Introverts and the Writing Life

Hi, my name is Renee, and I'm an introvert.

I stumbled upon a podcast recently that was looking for guests who consider themselves to be of the INFJ Meyers-Briggs personality type. It had been years since I’d done any sort of analysis on the explanations of all the different types, so I did a quick Google search on INFJ's, since I knew for sure I was an introvert. “Yep, sounds a lot like me,” I thought, and filled out the survey.

Even though I’m an introvert, I’m also a journalist who enjoys doing research. Since I’ve been tinkering around with formatting for my own podcast, I thought it might be interesting to participate in an interview for one about introverts. When I listed my occupation and website, the host got back to me pretty quickly to schedule an interview.

“I have so many people reach out to me about being writers, how to get started and how to make a living do it,” she said in her e-mail. “Plus, how to get over impostor syndrome as well. I'd love to talk to you about those things.”

I started thinking about the pros and cons of being an introverted writer. The pros are that I like solitude, and can be very productive when I find a topic or project I’m passionate about. I also enjoy solitary workouts, and those give me plenty of time to reflect on my work and other projects. The cons are that there are days when I simply don’t feel like talking to people. When I was working in an office at a nonprofit at my last job, there were days when going into work sapped my energy. Tensions among co-workers affected me. There was also a sales component of my job—where I had to make cold calls at local businesses. I would sit in my car trying to get up the nerve to walk in and hand the business owner my sales kit and business card, and there were times it took more time than I wanted.

I’m in a better place now, although I tend to be a little too introverted when I work from home. When I have to do an interview for a story, whether it’s on the phone or in person, I have a lot of anxiety ahead of time. Once I start talking (especially if I’m well-caffeinated), I have no problems making conversation and asking the appropriate questions. For me, imposter syndrome is real, even after being a writer for more than 20 years. I never know if my writing is “good enough,” if people will want to read it, and I still stumble over giving elevator pitches about my fiction. Networking events, such as panels and conferences, area also difficult, but I force myself to get out of my comfort zone and sign up for them occasionally. I also try to regularly schedule coffee and lunch dates with colleagues and friends so I don’t become too much of a hermit.

I feel like the hesitation and anxiety that comes along with being an introvert will likely be something I’ll live with for the most of my life. But because I love to write and tell stories, and love helping other people do the same, even on the days when it is harder to come out of that introverted shell.

(Learn more about the INFJ personality type in this short video.)


Do you consider yourself an introvert? How has it helped or hindered your life as a writer?

Renee Roberson is an award-winning writer and freelance magazine editor who also blogs at FinishedPages.com.