Are Writers Left-Brained or Right-Brained and Does it really matter?

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

Do you ever get a "bee in your bonnet" as my grandmother used to say? The other day, as I applied some suggestions from my wonderful critique partners, I realized I had concentrated so hard on getting the action down I forgot the emotion. That's not like me.

 

Or is it? 

I decided to do a little research on how I write and why. Boy, did my eyes get opened!

 

"Almost every action connected with language—both spoken and written—is a function of the brain's left side."

 

WHAT?? No way! I'm a right-brained creative. 

 

I looked at the screen again. It went on to say, "For example, writing is a typical left-brain trait for both left- and right-handed people."

 

I don't know where the handedness comes in, but I had to delve deeper. 

 

From The Plot Whisperer, by Martha Alderson:

"The left-brained writer thinks in language more often than images and is quite comfortable with action. He might also be analytical and detail oriented. If you crave action and 'spew out dialogue at will' you are a left-brained writer."

 

I can spew out dialogue, but I'm a playwright, too. I see scenes play out in my mind. I'm detail oriented but absolutely haven't a single analytical bone in my body. It's why I don't write mysteries.

 

"The right-brained writer thinks in pictures rather than language and likely starts his writing developing characters or emotional moments in the story. (Me, me me!!) He takes a more intuitive approach. If you fall in love with your characters and love to ponder theme and meaning, you are more right-brain oriented."

 

Wait … what? 

When I read that part about "ponder theme and meaning," she kind of lost me. That's when I realized though I'm definitely right-brained, my left-brain is almost as well developed. I know my inner editor dwells there and I cannot shut her up. 

 

So what does knowing this do for me?

I used to outline a story, but the more I write, the more I realize for me, it's all about the character. I spend a lot of time getting to know my characters. When I begin writing, the character takes the story where she will. So the more my storytelling muscle develops, the more seat-of-the-pants I become. My right-brain (R-B) loves that.

 

If I get stuck, my L-B cheers and takes over, shoving R-B into the closet and noodling ideas to get us back on track. As ideas pop up, I record them, so I don't forget. Some I use and some get left on the old drawing board. But as much as L-B wants to outline, R-B refuses and quickly retakes possession of the story. 

 

While writers use both sides, it helps to know which side is dominant.

For me, it's my R-B. Knowing that, I figured out where my strengths and weaknesses are. When I need my L-B for action and plot points, it shows up and helps me out. 

 

But R-B won't let it play for long. It shoves L-B back into the closet without so much as a "thank you ma'am," to be brought out only if I get in trouble again. 

 

The more I studied the way I write and how my brain works, I've decided my R-B is definitely dominant. But my L-B still fights for its place. 

 

Which are you and how does it affect your writing? Join the conversation.

TWEETABLE

Are Writers Left-Brained or Right-Brained and Does it really matter? from author @AneMulligan on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Ane Mulligan lives life from a director’s chair, both in theatre and at her desk creating novels. Entranced with story by age three, at five she saw PETER PAN onstage and was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. One day, her passions collided, and an award-winning, bestselling novelist emerged. She believes chocolate and coffee are two of the four major food groups and lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler. Find Ane on her website, Amazon Author page, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, The Write Conversation, and Blue Ridge Conference Blog. 

Featured Image: Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash