PERSONALITY TESTS
Photo credit: Crismatos on Flickr.com
A few weeks ago at work, I sat at a table with colleagues and took a test. You know the kind: answer A or B to question that really needs a C. I thought hard about the questions, which I wasn’t supposed to do but I couldn’t help doing. Really. It couldn’t be helped, not after I read the results. The test results translated into colors, and I discovered that I’m a-smack-dab-in-the-middle “Green” kind of girl. I’m a Thinker.
Slow.
Systematic.
All about the process.
No wonder I love writing so much.
The purpose of the workshop was to figure out where we all sit, color-wise, so that we may understand ourselves better and know best how to work with each other. Of course, that meant each color came with a script of advice. The advice for Green? Chill out.
That’s it.
Either I’m almost perfect, or I can be quite dramatic.
Did you ever take a personality test? Were your secrets revealed?
CAROL SHIELDS
Specifically, Carol Shields’ book, The Stone Diaries. I’m reading it right now, and after the first sentence, the first page, I wanted to turn to someone – anyone – and talk about it. Shields writes with an ebb and flow style and reveals characters in the details, in over-arching views, in the round. I searched for a quote that might illustrate what I mean, but I couldn’t find just one. And, that’s exactly the point: it’s impossible to single out one passage, because everything that came before it, and comes after it, cannot be ignored. This idea comes clear in the scene when Daisy rides on the train with her father, Cuyler Goodwill, to their new home – both of them feeling unsure about their future and about each other:
Dreaming her way backward in time, resurrecting images, the young girl realized, with wonder, that the absent are always present, that you don’t make them go away simply because you get on a train and head off in a particular direction. This observation kept her hopeful about the future with a parent she had never known, a parent who had surrendered her to the care of others when she was barely two months old.
Have you read The Stone Diaries? If not, you must. And when you do, we have to talk about it.
IT’S FREE
In a world where upcharges and surcharges sneak their way into everything, free hits the spot. For struggling writers, free is even more fun.
Every Monday, and in her monthly newsletter, Erika Dreifus posts links to or information about opportunities for writers where charges don’t apply: writing contests, calls for submissions, fellowships. They’re worth checking out, even if the opportunities don’t fit your needs, because you might know someone who would be interested. Good news is worth spreading.
Recently, I was also a winner for a free copy of her book, Quiet Americans, which was just named a 2012 Sophie Brody Medal Honor Title (American Library Association). Here’s the blurb:
A high-ranking Nazi’s wife and a Jewish doctor in prewar Berlin. A Jewish immigrant soldier and the German POWs he is assigned to supervise. A refugee returning to Europe for the first time just as terrorists massacre Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. A son of survivors and the family secrets modern technology may reveal. These are some of the characters and conflicts that emerge in Quiet Americans, in stories that reframe familiar questions about what is right and wrong, remembered and repressed, resolved and unending.
This is another book I can’t wait to break into.
What have you found for free lately?
Thank you for the kind words, Christi! I agree–it’s tough to find free, quality opportunities for writers, and it’s good to share what one does find. And I hope that you enjoy QA!
Erika Dreifus recently posted..The Wednesday Web Browser for Writers
You’re welcome, Erika. And, congratulations on all the high praise your book continues to receives!
Christi, as always there is a wealth of wonderful information and great reading!!
I took the color personality test once and can’t remember who I am. I guess that says exactly who I am.
You reading suggestions are always wonderful and it’s hard trying to keep up with yours, mine and a few dozen others. I’ll get to you soon about my March Bookfest … A Celebration of reading, where I will feature the choices of some of our on-line friends (mostly writers). It should prove to be fun
Florence Fois recently posted..Where stories come from …
Florence,
I can’t wait to hear more about March Bookfest. It sounds like a great idea!
Ahhhh, yes! I loved the “Stone Diaries” too. And I really enjoyed “The Box Garden” a great deal.
I don’t know what color I am, but I’m going online to find out!
Happy Wednesday, Christi.
Beth,
I think I’m going to have to dive into more of Carol Shields’ work. And, I’d love to know your color when you find out!
I am with you, Christi. I would over think the answers or answer as a person I want to be and not who I really am. I did all of those personality tests in those teen magazines. Pretty sure I lied on every one of them. I guess I wasn’t ready to face my inner dork quite yet.
As far as free? I think we have been receiving some free weather. We had a warm Fall, and now a warm winter. Or maybe we paid for it last year and I have already forgotten. Either way, it is a win.
Have a great weekend! And thanks for the book recommendations!
Hallie Sawyer recently posted..Twelve Weeks To A Happier, Healthier, and Leaner Me
Hallie,
Yes, the weather’s been way too generous lately. My kids are missing the snow, but I’m sure enjoying the sunshine! Enjoy your weekend as well!
Thanks for the great convo starters, Christi. What was the name of the personality test? I’m very interested to know what color I would be! I suspect, like you, I’m all green! The prose of THE STONE DIARIES was delicious!
Melissa Crytzer Fry recently posted..Meet Betty
Melissa,
The presenter of the workshop had copies of the test, but I found links to two similar ones online (http://www.true-colors.com/onlineassessment.html and http://truecolorstest.com/). Unfortunately, you have to pay to get the results — not something I realized when I wrote my post.
I suspect, though, that many writers are Green, since we pay attention to every detail – dialogue, gesture, expression, pauses – and spend plenty of time figuring out the best way to share our insights. This comment, I’ll add, took me way longer to think through than to type
Thanks, Christi! Glad I’m not the only one who ponders every word
.
Melissa Crytzer Fry recently posted..Meet Betty