Introvert/Extrovert

 Donis here. I've been having a bit of trouble making significant progress on my current WIP, mainly because I keep being interrupted by life situation that have to be take care of RIGHT NOW, and which take me away from the story for days, sometimes. You know how difficult it is to get back into the flow when you've been away from you WIP for even one day, much less several days.

When I do have time ... days stretching out before me with nothing that must be done but write, oh, how I love that. In fact, I don't even have to be writing to enjoy a day of nothing. Italians call this "the sweetness of doing nothing." I can diddle around and/or stare happily into space all by myself for hours on end. Because, like many authors, I am an introvert.

I heard David Morrell, author of First Blood and Murder as a Fine Art, describe himself as an introvert, and explain that being an introvert doesn't mean you're shy. It means that you are energized by being alone, and being around other people drains you. An extrovert may become bored by a day with a lot of activity, to to an introvert, quiet time is a necessity.

A few years ago I read an article on Huffpost by Carolyn Gregoire on just this topic. Gregoire listed some twenty-three indications of introversion, many of which fit me. But a few of them really hit home.

For instance, she pointed out that to an introvert, giving a talk in front of 500 people is less stressful than having to mingle with those people afterwards.

Amen, sister. In fact, I've wondered if I could have been a successful actress. When one is "on stage", one is in charge of the situation. When one is trying to make small talk in a crowd, there is no telling what the heck you're going to have to come with. It's exhausting.

An introvert, Carolyn says, has a constantly running inner monologue.

No kidding. It's a zoo in here.

Carolyn also notes that if you are an introvert, you might very well be a writer. Sadly, if you want to successfully promote your brilliant work, you're going to have to try and cultivate your inner extrovert, as well.