Are you an extrovert? Some say writing is doubly harder for folks of your temperament, since you require more time among people, while writing typically requires the kind of focus you can get by spending time on your own.
Of course, I’ve seen my fair share of extroverted writers who do really well. If you can’t count yourself among them yet, here are a few things you may want to try doing.
1. Learn how your temperament affects your productivity. Most extroverts find it easier to attain peak performance when thrust among people. That can be difficult, given how most writing is best done with complete focus, typically in solitude. However, extroverts do have particular traits that can help too. What particular qualities do you have that make you a good writer?
2. Set writing goals. When you sit down typing on your laptop, do you get anxiety pangs? Set goals for yourself, such as finishing a page of your novel everyday before giving yourself permission to feed the need to socialize.
3. Try writing among people. Contrary to cartoon depictions, writers don’t have to sit at a quiet place to write their masterpieces. I know writers who turn Starbucks into their veritable office, spending hours everyday there writing, amidst throngs of customers passing by. Maybe, you’ll find the same thing effective for your own productivity.
4. Write about topics that play to your strengths. As an extrovert, you tend to have insights about certain subjects that introverts won’t have. Use that to your advantage by focusing your writing on those topics. Ever read the social columns on the paper? Most of the best ones are fashioned by extroverts who can get out there and really mingle.
5. Get a writing software. Anything that makes you work more efficient should help you get out of the house quicker. A competent writing software can do just that. Use it.
