Why are so many writers introverts?

Yes, the question poses a bit of a generalisation but it’s one I have pondered many times. Some people disagree but that may be due to an incorrect definition of the word. There are so many myths about introversion, I won’t take the time to dispel them all but one of them is that an introvert cannot be outgoing: false. I’m an introvert and proud but talk about something I care about, or introduce me to scintillating people and I will be as outgoing as your average extrovert. Introverts are not shy, they’re just quiet. The definition of introvert on dictionary.com is: Psychology: a person characterized by concern primarily with his or her own thoughts and feelings or to direct (the mind, one’s interest, etc) partly to things within the self. Only about 25% of people are introverts.

The thing with introverts is that we are extremely comfortable on their own because our brains are working overtime with all our thoughts: us introverts spend an awful lot of time in our own world just thinking.  One of the most irritating things as an introvert is to be constantly asked “Are you ok?” just because you’re thinking. To read more on introversion, check out these two websites: http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/91sLRr 
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1Zqpnj 

So, back to the main question: why are so many writers introverts? Granted, it’s not all of them but I have never met an extrovert who is serious about their writing – of course, that may just be because I don’t socialise much but I think there’s a definite link. It takes a lot of stamina to be a writer: there’s so much time spent alone, long hours of staring blankly at a computer screen and thinking up fantastical plots and characters.  We have the benefit of being able to do that without a second thought: it comes naturally to spend long periods of time alone because it's so easy to lose oneself in the world of thought.

Introverts are programmed to enjoy time alone and thrive off their own company rather than that of others: there is no need to incessantly be occupied with other things because what’s better than your own brain? There may be many negatives to introversion: social perception, living in an extrovert-dominated world and being seen as a “loner” but the positives of being able to survive alone for a few days during a particularly rough spot in writing, or perhaps a rush of words, make it worthwhile.

Are you an introvert? Or perhaps an extrovert who loves to write? Post your opinion below!

Lydia