7 Reasons Introverts Make Great Writers

Discover 7 reasons introverts make great writers, from their rich inner worlds and careful observation to their ability to focus and reflect.

Introverts are often teased for being quiet and wanting to be alone. They are seen as reserved, but the truth is they prefer to conserve their energy for meaningful interactions with people who matter to them.

According to Allison Abrams, introverts ‘are not to be confused with loners or to be considered antisocial’. Most are simply more focused on their inner world of ideas and concepts, as shown by brilliant minds such as Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein.

So, why do introverts make great writers?

7 Reasons Introverts Make Great Writers

1.  Introverts are creative.

‘The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.’ ~Albert Einstein

Extroverts prefer to be stimulated by the outside world. Introverts have a vibrant inner world and continually use their imagination. Imagination is where creativity begins. Writers need to be creative. It is part of the job description.

2.  Introverts are innovative.

‘Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind. Be alone—that is the secret of invention: be alone, that is when ideas are born.’ ~Nikola Tesla

Because introverts do not conform to outside influences, they are more likely to innovate and try new things. As writers, they develop worlds within worlds, with their own sets of rules and influences.

3.  Introverts are empathetic.

‘I think a lot, but I don’t say much.’ ~Anne Frank

They are aware of other people and how they are feeling. Introverts often spend a great deal of time thinking about other people and how they feel. This can help them imagine themselves in other people’s shoes, making it easier to create believable characters and explore their feelings.

4.  Introverts are observers.

‘[Introverts] listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation. They tend to dislike conflict.’ ~Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

Introverts are always watching. They pay attention. They know how to listen and they are attuned to body language. They understand the value of watching what people do rather than simply listening to what they say. Writers need to be good at watching. Creating believable characters and worlds requires attention to detail

5.  Introverts are good at getting things done alone.

‘Writing is something you do alone. Its a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while doing it.’ ~John Green

Because introverts are not as easily distracted by outside influences, they are more likely to apply themselves and finish things. Writers know that it’s easy to start a story. It’s more difficult to sit down alone and actually finish it.

6.  Introverts are thinkers.

‘I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.’ ~Joan Didion

Because introverts spend time alone, they tend to spend more time thinking about everything. Writing and thinking go together. You can’t have good writing without good thinking. As Susan Cain says: ‘There’s a word for ‘people who are in their heads too much’: thinkers.’

7.  Introverts avoid small talk.

‘Many  [introverts] have a horror of small talk, but enjoy deep discussions.’ ~Susan Cain

Introverts don’t see the point in sharing irrelevant information with strangers. They find it unnecessary and draining. This is a really good trait for writers to take into their writing. We should never clutter up dialogue with small talk.

Introverts Also Make Great Characters

Introverts aren’t only good writers. You can also use the seven traits above to create memorable characters. Their inner worlds, quiet observations, and complex relationships give writers plenty to explore.

1. Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Frodo is quiet, reflective, and prefers the peace of the Shire to the world outside it. His courage emerges when he is forced out of his comfort zone.
2. Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes is intensely focused on his work and ideas and prefers his own company to ordinary social interaction.
3. Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Katniss is reserved, uncomfortable with social performance and reflective. She observes others rather than revealing her own feelings.
4. Eleanor Oliphant from Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Eleanor is socially isolated and struggles with ordinary social interaction, but she has a rich inner life.
5. Jo March from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Jo isn’t shy, but she is independent and happiest when writing. Her inner life and creative work are more important to her than conventional social expectations.

The Last Word

Introverts bring creativity, originality, empathy, and sharp observation to their writing. They draw on their rich inner worlds and their ability to notice what others miss. They are also comfortable working alone, thinking deeply, and focusing on what really matters. So, if you’re an introvert, embrace your strengths. Your quiet nature may be one of the things that makes you a better writer.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

by Amanda Patterson
© Amanda Patterson

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