Howdy, my Modern Author friends!

Ever read something in a book and instantly felt "seen"? It's an experience I had when I read Gretchen Rubin's book The Four Tendencies... (if you've read it, I discovered that I'm more Questioner than an outright Rebel, which was powerful for me).

Some authors offer advice. Gretchen Rubin offers insight...and a mirror.

As the bestselling author of The Happiness Project, Better Than Before, and The Four Tendencies, Gretchen has reshaped how millions of people think about happiness, habits, and human nature. Her work is deeply practical, yet profoundly personal.

When I hosted Gretchen for a Modern Author Session, it became clear: her power as a writer isn’t just in what she teaches—it’s in how she helps readers see themselves differently.

And that’s what we explore in this week’s edition of Write Like a Thought Leader: the Insight-to-Identity Framework—Gretchen’s structure for writing books that aren’t just read… they’re lived.

Why This Framework Works

When I met Gretchen, I was struck by her intentionality. She spoke with precision, she asked followups to clarify, and she made it clear she listened well. It's no accident her writing has a similar sense of depth that few other authors who write thought leadership often have. It's a craft to her, and it shows. Gretchen’s writing changes behavior because it first changes perspective.

✅ Anchored in universal self-discovery (who am I?)

✅ Built around research, observations, and common patterns

✅ Packed with examples from diverse readers and interviews

✅ Offers readers a specific identity or tendency to connect with

Instead of “here’s what to do,” she offers “here’s who you are—and what tends to work for people like you.”

When to Use This Framework

Best For:

• Personal development authors and coaches
• Wellness or productivity creators
• Educators or consultants building assessments or archetypes

Great Fit For:

• Behavior change content
• Personality or values-driven writing
• Books meant to prompt reflection and decision-making

If your goal is to help people understand why they behave the way they do (and give them tools to improve) this is your model.

The Insight-to-Identity Framework: Gretchen Rubin’s Writing Structure

Here's a step-by-step outline to apply Gretchen's writing framework if you're writing a 3,500-4,500 book chapter, white paper, or long-form article. Now, let me be clear... you don't just write a book like this. This is a framework and a book that has been built from experience and deep reflection. It ain't just a hunch... it may be a life's work.

This framework guides readers from observation → identification → application. Let’s break it down:

1️⃣ Start With an Observational Insight (400–600 words)

• Introduce a small, relatable moment or question.
• Use real-life examples or cultural patterns.
• Example: “Why do some people always follow through... and others don’t?”

💡 Why it works: Readers see themselves in the patterns and get curious.

2️⃣ Offer a Universal Challenge (400–600 words)

• Raise the stakes. Why does this matter?
• Explore the consequences of misunderstanding yourself or others.
• Example: unmet goals, friction with others, burnout, guilt

💡 Why it works: Makes the insight personal and urgent.

3️⃣ Introduce a Framework or Typology (600–900 words)

• Present your big idea: a new system or lens.
• Example: The Four Tendencies: Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, Rebel
• Describe each category clearly and concisely.

💡 Why it works: Gives readers a label or role that explains their past and predicts their behavior.

4️⃣ Provide a Quiz or Self-Identification Exercise (Optional, 300–500 words)

• Share questions or prompts to help readers place themselves.
• Option: Direct to an online quiz or assessment tool.

💡 Why it works: Creates engagement and ownership. The reader wants to know, “Which one am I?”

5️⃣ Illustrate Each Identity With Real Stories (600–1,000 words)

• Include examples, quotes, or mini-interviews from each type.
• Show how each tendency behaves in common scenarios.
• Use humor, relatability, and diversity.

💡 Why it works: Deepens understanding and makes the types feel real.

6️⃣ Offer Tools or Suggestions Tailored to Each Identity (600–900 words)

• Share what tends to work best for each group.
• Bonus: What to avoid or what commonly trips each type up.
• Include actionable tips, not just theory.

💡 Why it works: Converts insight into transformation. Readers feel empowered and understood.

7️⃣ End With Encouragement and Reflection (300–500 words)

• Normalize all the types—there’s no best one.
• Invite readers to share their type or apply the insights.
• Option: Preview how this connects to the next idea or chapter.

💡 Why it works: Ends with energy and inclusion—building a sense of community and application.

✍️ ChatGPT Prompt: Insight-to-Identity (Gretchen Rubin Style)

“I’m writing a chapter using Gretchen Rubin’s Insight-to-Identity Framework. Please help me:

• Open with a relatable insight or behavior pattern
• Raise the stakes with a personal or universal challenge
• Introduce a new framework, quiz, or typology
• Include stories or mini-interviews showing each type
• Share strategies and tips tailored to each identity
• End with a reflective, empowering close

Here’s my draft: [Insert Your Content]”

Final Thought for Modern Authors

Gretchen Rubin shows us that great writing doesn’t just explain things... it helps us explain ourselves.

Her gift is structure + empathy + insight. And let's not forget her dedication to the craft... this is writing that truly showcases her as a deep expert.

That’s what the Insight-to-Identity Framework gives your reader:

• A lens to see themselves clearly
• A label to work with, not hide from
• A strategy to grow into—on their own terms

If you want to write books that create “aha” moments and real change… this is your next move.

Now What?

Are any Barcelona experts reading this (or who have read this far)? My wife will be working with a colleague for six weeks in Spain, so we've decided to bring the family along for an extended summer trip. Details are still being fleshed out, but if anyone has ideas, suggestions, people to meet, or anything books and writing-related in July this summer, send it my way. I'm excited to get to experience life in Europe with our girls.

Maybe we'll figure out some Pennymores storylines (or at least I may have some morning time to get back to finishing up some of my writing (at least my developmental editor, Michael, hopes so!)

Have a wonderful, fulfilled, and terrific week. Happy writing y'all!

Eric