COMMUNITY, JUNG, and the OPPORTUNITIES WE NEGLECT
Writing is a solitary endeavor, and many of us who write are introverts. We forget the importance of community, or maybe we just sidestep it. According to C. G. Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist who founded analytical psychology, introversion and extraversion (IN/EX) are about the direction in which our energy flows, not necessarily about aversions to or cravings for social interaction, though these traits often correlate. Jung’s theory on personality types classifies the IN/EX pairing as “attitude,” whereas perceiving and sensing (P/S) are opposing types of “functions.” Here’s one great article on the introvert/extravert dynamic, and here’s another. By the way, Jung believes one’s personality type changes as one’s life evolves. So don’t worry. You aren’t necessarily stuck being a wall flower.
So how does this introvert find community?
There’s the obvious: virtual communities. There’s Facebook, Twitter, and — now for me — 100 Naked Words. Thanks for welcoming me in!
There are literary journals. Magazines can be unidirectional at times, with the writer acting as “reader” or “submitter.” I’ll focus on submitting. Poets & Writers Magazine has a fabulous database where the writer can set filters to find a journal that’s right for the work being done. Support these journals by submitting, reading and subscribing! How will they survive without us?
There are artist residencies. I’ve had the honor of attending three: Jentel, just outside Sheridan, Wyoming; Brush Creek Ranch, near Saratoga, Wyoming; and the Hill House, near Mancelona, Michigan. The Alliance of Artists Communities is a valuable resource for finding the perfect place to get away from it all and write, write, write! Some even allow family members and/or pets.
There are literary centers. I belong to the Lighthouse Writers Workshop here in Denver, Colorado. Some of the greatest writers of our time — I’m talking McArthur Genius Award recipients like Ben Lerner, George Saunders, and Junot Diaz to name a few — come to the Lighthouse and share their knowledge & insight with writers from around the country.
There are salons. I am fortunate to be a member of “Salon Denver.” Unlike many writing groups that put the burden on members to read manuscripts and give feedback, Salon Denver is a small group of men and women who meet once a month, drink wine, grab a snack, swap news of how the writing life is treating us, and ultimately, listen as members who have something to share read up to 1000 words of work they’ve written. A round of applause and then we’re on to the next reader. For an introvert, this is the perfect support system!
There are conferences. My favorite is the AWP’s (Association of Writers & Writing Programs) national convention, held annually around the United States. It’s in Washington, DC in 2017; Tampa Bay, Florida in 2018; and Portland, Oregon in 2019. Can’t wait for that one!! But there are happenings within other literary organizations all the time. Once again, Poets & Writers, is a good tool.
I feel a bit like I’m preaching to the choir, but it hasn’t been so many years ago that I learned about some of these great opportunities.
When it comes to my writing, community has meant everything to me. My communities get me past my blocks, teach me what I’m capable of, and help me fill in the gaps within my ever-growing skill set. I have been able to form personal relationships with some of my heroes, while at least getting a personal message handwritten in a book from others. Yes, I’m an introvert, but I’m an introvert with a love of language and the drive to explore every crevice of opportunity out there!
