Unlock Your Writing Superpower Using the Enneagram with Christa Hardin (Episode 16)
what you do brilliantly, what trips you up, and how finding balance will release your best writing
Welcome to The Soul and Science of Great Writing, where the mastery of craft meets the mystery of creation—a weekly podcast that explores the transformative power of words, with equal parts awe and analysis.
I’m Mara Eller, a freelance editor, book coach, and writing teacher with over 16 years of experience who’s obsessed with understanding what makes writing exceptional, both to serve my clients and to grow my own craft.
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What if the key to releasing your best writing isn’t more discipline, time, or expertise—but deeper self-understanding?
In this episode, I sit down with Christa Hardin—author, marriage coach, and Enneagram expert—to explore how the Enneagram functions as a powerful tool to help you write with more clarity, confidence, and impact.
We dive into the surprising truth that your greatest writing strength is often the very thing that holds you back—and how understanding your patterns can help you connect more powerfully with both your creativity and your reader.
Whether you already know your type or are completely new to the Enneagram, this conversation offers practical insights for every kind of writer. We cover:
Why your writing struggles are often tied to your strengths
The 3 core instincts (self-preservation, sexual/creative, and social) and how they impact your writing process
How each Enneagram type approaches writing differently (and what helps them most)
Type-specific tips to break through procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt
It’s time to learn how to work with your personality instead of fighting it—so you can finally write and share your best work.
Listen below or on your favorite podcast app.
I’ve also included a couple video clips for your viewing pleasure.
Listen on Spotify:
Or click here to listen on Apple Podcasts
Mentioned in this episode:
Enneagram & Marriage’s free resources including a quiz to find your type
Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
About Christa
As a relationship expert, marriage coach, speaker, and host of the Enneagram & Marriage Podcast, Christa Hardin helps individuals and couples build stronger, more connected lives through personality work, emotional insight, and practical tools rooted in modern psychology. Her new book The Three Desires comes out Spring ‘27 focusing on using the Enneagram instincts as powerful tools in relationship and personal growth. Follow her on Instagram to join her 40k+ community.
Connect with Christa:
The goal is to learn from all numbers/types:
Idealists and “pinning the butterfly”:
Writing strengths, pitfalls, and tips for types 1 and 2:
Listen to the full episode for the rest of the types!
I’d love to hear from you!
Which insights or tips stood out to you? If you know your number, did the description of your strengths and weaknesses resonate?
And if you enjoyed this post/episode, please consider sharing it with a writer friend.
Thank you for your support!