pandora/ipod: "no you girls" by franz ferdinand
They say that extroverts make up 60-70% of the general population, making us the clear majority personality type.
Unless you're a writer, in which case introverts clearly dominate the scene.
It makes sense, really. Someone once described the Extrovert/Introvert division to me in this way: extroverts recharge their batteries by engaging in social activities while introverts recharge by spending time alone.
The very nature of writing is solitary. It's you and a computer, you and a manuscript, you and your notes. Just you, focused in on this thing that requires your full attention for whatever portion of the day you choose to devote to it. I have a hell of a time listening to music, TV, anything while I'm working. I think it takes me away from the world I'm trying to create, like I don't want this thing on the page being contaminated by outside influences. So when I'm doing copyedits, or line edits, or rough drafting to deadline, I need to cut myself off from the world to some extent.
Which leaves me going WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
It's tough for me, I won't lie. There is a part of my personality that is absolutely not cut out for a career as a writer. While I have excellent concentration skills, and I do actually enjoy the process of creating a book, I find it incredibly draining to sit in front of a computer - by myself - for three hours a night after work.
For me, it's almost more exhausting than doing a full day at work then running home to walk the dog, then hitting dinner, or a party, or performing with the damn circus, then crashing into bed after midnight before doing it all again the next day. That kind of a schedule energizes me!
Writing makes me tired.
But I can't be all work and no play, unless you want me to get all Jack Torrance on you.
Which you don't.
Excuse me, I need to go play with my ax now, er, I mean, get some writing done...
Great post, Gretchen. I think the problem, though, is that you don't listen enough to the voices in your head. That way, you can be an extrovert while writing all the time. It works for me.
ReplyDeleteI so hear ya....and um, dinner this weekend will fix it, right???
ReplyDeletethat's really interesting! as an extreme introvert, i never thought about how it is on the OtHeR side.
ReplyDeletewas cool to read andrew smith mention you on his blog today. also cool to know the correct usage for those tattoos! :)
According to every Myers-Briggs test I've ever done I'm smack dab in the middle of extravert and introvert. I love to be in front of an audience and get totally charged by that, but being *in* a crowd exhausts me and I need lots of time along.
ReplyDeleteFunny thing... I've discovered that for me social media has included itself in the "in a crowd" category and so leaves me drained.
When I write, I need the music to cut me off from the world but it has to be music related to the character or it's a no-go.
I am happy to tempt you with wine at Shack By the Sea, any time! Because though I am your classic introvert writer, I also realize that I seriously need to socialize more. Otherwise I spend way too much time talking to myself. Or the cats. I swear they are talking back.
ReplyDelete@aspiring, wasn't that sweet of Andrew? He's SUCH an awesome guy.
ReplyDelete@Steve Oh SHUSH.
@Alex, I totally hear you on the social media thing. I actually get an extrovert's "fix" from it during the work day. How sad is that?
@Lisa and Christine. Yes. :)
Hee. It's really strange, I must admit, seeing everyone's style. I love it. As an introvert who is growing (as I get older) into an extrovert its still very strange to blend the two and experience both sides.
ReplyDeleteI think you've got the right idea, find the balance that works for you without sacrificing your sense of being!