, hampir terjerembab…………..Lihatlah kaki-kaki kurus gadis itu gemetar, seperti menahan kencing, seperti merasakan hawa neraka dari suhu badan perempuan tuaku yang luka dan perkasa. Lalu, ketika amarahnya dari rasa sakit yang panjang itu telah selesai, di lantai tersisa air liur yang asam dan lekat seperti ampas persetubuhan.” – halaman 11. *notabene, yang pojok atas itu cuma properti pinjam dari @afrizalzulkarnain.

[msndr-blog]

Sebagian cerita layak tak memiliki akhir. Bukan semata ingin membelot dari pakemnya. Tapi bukankah dunia memang tempat cerita-cerita berseliweran: saling berbalas, melengkapi, atau malah berbantahan? Maka, cerita paling realis baiknya tak memiliki akhir. Ia adalah refleksi dari dunia yang begitu riuh, tak beraturan – anarkis – dengan cerita. Sejauh ini, Saman lah yang bisa mewakili persepsi saya tentang cerita yang ideal. Ayu Utami menyusun plotnya dengan kompleks, tak kalah dengan karakter yang ia ciptakan. Dua unsur itu saling berkelindan, dan berpusat pada Saman, seorang mantan pastur yang kemudian menjadi aktivis perkebunan. Tapi di luar cerita menarik Saman, ada banyak tokoh dengan kompleksitas jalan pikir dan masalahnya masing-masing. Mereka membagi ceritanya, saling berbalas, mengomentari dan berbantahan. Yang justru membuat ruang yang cukup bagi pembaca untuk menyelesaikan teka-teki cerita. Sepintas saya takjub karena buku setipis ini, bicara begitu banyak hal: kekuasaan, perlawanan, hak asasi, agama, gender dan seks. Topik yang diusung pun seolah tak kadaluwarsa walaupun dibaca hampir dua dekade selanjutnya. Dan yang tak kalah membuat takjub, semua itu disampaikan tanpa abai dengan hal-hal teknis. Tanpa menggurui. Begitu rapi. Selalu ada kejutan sampai akhir.

[msndr-blog]

Aku adalah ketidakpastian yang kau dekap, sementara kau adalah kepastian yang s'lalu kugugat.

[msndr-blog]

Yusi Avianto Pareanom mengajak kita menemani Raden Mandasia, Sungu Lembu dan Loki Tua bertualang menuju Kerajaan Gerbang Agung. Menjalankan misi gila: mencegah pecah perang dua kerajaan besar di dua belahan dunia yang berbeda. Mereka mengisi jarak dengan hal-hal gila, dan menjalankan misi dengan lebih gila lagi. Hanya dalam 450 halaman, perasaan pembaca dibuat teraduk-aduk. Sedih dan marah. Senang dan geli. Penasaran, takjub dan jijik di satu waktu. Itu semua karena ada terlalu banyak adegan menarik dalam satu buku. Semuanya dijahit begitu rapi, tanpa ada benang putus. Tak ada adegan yang sia-sia atau tokoh yang tinggal lalu. Pun tak ada satu bagian yang lebih menonjol antara satu dengan yang lain. Semuanya terjalin sebagai kesatuan. Lagi, buku tipis ini banyak menyinggung soal yang tak jauh dari kehidupan kita. Soal budaya baca-tulis; kekuasaan; perang atau damai; dan yang tak boleh terlupa…soal perut dan bawahnya. Semua disinggung tanpa ada ego si penulis untuk tampil. Seolah penulis tidak pernah ada, dan si tokoh menulis kisahnya sendiri. Dan layaknya sebuah dongeng tentang perjalanan. Buku ini tak sekedar soal memperpendek jarak hingga sampai ke suatu tempat. Tapi juga soal bagaimana jarak mengubah manusia dari satu pemahaman ke sebuah kesadaran baru.

[msndr-blog]

Nampaknya akan lebih sering berada di Goodreads dibandingkan di sini. Bagi yang punya akun, mari saling bertukar referensi. Sila tambahkan teman. 

[msndr-blog]

“Kalau sebagian dari diriku sudah menjauhi teman-temanku dulu karena tidak ada satu pun dari mereka yang sepaham denganku, aku masih coba untuk menemani diriku sendiri. Aku meminta diriku untuk mempercayai sesuatu. Diriku bilang segalanya palsu – bahkan sahabat, bahkan kekasih, bahkan keluarga. Lantas, apa aku masih bisa mempercayai sesuatu? Apa diriku bisa mempercayainya – atau aku hanya akan terus gagal meyakinkan diriku sendiri bahwa ada aku yang bisa dipercayai sepenuhnya oleh diriku? Aku bisa berbicara dengan orang lain. Namun aku bahkan tidak mampu berbicara dengan diriku sendiri. Diriku yang begitu kaku, bersembunyi di pojok, dan tidak pernah mau mendengarkan kata-kataku. Aku tidak tahu sejak kapan diriku terbagi menjadi dua bagian. Atau mungkin lebih. Namun, aku sungguh membenci bagian dari diriku yang tidak pernah mau bersahabat denganku. Sebagian dari diriku tidak memiliki seorang pun sahabat, menolak setiap yang datang dan mengsusir yang singgah. Meski aku berpikir aku mampu bersahabat dengan diriku yang pemilih itu, tetapi tidak pernah bisa bagian dari diriku itu menyambut tali persahabatan yang kuulurkan. Padahal kami tinggal dalam satu tubuh, berbagi napas yang sama, tetapi separuh bagian diriku tidak pernah mampu menerima kehadiranku. Bahkan ketika aku menangis, sesuatu dalam diriku bekerja semakin keras untuk membuat tangisku tersampaikan semakin laung.” – halaman 214-215.

[msndr-blog]

Dihormati itu hak. Menghormati adalah kewajiban.

catatan supaya tak gila hormat ketika tua.

[msndr-blog]

The MBTI Types and What They Can Learn About Writing

Adapted by Sandy McIver from Writing and Personality (DiTiberio, J. & Jensen, G.)

ISTJ

Hints: ISTJs are often looking for the right formula. Accept what follows (below) as the right formula for you. Do not try to convert others.

Revising: Lucky you—you can often write so well in your head that you can often keep your revising down to minor editorial changes

Needs: Explicit directions if you are writing for someone else or to meet requirements (e.g. for the major project). No change to your writing routine if you can find a way that works!

What works: Writing close to the deadline as long as you have written a draft in your head. Finding steps and procedures that work for you every time—keep following them!

Strengths and limitations: ISTJs can be extremely efficient writers and write best when writing concretely—from facts, data and authorities. You can be brusque and dry and overlook the human dimension in your writing.

Natural style: Begin with data like statistics. Be factual.

Contexts: ISTJs should ask for the specific direction they like (but you may not always get it!).

Outline: Turn the plan in your head into an outline before starting writing. For a longer paper (like your project) try putting key topics/headings on slips of paper/post-its. Move them around until you have your outline

Writing blocks: ISTJs experience relatively few blocks. The biggest one is finding data or authorities to back up or focus your ideas or beliefs. You can also struggle with complex issues that are hard to segment.

ISTP

Hints: ISTPs should begin and end your writing in isolation. Make sure you have the physical space to be by yourself when writing. Don’t pick really abstract topics.

Revising: Because ISTPs tend to ramble, they should allow time for revision. You can often work independently at revising without feedback from others.

Needs: ISTPs need the pressure of a deadline. You may want to set an earlier-than required deadline.

What works: Nothing but the facts (unless it’s humour—see below). Start by gathering facts about your topic.

Strengths and limitations: Humor is important. You could build humor into early drafts even if you have to take some of it out of later drafts. You can work with complex databases. Watch out for offending some readers if you don’t think in advance about your audience. Take the time to take the ‘ramble’ out of your writings.

Natural style: ISTPs write about facts and data. You can also enjoy humour, satire etc.

Contexts: ISTPs can be defiant when facing feedback. It’s good to discuss this in advance with faculty so it doesn’t become an issue.

Outline: Get a rambling draft done and then work hard at connections, getting outside advice (e.g. a Writing Friend) if that helps. Then do an outline.

Writing blocks: When blocked, give yourself time and space to write without distractions.

ESTP

Hints: Writing can be a challenge for you. Some ESTPs would rather see, hear, touch, taste, smell or climb something than write about it. Focus can be vital!! 

Revising: Because you often leave things to the last minute, revising can be tough and your anxiety high. Early ‘deadline’ dates may be helpful. You may also resist suggested revisions so actively work at understanding where the suggestions come from.

Needs: Doing lots at once—e.g. Writing more than one thing at a time (including multiple chapters of a master’s project).

What works: Lots of quotes and information and sometimes elaborate computer files of research for longer writing pieces.

Strengths and limitations: Short pieces about facts for a functional purpose are best. Sorting out purpose can be really important. Longer pieces can seem overwhelming so be prepared for that. Be willing to read, re-read and work with abstract theory.

Natural style: Factual, analytical and critical.

Contexts: Try finding a ‘Writing Friend’ who is strong in the judging preference and get them to help push you towards deadlines and closure.

Outline: Start with a clear sense of direction and an outline if possible but be prepared to go off elsewhere. Linking things together through a revised outline and a revised text can help.

Writing blocks: Getting started!!! Know your deadlines, set an earlier one if that helps and get going. If you lose your train of thought try tape recording or telling a friend what you are thinking of and getting him/her to write as you talk.

ESTJ 

Hints: ESTJs like to meet expectations so it is good to know what they are. Speaking in public (as in making presentations) is a really good way to get ideas out of your head.

Revising:  Steady work is best for ESTJs including steady work at revising.

Needs: ESTJs need to know who their audience is so they can write to that audience. It can be best to think of a specific person.

What works: An early start (although ESTJs can write close to a deadline). Make sure you have a clear focus by the time you complete an early draft (see outline below)

Strengths and limitations: A strength is argumentative writing where you have a point to make. You can express yourself too harshly (which suggests feedback is helpful)

Natural style: The ESTJ can have a clear voice through a conversational style.

Contexts: Theories take on meaning with real examples. Take time to express opinions, which means often exploring where those opinions come from (see the many texts on qualitative writing).

Outline: Do a rough draft first, sometimes even before your research is complete. Then establish a structure and do an outline based on that.

Writing blocks: Lack of focus can be a killer. Try talking about the assignment to someone who is a good listener.

ISFJ

Hints: ISFJs start with the facts. A first draft is often a long presentation of data saying everything that they know about a subject.

Revising: The opening purpose only becomes clear to ISFJs after they have the facts. You revise more extensively when you receive feedback that is very specific and directive.

Needs: You need guidelines for a writing project to be clear.

What works: You work best with quiet concentration. ISFJs spend a lot of time thinking about what they are going to write. You benefit from talking to people and writing in your heads.

Strengths and limitations: ISFJs write in ways that are clear, factual and direct. You have difficulty with smooth transitions between sections. You typically work better alone.

Natural style: You prefer a narrative style that includes concrete observations and is based on practical experience.

Contexts: ISFJs like assignments that have a practical function and clear guidelines. Outlines: Get the facts/quotes down first. Then and only then should you attempt an outline

Writing blocks: ISFJs can react to noise and to interruptions that increase anxiety. When stuck you should write what you know for sure (e.g. all your quotes) before moving into theory.

ISFP

Hints: Sometimes you have to check and double-check what is required. Don’t feel badly if that is the case. Seek a model of what is being asked for if that helps. Choose a topic that you care about because it will be hard to keep motivated if you don’t

Revising: Check back to make sure that you are fulfilling the intended purpose with variousdrafts. Work at developing conclusions. Stay focused on the purpose of the paper as you revise. Shorten drafts where appropriate.

Needs: You need feedback that is constructive and not too harsh. Ask for positives/praise about your writing if this is not given to you.

What works: ISFPs generally write best alone.

Strengths and limitations: ISFPs work well with topics about people (e.g. why people feel motivated). ISFPs should recognize the value of their insight about people. ISFPs can include too much data (the ‘S’) and too many options (the ‘P’).

Natural style: Write with conviction. If there are long range issues, make sure you explore them.

Contexts: Academic writing can be agony so there may be value in having a writing ‘friend’.

Outline: Outlines can be an area of struggle—even a source of writer’s block (see below).

Writing blocks: If an ISFP gets stuck, s/he should look for direct human contact though one on one conversations. This can also enlighten you as to what practical things you want to write about.

ESFP

Hints: For ESFPs, getting started can be the toughest part. You can bring fun and lightness to their writing. Get a friend to listen to and write down your best ideas. Or failing that, find a tape recorder. 

Revising: Be prepared for marathon writing sessions to be followed by revisions that add structure and organization. Don’t expect your rough drafts to be as polished as those of some other types might be.

Needs: ESFPs need to give themselves time to revise extensively. You can do so by setting yourself an early deadline. A good idea is to seek oral feedback to help you with your writing. 

What works: Write quickly the first time around, without stopping to worry about grammar and other niceties (APA!!).

Strengths and limitations: A natural strength is writing stories. Seek out stories (including people telling narrative stories) as part of your research. Get advice through talking with others about the themes that may be coming out in your writing.

Natural style: Your natural style of writing is conversational. Seek topics that lend themselves to that (e.g. the integrative paper and/or qualitative research with narrative, for example) 

Contexts: Creative writing can work. Being too abstract often doesn’t work.

Outline: If you do a draft or drafts that get you off topic, use an outline to help you reel things back in and focus your writing.

Writing blocks: Writing slowly may block you so write at your best time of day, and quickly. Save decisions such as which details to include to later in the process in order to avoid getting bogged down.

ESFJ

Hints: ESFJs need to know and write about what they care about. 

Revising: You need to revise early drafts by inserting near the front of your draft a general thesis statement about where the paper is going.

Needs: ESFJs enjoy collaboration in all things, including writing.

What works: ESFJs must be working closely with other people in order to prevent themselves from being stuck in their writing and reacting to what they regards as dull.

Strengths and limitations: ESFJ writing is practical, often in service of other people. You show heartfelt conviction and frequently tell stories. You can be weak at dispassionate categorization of data. You must revise first drafts in order to remove your heart from your sleeve and to give your writing deeper meaning.

Natural style: ESFJs excel at personal narrative: what, who, and how we felt. You like to communicate what you care about and value.

Contexts: ESFJs write best when someone will take to heart what they have to say.

Outlines: Do a first draft writing what you care about and then try to do an outline

Writing blocks: The biggest blocks are indifference from others and too many ‘shoulds’, both internal and external. You can get past blocks with support from others and by focusing on what your audience expects.

INFJ

Hints: INFJs feel personally connected to their writing and are likely to continue feeling that way after the writing is complete. Find a way to connect personally with your writing and that relates to your personal values. 

Revising: You need to make a conscious decision to begin and end revising because you could spend endless hours searching for the perfect word. It can be difficult for INFJs to decide what to edit because each word is significant due to the connection between the writing and the writer’s values.

Needs: The time and space to develop ideas without interruption from other people, or having to talk about the writing with others.

What works: Make sure that you have the time to develop and formulate your ideas before you share them with others. When working in a group, ensure that your group members understand that you need time to think/work by yourself before you share your writing.

Strengths and limitations: Originality of thought and expression; able to personalize and organize abstract ideas. Since INFJs need time alone to develop and express ideas, you might be reluctant to share ideas with others. Your desire to make sense of and integrate all aspects of complex abstract ideas may seem brilliant to some people but may totally baffle other readers.

Natural style: A personalized formal approach that integrates the human element and is usually interesting.

Contexts: You feel most comfortable writing about your personal values and when you have space to complete your work by yourself. Harsh criticism or strong direction from instructors or supervisors can have serious consequences and impact on your ability to produce your best work.

Outlines: INFJs like to think a great deal before starting a project, so you’ve likely already got a plan before you start typing. Make sure that you document your plan so that you can see if you’re actually trying to incorporate too much information.

Writing blocks: Don’t hang on to your ideas for too long before you start to write about them. Give yourself permission to write a first draft that doesn’t have to be perfect (turn off grammar and spell-check while you’re writing) – you can polish the work in the revising stage. Give yourself limits to when you’re going to stop thinking about your document so that you’re not endlessly looking for just the right word or sentence to express yourself.

INFP

Hints: Agony is common but can become pure joy. Your writing can be exquisite if you get it just right. 

Revising: Need to present illustrations of their original point. Usually need to shorten drafts.

Needs: To feel personally engaged in the project—INFPs have to care about what they do. INFPs often have a profound commitment to everything they do.

What works: Informal outlines work well (e.g. on random scrap paper or post-its)

Strengths and limitations: INFPs connect different sources and write well on human interest themes. You can lose track of the central points of your content since you focus so much attention on how it reads.

Natural style: A flair for word choice.

Contexts: The best contexts are interdisciplinary; building bridges across models. You benefit from genuine warmth and support

Outline: See above re. doing an informal outline on scraps of paper or post-its first and then refining it. 

Writing blocks: You must not focus on mechanics too soon. You may imagine that readers will be critical. You may agree to too many projects at once. Almost any block can be relieved if you write about the block itself, thus getting your personal values engaged.

ENFP

Hints: The most important element is inspiration. Inspiration often comes from the outer world.

Revising: ENFPs are more likely to revise when they receive oral feedback or even when they read their text out loud to themselves. You revise by translation (e.g. a chaotic first draft into a more polished product). 

Needs: You must stay invested in projects

What works: Generate ideas by talking to others or speaking into a tape recorder. You may want to do free-writing. You are better at writing when you have a firm deadline.

Strengths and limitations: ENFPs are creative and insightful and excel at analyzing people and personal narratives. You struggle with finishing and revising projects. Unrevised finished products are rambling, poorly focused and/or poorly organized.

Natural style: Narrative, expressive and conversational

Contexts: Hate routine writing. Prefer to write when inspired on a variety of topics

Outline: Do free writing first and then figure out an outline.

Writing blocks: When lacking in inspiration, ENFPs need to talk out their frustration and find either unique approaches and/or a link to their personal values. Fearing rejection from readers and writing critically about people can also cause blocks.

ENFJ

Hints: An ENFJ can begin a new writing project by conversation. Try doing a first draft after a conversation with someone else. Get an early start and move energetically towards completion.

Revising: Because of the many themes that can be included in a single paragraph, the ENFJ is often well advised to separate out themes when doing revisions. Also talk about wordiness and some conversational parts in later drafts (unless they fit of course!)

Needs: ENFJs would do well to focus their early drafts on a topic which is personal and which has linkages to their values.

What works: Prioritize among alternatives. Organize your ideas in a sequence of importance.

Strengths and limitations: ENFJs can be motivational, entertaining, anecdotal and metaphorical. There can be a ‘performance’ aspect to an ENFJs writing, which can be a positive with the right audience.

Natural style: The natural ENFJ style is uplifting and expressive, with personal illustrations. You can be persuasive and should value that in your writing.

Contexts: Figure out who your audience is. Try to write on topics that relate to people.

Outline: Try talking through your ideas in order to organize them. Then use a written outline as an organizing tool.

Writing blocks: Too much writing can be a block—talk about a topic or try doing something to do with the topic before writing about it. Get personal support for what you are trying to write in a big paper or dissertation.

INTJ

Hints:  INTJs like topics that work in the real world. Find them.

Revising: INTJs should now allow their desire to closure to prevent them from revising. Use revision time and energy to add and expand on what you write in your first draft(s).

Needs: INTJs like a original, logical and orderly structure. Allow for that.

What works: Start working on the project early. Stop yourself from submitting the final product too early. That time could be used for revision and revisiting. Be prepared to write several introductions because you may not like the direction your earliest ones take you in.

Strengths and limitations: INTJs excel at writing about theories and ideas—the abstract.

Quick completion and avoidance of feedback can be a real drawback to a quality piece of work, especially on more complicated projects.

Natural style: Clear, consistent, organized.

Contexts: Get the go-ahead to develop original ideas and pursue some degree of independence.

Outline: INTJs may want to write only one draft so a good outline helps. INTJs plan extensively in their heads. It is really worth putting in the time to do a really good outline.

Writing blocks: Learn to stop and wait if blocked early. Recognize that too much ‘noise’ or advice from others can cause blockage. The very search for some original angle can also cause blockage. Work at being spontaneous

INTP

Hints: INTPs need to surround themselves with quiet for concentration.

Revising: INTPs are strong at working and reworking a draft. Sometimes you have to pull yourself away to get perspective.

Needs: INTPs have an intense need to understand and analyze. You work well alone.

What works: INTPs benefit from having a rationale for why they are writing about what they are writing about.

Strengths and limitations: Humor and making complex material understandable are strengths. Leaving out human examples can be a limitation to successful writing in fields like leadership.

Natural style: Incisive, original, cuts to the chase. Investigating what is behind something.

Contexts: Get rid of distractions. Use your capacity for analysis.

Outline: Start with a matrix or some other form of listing of essential ideas and then develop an outline from there.

Writing blocks: Sometimes INTPs can put off writing until they have read everything available on a topic. In academic fields such as leadership, reading everything is an impossible task. INTPs should stop when blocked and write about the logical purpose(s) for writing what they are writing about.

ENTP

Hints: Discussions about abstract topics energize ENTPs. You like debate to clear your thinking.

Revising: At revising time, you must pay attention to mechanics.

Needs: ENTPs generally do not like to sit. Dictating or tape recording your discussions can help them begin the process. A conversation should precede writing.

What works: The more external stimulation, the better. An ENTP can compose early drafts while also talking to a colleague.

Strengths and limitations: ENTPs like conceptual models and can point out flaws in arguments. You are good at critical analysis. ENTPs can overstate principles without supporting evidence.

Natural style: They build into their writing their playful sense of humor. You can write intellectual, inspiring, and challenging pieces.

Contexts: You need room to roam, freedom to challenge. Inspiration is big.

Outline: Have a conversation with someone about your overall themes and topics and then attempt a very rough outline.

Writing blocks: You need liveliness: on line searches, a lively discussion with someone else with someone taking notes and engagement of your free spirit and sense of autonomy.

ENTJ

Hints: You’re a natural leader and feel comfortable being in control of a project. Being organized is very important to you and you know it helps you to get the job done. You might sometimes appear more knowledgeable or confident than what is actually true. You are usually confident that you have the right knowledge.

Revising: Focus on expanding ideas that may not have been fully developed in the first draft.Make sure that your tone is appropriate to your audience and that you’re not so focused on the message that you lose sight of how best to communicate the message to your reader.

Needs: If you are collaborating with other authors, you will probably feel comfortable taking the lead. You’re naturally driven to high standards of success, but make sure that you don’t put too much pressure on other people and expect them to meet your standards for yourself.

Strengths and limitations: You’re well-organized and focused, and you like to analyze complex issues to get to the main point. You may need to elaborate on your points to provide a full description or demonstration of your understanding of the issue. Avoid rushing to judgement about your topic, and be patient with your team members/instructors who might not address questions or provide feedback as quickly as you’d like.

Natural style: Your language is clear and concise. Since you focus on how the message sounds as well as how it reads, your writing probably has a natural rhythm and cadence to it.

Contexts: You prefer to be in control of your writing process. You enjoy bringing clarity to complex theories.

Outlines: You prefer a brief outline that is formed by using post-it notes that you can move around and group as necessary. You probably prefer a linear approach to planning, in which a+b=c.

Writing blocks: You may lose interest in your topic if you feel that it doesn’t serve a purpose. Self-reflective writing is particularly challenging for you in that it doesn’t add to the learning of others. You may decide upon your topic before fully exploring the subject – make sure that you give full consideration to all sides of the topic. Finally, give yourself a break! You probably tend to be highly self-critical and only expect the highest level of performance from yourself.