Are most writers introverts?

[Hiroko]

Whenever I do a search on introverts and marketing, at least one online presence states that "most writers are introverted." Is this true? How many of you would consider yourselves introverted?

[CaroGirl]

Writers are as diverse a group as any, I think. That said, I'm an introvert, in the sense that I'm drained rather than energized by social gatherings and need time alone to recharge my batteries.

I'm not as painfully shy as I was when I was a child and teen, and most people wouldn't know I'm still quite shy because I've learned some extroverted behaviour in social situations to cope with my shyness.

I know a lot of writers on this very board, however, who are definitely extroverts.

[steamforged]

Originally Posted by CaroGirl

Writers are as diverse a group as any, I think. That said, I'm an introvert, in the sense that I'm drained rather than energized by social gatherings and need time alone to recharge my batteries.

That describes perfectly why I consider myself an introvert. My friends don't think of me as an introvert, though; I went with the ambivert option as a nod to external perceptions. I find people endlessly fascinating and am completely comfortable striking up small talk with store clerks and strangers I'm in line with. When that's done, at the end of the day, I want nothing more than to disappear into a book/computer/good piece of music.

[PPartisan]

Originally Posted by steamforged

That describes perfectly why I consider myself an introvert. My friends don't think of me as an introvert, though; I went with the ambivert option as a nod to external perceptions. I find people endlessly fascinating and am completely comfortable striking up small talk with store clerks and strangers I'm in line with. When that's done, at the end of the day, I want nothing more than to disappear into a book/computer/good piece of music.

I probably identify with this the most. I think I'm naturally inclined towards being an introvert, but if I give in to that side of myself for too long I get depressed, so getting out there and out of my comfort zone every once in a while keeps me feeling like I've earned my alone time

[dianeP]

[QUOTE=CaroGirl;7200220]That said, I'm an introvert, in the sense that I'm drained rather than energized by social gatherings and need time alone to recharge my batteries.

QUOTE]

That's exactly how I feel... drained.

It took me a long time to accept my introvertedness. Somehow I always felt I had to be social... you know, the whole "people who need people are the luckiest..."

Is it just me, or introvertedness, being solitary is kind of frowned upon?

[_Jinx_]

I am a bit introverted but I dont think all writers are

[Icedevimon]

I suffered a lot of bullying as a kid, so early on I became shy and introverted. I got over my shyness thanks to college and many presentations XD but I'm still pretty introverted. The reason I love forums so much, for instance, is because I get that "social interaction" without actually having to look someone in the eye and all that jazz. I find stuff like this more fun and engaging than going out somewhere and doing something.

[KellyAssauer]

Originally Posted by Icedevimon

I suffered a lot of bullying as a kid, so early on I became shy and introverted. I got over my shyness ...

I never did.

I don't attend social gatherings because I don't like leaving my house... and even if I did (because I have) why should I?

People taught me to not like people.

So, yes,
extremely introverted.

[cmi0616]

I think a lot of writers have suffered some kind of emotional pain that has drove them to both introversion and writing itself. Of course, there are a great number of exceptions, I would expect, but in my experience with myself and writers I have known, we're big on alone-time.

Personally speaking, I've always had a lot of trust issues and have had to deal with shyness for most of my life. I'm trying to be better about that and come out of my shell a little bit lately, though. It's been alright, but as somebody on the thread said before, social gatherings are very draining for me. I'm definitely a bit of a homebody and prefer a night on the couch to a night out on the town.

[Barcelo]

Depends on the day. I think writers (or other creative folks) in general get pegged as introverted because they don't have a problem spending time alone -- working. But each of us has to have some slight inclination toward extraversion to write believable characters, no?

[KellyAssauer]

Originally Posted by burgos

But each of us has to have some slight inclination toward extraversion to write believable characters, no?

nope. not for me anyways. observations is all i need, that, and maybe some hand sanitizer...

it's easy really, you just find a nice quiet corner to hide in and watch all the extroverts...

[iRock]

I love people, they taste delicious.

Paté, anyone?

[maybegenius]

I'm generally an introvert in that I need alone time to recharge and don't like having to be constantly "on." That said, I still really enjoy the company of people and will go out a lot. Still a little nervous around strangers, but I can hold my own and enjoy myself.

[Elwolf]

Total introvert. The only way I interact with others is at work or because I have to. And I don't like it. I act "normal" basically as a defense, so people leave me alone other times. I am shy, though. I'm the "I talk so quietly you can barely hear me" type.

And I agree with Icedevimon; I totally think that being on here is more fun. I just feel so trapped in social situations. I keep on looking for someone to save me. lol

TMI, I know. Sorry!

[thothguard51]

I like to give and get lap dances? Now sure what I am...

[KellyAssauer]

Originally Posted by thothguard51

I like to give and get lap dances? Now sure what I am...

I am.

[Ruth2]

I'm an introvert in that I need solitude to recharge. However, I enjoy people in small doses and act extroverted when I need to.

[Renee Collins]

I'm an extrovert. Socializing totally energizes me.

That said, I do get nervous when meeting new people, and right before social gatherings, I always feel a stab of anxiety that it will be awkward or that I'll act stupid. Though once things get going, I'm happy as a clam.

[leahzero]

Introvert. Socializing drains me, need solitude to recover.

[Anna L.]

I can count my close friends on my hands (not fingers, hands). I'd like to expand my circle but that'd require meeting people. Ick. The internet is less stressful.

[Mustafa]

Introvert, but I put on a show when I'm around people, so most people don't know that I really hate hanging out with them. I have good friends, but I'd prefer our contact to be via email. I'm so introverted I don't even want to spend time with my family - and I like my family - I just don't want to see them.

[Snitchcat]

Introvert, but can be an extrovert when needed.

That doesn't quite fit ambi-vert, though I went with that option.

[Rubay H.]

Originally Posted by Snitchcat

Introvert, but can be an extrovert when needed.

That doesn't quite fit ambi-vert, though I went with that option.

Yeah, same here. It's like a switch I can turn on when I have to - but turning it on drains my energy.

Strangely enough, I have no problems speaking in front of an audience. To me, they no longer become individual people, but more of a giant blob with simple emotions and needs.
Mainly, the need for something to entertain them, like smashing a big watermelon with a sledgehammer or a rubber chicken pulled from an unexpected place.
Then they're like putty in your hands.

[Richard White]

Definitely an extrovert.

I write because it's easier to tell my stories to larger bunches of people that way than having to track them all down and make them stop to listen. *grin*

Course, I've also been an actor, a musician, and play sports. Being in front of crowds is where it's at.

[JeffRen]

I'm a proud extrosexual.

I love being with friends, telling jokes. I think it's great for a writer to know how to connect with people away from the computer.