Writers in the Storm

Last Monday, Orly Konig-Lopez argued for the introverts. If you missed her post, click here and take a peek.

Some of you commented, but I'm guessing we're going to get more today because the extroverts are in the house, jumping up and down, shouting "TALK TO ME."

That's the way we extroverts roll.

I did a post awhile back on whether being an introvert or an extrovert affects blogging, but I'm going to extrapolate this out to writing in general today. First things first though...

What does it mean to be an “introvert” or an “extrovert?”

I’ve found that very few people know the real definition of introverts vs. extroverts so I’ll share it with you here, courtesy of the Rockstar Counselor Guy who told me.

It’s all about energy:

• Introverts gain energy from time spent by themselves.
• Extroverts gain energy from time spent with others.

Are you scratching your head, wondering what that even means?? I understand.

Most people think introverts don’t like people, which couldn’t be further from the truth. The majority of introverts like people just fine, they just get tired out by too much contact with them.

For an extrovert like me, if I need an energy lift, I go to where the people are. This doesn’t mean I even want to talk to them. Truly. A lot of the time I don’t. I just want to be around them, sucking up some energy from the buzz of the room.

I know all you introverts are gonna freak out over this, but...When I get stuck on a particularly difficult scene or chapter:

• my #1 way to get unstuck is to go to Starbucks.
• #2 is a bar or restaurant. It doesn't really matter which one, the point is the people.

I talk to everyone I can on the way in and then sit down in the most crowded area possible and soak up all the buzz. It gets me all zingy, then I tune them out and let the words flow.

I focus better with a ton of noise. (I don't know why.)

In college, other people went to the furthest reaches of the stacks in the library, searching for quiet. When I went to the library, I either wanted to pee or go to sleep.

I think all you "silence people" are insane. How do you not go crazy with the sounds of your clocks and pets and appliances?

What did I do in college when I needed to ace a test? I went to work (I waited tables all through school) and studied at the bar. Or in the student union. Or out on the quad where everyone was walking by. It worked like a charm and taught me to really focus no matter what.

So, I'll just keep enjoying all you introverts when you choose to peek out of your cave. In the meantime, I'll be at Starbucks or in the bar, making new friends and finding new characters to write about...because that's how I roll.

Not sure whether you're an introvert or an extrovert? Here’s a link to a free Myers-Briggs questionnaire and report. (Be sure to tell us your results in the comments!)

Where is your favorite place to write? Do you need silence or noise? Would you describe yourself as introverted or extroverted? How would others describe you?

Announcement: 7^th Annual Top 10 Blogs for Writers Contest

Here are the rules:

• Nominate your favorite blog in the comment section (see link below).
• You have only one vote (only your first will be counted).
• Please include the web address of the blog.
• Explain why you think the blog is worthy of winning this year’s award.
• A blog must be nominated more than once to make the cut.

To nominate a blog, go here http://writetodone.com/2012/11/12/nominate-your-favorite-writing-blog-7th-annual-top-10-blogs-for-writers-contest/

If you love it here at WITS, we hope you'll throw our name in the ring. Nominations close Dec 3rd.

About Jenny Hansen

Jenny fills her nights with humor: writing memoir, women’s fiction, chick lit, short stories (and chasing after her toddler Baby Girl). By day, she provides training and social media marketing for an accounting firm. After 15 years as a corporate software trainer, she’s digging this sit down and write thing.

When she’s not at her blog, More Cowbell, Jenny can be found on Twitter at JennyHansenCA and here at Writers In The Storm. Jenny also writes the Risky Baby Business posts at More Cowbell, a series that focuses on babies, new parents and high-risk pregnancy.

Today we're each taking the opportunity to give thanks for one "writerly" thing that helps us put those words on the page.

from Jenny Hansen:

I am thankful for blogging. Particularly for More Cowbell, my personal blog. Not only does it give me hours and hours of entertainment, it helped me find my writing process and a new direction for my career.

After years of struggling with book-length fiction, I’ve learned through experience that I do much better writing short. Writing 300-1200 word posts not only taught me that I’m a scene writer that does best in short bursts, it also helped me to discover my writing voice.

Who knew that I’d write “funny?” Without More Cowbell, I’d have had no idea! Nor would I have a place to put posts like 5 Signs You Have "Turkey Block."

from Orly Konig-Lopez:

When the “assignment” to write a paragraph about what writerly thing I’m thankful for, I was kinda surprised at the first thing that popped into to mind—the Women’s fiction chapter of RWA.

When I joined the chapter I had no idea what to expect. I’m not a traditional romance writer and I’d never belonged to a writing group. I was overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge being shared on the loops, and floored by the incredible generosity of the members. I found my fabulous critique partners through the chapter and made some amazing friends.

When doubts creep in, there are always a few people on the loops ready with a pep talk or kick in the pants. And when there’s good news to share, this group cheers the loudest. I’ve come a long way in my writing since joining and I can honestly credit the members of the Women’s Fiction chapter with giving me the confidence to take risks and pursue my dream.

from Laura Drake:

This year I'm thankful to have my teacher and friend, Margie Lawson, in my life. Her Deep Edits System clicked in my brain and made me able to back away from my writing far enough to look at it objectively.  One of my other weaknesses was getting emotion on the page-which her "Empowering Character's Emotions" class really helped.

But, best of all, was 'going to the mountain" last year, to take her Masters Immersion Course at her house in Colorado. Working with Margie, editing my manuscript in person, was a rare treat. What I’ve learned from her was the difference between selling and not.

And no, she didn’t pay me to say this…she’s THAT good. If you haven’t discovered her yet, you’re missing out.  Seriously.

From Sharla Rae:

When Fae asked each of us to write about what we as writers are grateful for this year, the first thing I thought of was my critique group here at WITS. They have supported not only my writing career but also, me as a friend. We all laugh and have fun together, share professional news, bitch about those who dun us wrong. And I have to say, whoever made up the saying “words come cheap” didn’t meet my critique group.

Over the past year-and-a-half my life has been upside down and writing was put on a backburner. I often felt I’d let them down and didn’t pull my weight. The WITS ladies just rolled their eyes at me and told me to get over myself. They lifted me out of those doldrums and kept me on an even keel in my life and my writing. I know I’d do the same for them.

Friends, let alone professional writing friends, don’t come any better than these ladies. Thank you, Fae Rowen, Laura Drake, Jenny Hansen, and Orly Konig-Lopez.

From Fae Rowen:

I am grateful for all you WITS readers, who show up three times a week to read our blogs.

You amaze me with the enthusiasm and wisdom in your comments. You humble me with your kindness and generosity. You spark me with your praise and support. And you give me ideas to chew on, possibilities to tumble shiny-smooth in my heart, and a reason to jump up in the morning and see what you have to say.

I thank you for taking this whole blogging experience from the "Oh, no, I'm blog mistress this month!" to "Now I have an excuse to cruise the comments and follow cool links to more ideas and different thinking."

I thank you for prodding me to think of what I have to share that you might find helpful or inspiring or funny. Thank you for being part of my world.

Do you have something or someone to be grateful for helping you write the book of your dreams? Chances are, others will include your "grateful" on their list, so go ahead and share. You aren't limited to one.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love and peace to you all this Holiday Season!
with tremendous thanks from Writers In The Storm...

Our new Writer in the Storm, Orly Konig-Lopez, is taking on Jenny Hansen in our latest throwdown: Introverted vs Extroverted Writer. Next Monday, Jenny will offer arguments, er... uh, gentle persuasion on the Extroverted Writer.

by Orly Konig-Lopez

Loyal followers (and you’re all loyal followers, right? Right!) know that Writers in the Storm has a fun tradition of  taking a topic and ripping it in half. And since we all have opinions -- some louder than others -- there’s always the opportunity for a fun Throwdown over which half is the right half.

Well, my “hello world, it’s me the troll” blog led to a Throwdown idea—and I’ll give everyone a wild hairy guess which half of the Introvert vs. Extrovert debate I grabbed and ran to the cave with.

First, I have a confession. Two weekends ago, I came out of the cave for a workshop—the fabulous Margie Lawson gave her Empowering Characters Emotions workshop at my local chapter meeting. And … shhhh … it was fun interacting with other writers.

But before anyone gets the crazy idea that I’m ready to convert, I’m happy to report that I’m safely back in my troll cave! AAhhhhh … it’s so much nicer in here.

Okay, okay, I’ll admit that sharing ideas with other writers and soaking up the creative mojo that flows in a room of wonderfully talented people can be stimulating. But as an introvert, I find it equally exhausting. I mean seriously, all those people talking. And talking. A troll can get whiplash trying to keep up.

I’m most comfortable when I have control of my environment. I prefer to observe and absorb. I crave the solitude of working with my (mostly) silent writing buddies. And yes, I sometimes need the safety of hiding behind the keyboard.

I’ve tried writing in coffee shops. Noisy. I’ve tried editing while tracking email and Twitter. Distracting. I’ve even tried brainstorming during writing workshops. Intimidating.

When I write (or edit), I prefer to retreat into my own little world.

Depending on what I’m working on or the weather or just the mood du jour, I’ll pick a spot in the house—some days it’s the sunroom, others my office; or maybe the kitchen table or the couch by the fireplace in cold weather; or if it’s nice outside the front porch.

I always have my favorite giant mug next to me (coffee, thank you). I’ll close out email and shut down my browser. The only “people” I want to chit chat with are my characters.

I can easily go an entire day with only a few words to the cats (no, it’s not time to eat yet; no you can not have my coffee; did you really think flopping on my keyboard was the best idea?) and only a handful of emails or tweets or text messages sent. Those are my rejuvenate days, my find-the-peace-within days, my I’m-so-going-to-kick-this-manuscript-in-the-butt days.

What about research, you’re asking? Sure, I could make phone calls, talk to an expert, visit a facility similar to one I’m writing about. But why? Those require interaction.

A few well-chosen search words and I have all the information I need (okay, maybe not ALL, but a lot). Hey people, Google was created for a reason (just remember to be thorough and not believe everything G tells you). Not to mention the fact that I lot of those experts you thought I should talk to wrote books on the subject. And we love books!

Once in a while you have to come out of the cave. Even the most introverted troll gets that. But at the first opportunity, it’s back in. Hello happy writing place!

What about you—do you prefer to snuggle inside the cave or play with everyone else?

Don’t forget to check back next Monday when Jenny talks about the life of the extrovert writer. *waving as I back into my cave*