This episode is for all the writers who struggle to be outgoing.

I get it—most of us writers are introverts. We get our energy by spending time alone rather than spending it with people. But the reality is that people need to be a huge part of our lives as writers. After all, we’re not writing just for OURSELVES… we’re also writing for other people.

There is also the side of writing that has nothing to do with the writing part. It’s going to conferences, sending emails, being active on social media, going to meetups or masterminds, being active in your community, building good working relationships with editors and publishers, and so much more.

It turns out that a big part of being a successful writer has nothing to do with the writing itself.

There was once a time when you could get by with being a hermit or a curmudgeon as a writer. In the years before social media, if you were lucky enough to have a publishing deal, you would basically write and the publisher would do everything else. But that’s not the case anymore. The bottom line is that you have to relate to people. You have to be friendly and engaging.

Friendliness and being a warm relational human being is a choice. It’s not a personality trait. There is nothing good or positive about being a curmudgeon. Zip. Zero. Nada. It doesn’t serve you in any way.

So, if you struggle with this aspect of your writing life, just know you can build a habit of warmth and friendliness. You can make the choice to smile and be pleasant. It’s a habit you can build just like any other.

Daily Question: What can you do today in your interactions with others to show friendliness and warmth?