Are All Writers Introverted?

Writers are introverts. At least, that’s the stereotype. But in this video, I argue that many writers aren’t introverts at all. They want to connect just like anyone else and, thanks to industry shifts, have to more actively engage with others.

In the video below, I argue that many writers aren’t introverted at all. And one big idea I want to get across with this video is that people choose writing as a medium of connecting and expression for a reason. I learned really early on in my life that the page was safe. When I couldn’t have actual conversations, I just migrated. I’m questioning whether I’m introverted or have just learned to communicate within a specific path.

I mentioned that writers have to be more outgoing these days to be successful — the job has changed. But I’d also argue that, thanks to things like self-publishing, there are a lot of totally extroverted, confident people writing books. Most of the CEOs and other leaders I’ve worked with do this as a way to promote themselves and their businesses. They’re comfortable with the spotlight and are willing to use whatever methods they can to reach a wider audience. It’s become common practice.

Do you think of writers as introverts? Why or why not? Leave me a note on Instagram.

In this video, I push back on the idea that writers all are shy and unable to deal with people.

[Transcript summary]

When you think of the personality of a writer, what comes to mind first? What do you think of?

For most people, I think that’s going to be being introverted, right, that writers really are shy people. And I want to push back on that a little bit, because even though I don’t necessarily like to be in crowds or anything, I don’t necessarily consider myself shy, either. I have a lot of ideas. I want to connect with people.

And I think a lot of readers or writers are that way. And anybody who’s done a book knows that what comes along with that is going on podcasts, different shows, or book tours. Those are not shy things to do. And yet you’re expected to do that as part of your publicity. So, if you get into that, right, you’ve got to be able to carry that. And I don’t think a shy person is necessarily going to have an easy time. Not that they can’t do it, but it’s not the same fit.

So, I think a lot of people, they have really strong desires to connect and communicate with people, and it’s just that writing happens to be the medium that fits them the best. It’s not that they’re shy or anything like that. It’s just that that works for them, right? Just like some people, post on social media that works for them. So, I just want to rethink that idea that writers are always shy and introverted, because I don’t think that’s accurate. Take care everybody. Bye.