I’m a people person. I love being around people and I get energy from those around me. But, I’m also a writer. My work requires that I go into a cave of quiet and live in my conscious mind for hours on end. Unlike the meditative mind, the writer’s mind is busy.
Knowing that, most writers huddle alone to work. They prefer not to be around people.
Can a people person like me also be a writer? I have found that it’s possible for me to balance both worlds. Some writers have no trouble with this problem because they are introverts and prefer solitary work. Others are like me and struggle to find a balance that satisfies their need to be with people and be energized by them and their need to create through the written word.
- Establish a writing schedule. Go into your writing cave for a few hours a day and produce all you can. For me, that’s usually about three hours. After that you can come out and be a real person.
- Don’t try and write when others are pulling you away. In other words, don’t try and write when you go on your family vacation.
- Meet often with friends and fellow writers. After you complete your work for the day, get some people contact. Schedule a lunch with a writing colleague. Go to the movies with a friend. Visit someone who is homebound or in the hospital.
- Go to writer’s conferences. At conferences you will meet other writers, share your ups and downs with writing. It’s a great way to recharge your battery.
- Join writer’s groups. If you have a group of writers who meet regularly, join that group. Again, being around people like you help recharge you and keep you from feeling so isolated.
- Work in a public place. I tend to work in coffee shops. Right now I’m writing this post in a very busy coffee shop. I’m by myself at a table without anyone to talk to but with lots of activity around me. My mind is focused on this post, but I can glance around and find myself in a world of people.
Enjoy more tips on this short video.
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