Tips for Being a Productive Writer When Extroversion Is Your Dominant Personality Trait

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen reports:

"Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, there are words and articles and books in you that only you can write. These tips for being more productive aren’t about changing who you are…they’re about figuring out who you are, so you can be a better, more prolific writer!...Extroverts may have more difficulty finding time to write because they like to go, go, go! They love being around people, which can make it difficult to write. In contrast, introverts generally like their time alone, which may give them an advantage in terms of productivity. To write more, do a little self-exploration and get a little 'touchy-feely.' What personality traits make you a more effective writer…and what traits are holding you back?...Not being able to 'find the time' to write is essentially deciding you don’t want to be a writer. If you really want to be a writer, your behaviors must match your intentions or writing goals. It’s all about 'walking the walk – not just talking the talk.' To increase productivity (and your ability to earn money as a writer or blogger), you need to decide that you’re not just a [wannabe]…you’re a writer, and writers must spend time writing...Refuse to play until you’ve achieved certain writing goals...Set your specific, measurable, achievable writing goals – preferably daily goals – and do not let yourself leave the house until you show up for your writing self. If you don’t reach your goals, you cancel your plans...Refusing to party until you’ve written X number of words per day or emailed Y number of pitches to editors are examples of habits that support your writing goals. Make it a habit to get up every morning at 5:30 [AM], or meet with a writing group every second Wednesday. Make it a habit to research possible literary agents on the first Monday of every month, or read a new book about writing every two months. Your habits form your life...Find ways to write while surrounded by people...If your extroverted personality traits drive towards loud boisterous places, flow with your urges. For example, take your writing utensils and plant yourself in a busy [coffee shop], the commons area of a university or library, or the food court of a mall. You may not need to actually interact with people to get your socialization fix…just being around crowds may energize you and give you time to write. Two birds with one stone!...If you simply must attend all the parties, dinners, and events you planned this week, then use those experiences to guide your writing progress. Don’t compartmentalize your life by spending time with people, and then trying to write about things that don’t relate...[W]riting what you know can increase your productivity by saving time and energy...Remember how fast time flies...[T]o write more, remind yourself daily that your days are numbered. If you don’t write now, you won’t likely be writing later."