Do you think most writers are introverts?
I think the best way to answer this question is to quote my favorite philosophy professor from college (that would be Dr. Walter Ludwig at St. Joe's in Maine). I can't recall which philosopher he was quoting, but he said the only general statement you can make about people is that you can't make general statements about people. In that regard, I would hesitate to say that most writers are introverts. That said, I have met many writers who find it easiest to express their thoughts, fears, and other emotions through the written word, so certainly there are introverted writers out there. The beauty of writing, I think, is that it affords people the flexibility to express themselves. Some brilliant students or writers may have a deep-seated fear of speaking in public, but they can write a beautiful, polished piece of literature.
UPDATE
Since I originally posted this hub, I've had cause to think more about this subject. In my case, I have had what amounts to a roller coaster ride when it comes to the concept of introspection. When I was a child, I was painfully shy, a trait that continued into my twenties. In time, however, I discovered that my shyness was holding me back from achieving some of my most deeply held goals.
That was a time in my life when I decided to take the bull by the horns and tried to overcome my shyness. I am pleased to report that I believe I accomplished that objective.
A few years ago, however, I endured a severe trauma. I won't go into details here, but suffice to say, I was assaulted and nearly killed. There is this terrible condition that I like to call the Incredible Hulk Syndrome, which psychiatric professionals prefer to call Intermittent Explosive Disorder.
People with this condition have a temper that can flare from 0-100 in about 2 seconds flat. It is commonly found in folks who, like me, have suffered severe head trauma. I have learned skills to manage this condition, but I am sad to say that it will probably be with me the rest of my life.
What does this have to do with being introverted? Since I came to terms with this issue, I have discovered that there are times when I am best left alone. It is during those times that I need to become more reflective, spend some time separated from the human race, and try to focus on what is causing my mood to swing.
In that regard, although I know that I cannot remain in a shell indefinitely, there is a forced sense of introversion when I'm having a rough time.
