Creating Introvert Friendly Writing Events

We’re all here to write and have fun, even if we take out approaches differently. NaNo guest Amber Roberts offers multiple methods to make spaces more welcoming for introverts.

Introverts are everywhere, but we seem to take up a hefty chunk of the writing community. While we enjoy our solitude, we’re not antisocial—we often appreciate the opportunity to gather with fellow writers! But, there are ways to help introverts feel more comfortable, participate more fully, and get more out of writing workshops, write-ins, and other gatherings.

Whether you’re hosting a low-key write-in at your local library, a writers’ social hour at a café, or a weekend-long writing retreat, these tips can help you create introvert-friendly spaces and plan more welcoming writing events for anyone, introvert or not.

Support Planning Ahead

Communication is a big plus for many introverts. Help people who like to plan ahead when you send the workshop schedule via email before the event, share check-in instructions and a venue map on social media, or encourage attendees to email with any questions ahead of time. Keep the momentum going at the meeting location—make the check-in area easy to access and post signage directing attendees to the right areas.

Good communication benefits more than just introverts: People feel more comfortable when you let them know what to expect—which can mean a more engaged group that’s ready to participate.

Don’t Require Public Speaking

I don’t know about you, but the introductions portion of any gathering gets me flustered. I spend the entire time thinking about what I’ll say when it’s my turn to speak, and I still mess it up.

If you don’t want to let go of the intros, make it introvert-friendly: Instead of going around the room, provide a place for attendees to jot down their favorite writing advice, number one comfort read, or how many pets they have. Then, instead of one-by-one introductions, read the answers aloud to the group—it may even spark discussions.

Introverts may need time to process and consider the questions they want to ask during a Q&A portion of a workshop or author event. Avoid the lag in questions—when introverts may still be thinking about what they want to ask—by taking questions via a hashtag on Twitter or through email. Then, if there’s a pause in audience questions, you can refer to the responses coming to the inbox.

If you’re hosting a virtual event, make cameras and microphones optional, and encourage questions or comments via the chat window.

Encourage Doodling

Energy—especially nervous energy—has to go somewhere. When someone is fidgeting, doodling, or even checking their phone, it doesn’t mean they’re not actively engaged, so don’t take offense. Sometimes the act of note-taking or scribbling a few little kitty faces in the margins helps introverts focus—and that’s science! Fidgeting can help generate ideas, too, so leave pipe cleaners, Legos, or smooth “worry stones” on tables for playing while plotting.

Designate Quiet Spaces

While the stereotypical introvert is depicted as avoiding social contact at all costs, that’s not always accurate. Introverts might love hanging out with groups of friends or going to events, but they often need to recharge their social battery afterward. So, mix in some time to unwind and create quiet zones for use between activities. Encourage self-care during and after your writing event. If pairing writers for critiques, form groups based on preferred feedback style so nobody is overwhelmed by notes outside of their comfort zone.

Introvert does not equal isolated, but a few considerations can help us get more out of any event. Introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, try these tips and tricks to create welcoming spaces at write-ins, workshops, and other gatherings.

Amber Roberts (she/her) is a romance writer from New England, USA. After trying a handful of career paths including vet tech, events coordinator, and web developer, she decided writing was the perfect job. Now, she splits her time between a full-time copywriting job and writing novels when the sun goes down. Follow Amber on Twitter @ARobertsWrites or read short stories on her writing blog.

Top Photo by Ben Sweet on Unsplash