I am a textbook extrovert. If there is an after-hours mixer, seminar, or networking event where I can spread my wings and meet new people, sign me up! I live to be in a crowded room — doesn't bother me one bit.
But I'm a writer, too? How is this possible? The common perception always has been that writers are introverts – not extroverts. Right? We're supposed to have quiet, low-key, INTROVERTED personalities. All we want is a quiet room with a cup of coffee to churn out our next novel or freelance article. Writing is our way to be great storytellers without ever having to make eye contact.
Extroverts (that's me!!) are social butterflies interested in everyone and everything around them. Sure, we need our quiet time, too, but for the most part we thrive off social interaction. With all that going on, extroverts can't possibly be good writers!
Wrong.
While introverted writers are flat-out amazing at what they do, I'm also a firm believer that successful writers can be somewhere in between or full-blown, happy-go-lucky extroverts. In fact, there are quite a few perks to being an extroverted writer.
Below are four reasons why being extroverted can make you a better writer:
Extroverts pull inspiration from anywhere and anyone ...
There's inspiration all around us, and its easiest found when we are not living behind a computer screen. I can't tell you how many times I've found great story ideas while having a conversation with someone at a networking mixer, charity event, or even at my son's baseball games. Extroverted writers are great at character development and utilizing authentic dialogue. We're highly descriptive, and all of that translates to our writing and being able to tell a story in ways you never thought possible.
Extroverts write about anything ...
To piggyback off my first bullet point, extroverts often can write about any topic and thus become more well-rounded writers. Even if a particular writer isn't a pro at understanding legal jargon or writing about the latest and greatest real estate trend, they are willing to learn it. They are extroverted enough to seek out the right people and put themselves in situations they aren't used to. When I first got into writing, all I did was write about sports. Now I write about a variety of topics, and it's helped me get Edit This off the ground. I feel like being extroverted made me that well-rounded writer I need to be.
Extroverts grow their client lists organically ...
What professional writer out there couldn't stand for a few more clients? Networking and being visible in the community are at the heart of what I do. It's where I can tell my story, meet people and hear their stories. A bigger client list means more opportunities to write — hence more opportunities to perfect my writing. Extroverts are conversational by nature, so we're easy to talk to. Business opportunities evolve organically in those settings mentioned above because potential clients have a chance to get to know you while having that warm and fuzzy feeling that they are truly being listened to. Most people prefer to do business that way.
Extroverts educate other writers ...
What better way is there to improve your writing and be a more engaged member of the world around you than by helping educate other writers? Everyone has to start somewhere. I know I did, and I have leaned on a lot of great writers over the years. Extroverted writers want to do speaking engagements at those networking events I mentioned above. They want to share their knowledge, and even their shortcomings. They are more inclined to educate students or take younger writers under their wing. That mentoring process not only makes the people you are educating better writers, but it can make you a better writer, too.
Thanks for reading!
*STEVE GAMEL is the Owner/President of Edit This, a writing and editing services company located in Denton, TX. Along with being a sports writer for the Denton Record-Chronicle, Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.