One thing that both marketing and writing demand is a strong sense of authenticity.
In writing, this means creating characters that feel real, resonate with readers, and convey emotions and experiences in a genuine way.
But how do you bring your characters to life, make them connect deeply with readers, and then authentically market your books?
The answer might lie in a personality system known as the Enneagram.
What is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is a model of the human psyche that is often depicted as a nine-pointed figure.
This system explores nine fundamental personality types, each representing a unique way of seeing and interacting with the world.
Unlike some other personality categorisations, the Enneagram goes far beyond surface-level traits.
It delves into the underlying motivations, fears, and desires that drive each type.
It doesn’t just examine what a person does, but more importantly, why they do it.
The Enneagram also maps out potential paths of growth or disintegration for each type, offering a dynamic view of personality that can change and evolve over time.
This depth makes it an incredibly powerful tool for understanding human behaviour—and for creating characters that feel authentic and multidimensional.
Using the Enneagram for Authentic Character Creation
The Enneagram can be a priceless resource for writers who aim to construct realistic, emotionally complex characters.
One effective strategy is to align your protagonist’s personality type with your own Enneagram type.
Why?
Because you already understand this type from the inside out.
You live with its fears, desires, strengths, and weaknesses every day, giving you a rich well of personal experience to draw from as you write.
This deep understanding allows you to infuse your protagonist with authenticity, making them feel more alive and relatable to your readers.
However, don’t stop with just your protagonist.
Extend this approach to other characters in your story.
For example, consider creating friendships and mentorships in your narrative based on Enneagram types that naturally complement your protagonist’s type.
These relationships will not only feel genuine but will also offer opportunities to explore the strengths and dynamics that such pairings bring.
Conversely, when designing your antagonist, consider choosing an Enneagram type that clashes with your own.
This natural opposition creates a compelling source of tension and conflict, as the antagonist will embody traits and motivations that are fundamentally at odds with your protagonist’s.
This clash will make the conflict between them feel more organic and believable, adding depth and complexity to your story.
By using the Enneagram as a guide, you can craft characters that not only resonate with readers but also offer a deeper, more authentic reflection of the human experience.
Authenticity in Marketing: An Unexpected Benefit
Here’s where things get particularly interesting: by aligning your characters with your own personality type, you’re not just enhancing your storytelling—you’re also making your marketing efforts more seamless and authentic.
When your characters reflect aspects of your own personality, the emotions, reactions, and themes in your story resonate on a deeper level with your audience.
This authenticity is something readers can feel.
It’s not just a narrative they’re engaging with; it’s a piece of you.
And here’s the key—people who are drawn to your genuine social media posts, blogs, or author interactions will likely find that same authentic connection in your books.
This alignment between your personal brand and your storytelling isn’t just effective—it’s incredibly powerful.
When your characters, your story, and your personal brand are in harmony, you’re not just creating fans; you’re cultivating super fans.
These are readers who aren’t just buying a book; they’re buying into a worldview, an emotional landscape that they deeply connect with.
They see themselves in your characters and your stories, and that connection turns them into loyal advocates for your work.
The Power of Authenticity in a Digital Age
In today’s digital age, where AI-generated content and deepfakes are becoming increasingly prevalent, capturing something truly genuine is a rare and valuable treasure.
The authenticity you bring to both your characters and your marketing efforts doesn’t just set you apart from the crowd—it makes you magnetic.
When people feel that pull, that deep, genuine resonance, they’re not just more likely to buy your book; they’re more likely to become champions of everything you represent.
They share your work, talk about it, and bring others into your world because they feel a real connection.
The Enneagram offers a powerful framework for not only deepening your character creation but also for making your marketing strategies more authentic and effective.
By aligning your characters with your own personality type, you create a story that is not only compelling and deeply resonant but also attracts readers who become advocates for your work.
In a world full of noise, your authenticity becomes your strongest signal, drawing in readers who are looking for something real and meaningful.
CherryEdits 