I spend a lot of time reading what other writers say about writing. It's an excellent way to procrastinate from actually writing. In reading the words of seasoned authors, who themselves are usually writing about writing in order to avoid other projects, I have discovered two recurring themes. The process of writing may very well make you crazy. And it may also make you a mystic.
To read the rest of the article, entitled "The Writer as Madman and Mystic," click here.
It's funny... I read this article on Crosswalk (The Writer as Madman...), and then I stumbled upon the article/interview with you, which led me to your blog. I just realized now that you were the one that wrote the "Writer" article also. Strange how I connected with both of them. Well, not so strange, as it turns out. Your thumbprint was on both of them.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those introverts that has faked out people in my professional life into thinking I'm an extrovert. I have one of those fast-paced, high-pressure, high-paying careers, so I've been a bit of a chameleon professionally.
You may be interested to know that Andy Stanley (at North Point) is also a self-professed introvert. To me it was obvious the first time I saw him speak. You don't have to be soft-spoken to be an introvert; you can be a great communicator. And obviously, Andy planted one heck of a church, and he continues to do so.
One challenge I have is that this small group idea is torture to me. They call it "doing life" with others, but I call it a root canal. What do I do about that?
Thanks DOD. There are a lot of megachurch pastors who are introverts, actually. I think there aren't the same expectations in big churches for pastors to be the lead socializers in the congregation, mostly because it would be impossible.
ReplyDeleteSmall groups can definitely be difficult for introverts. I talk about that in my book, and one of the suggestions I make is to participate in a group that is more activity/goal oriented rather than one that is primarily about talking and sharing.
It's funny... I read this article on Crosswalk (The Writer as Madman...), and then I stumbled upon the article/interview with you, which led me to your blog. I just realized now that you were the one that wrote the "Writer" article also. Strange how I connected with both of them. Well, not so strange, as it turns out. Your thumbprint was on both of them.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those introverts that has faked out people in my professional life into thinking I'm an extrovert. I have one of those fast-paced, high-pressure, high-paying careers, so I've been a bit of a chameleon professionally.
You may be interested to know that Andy Stanley (at North Point) is also a self-professed introvert. To me it was obvious the first time I saw him speak. You don't have to be soft-spoken to be an introvert; you can be a great communicator. And obviously, Andy planted one heck of a church, and he continues to do so.
One challenge I have is that this small group idea is torture to me. They call it "doing life" with others, but I call it a root canal. What do I do about that?