Introversion and the Writer

There are a lot of writers in this world. Some are casual writers, some are dedicated writers, some are professional writers.

And writers tend to fall into two separate categories: Introverted and Extroverted. The simple definitions are that introverts gain energy when they are in a calm, quiet atmosphere to recharge themselves while extroverts gain energy when with people and thrive off conversation.

Source: http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/...

In high school (oh yeah, I went there) you could see the extroverts jovially colluding in the hallways. The introverts sought sanctuary in libraries and computers-based interactions

Is this binary always the case? No. “Introverts, in contrast, may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas. They prefer to devote their social energies to close friends, colleagues, and family. They listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation. They tend to dislike conflict. Many have a horror of small talk, but enjoy deep discussions”(Quiet by Susan Cain).

However, being brought up this way definitely has an impact on introverts. We find ourselves thinking that there is something wrong with us because we aren’t constantly outgoing, constantly engaged socially. The reality is, though, there is nothing wrong with introversion, only the perception of introversion.

For the introverted writer, there can be more confidence in the writing produced. Due to introverts living within themselves, there is a stronger inner life to draw from. There is the ability to be solitary in our time and not feel lonely or bored.

We do have friendships. A lot, these days, are online. They can be forged offline and brought online, or forged entirely offline, meeting in places where writers or even fandoms gather.

We gather on our own terms, and work on our own terms. We have peace within ourselves that we need to come to terms with amidst an extrovert-driven business world, where we are often employed.

Be empowered with the fact that you are your greatest pillar of support. I leave you with two quotes that really encompass the need to overcome the pressures of society:

“Isn’t it refreshing to know that what comes perfectly natural for you is your greatest strength? Your power is in your nature. You may not think it’s a big deal that you can spend hours immersed in something that interests you—alone—but the extrovert next door has no idea how you do it.” - Laurie Helgoe

“Accept everything about yourself–I mean everything, You are you and that is the beginning and the end–no apologies, no regrets.” – Clark Moustakas