Guest: Susan Furlong

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Edith writing from north of Boston, where all is quiet and cold.

I’m happy to welcome author friend Susan Furlong to the blog to celebrate her new Bone Gap Travellers mystery, Shattered Justice and to talk about joy … for introverts.

In the Appalachian town of Bone Gap, Tennessee, backwoods justice is more than just blind. It’s swift, silent, and shockingly personal. Especially for Irish Traveller turned deputy sheriff Brynn Callahan . .

More Joy in 2020

I’m not afraid to admit it – I’m an introvert.

But let’s face it, New Year’s Eve with its loud parties and rambunctious crowds isn’t exactly an introvert’s venue.  In the past I’ve caved into the pressure and forced myself out of my comfort zone and hit the party scene, only to feel like a fish out of water. But this year I planned to do New Year’s Eve my way: at home, spending a quiet evening with family, eating pizza and playing games.

This decision made me evaluate a few of the other decisions I make throughout the year and spurred on a list of resolutions that I want to share with fellow introverts:

  1. Know Yourself

Being an introvert is an asset, not a negative. Introverts are not anti-social or shy, they simply need extra time to be alone and recharge. Introverts are deep thinkers, good listeners, observant and sensitive to others’ needs. In short, introverts have an abundance of quiet strength.

  • Lose the FOMO (fear of missing out)

While I love my family and friends, and cherish my time with them, my propensity for togetherness isn’t the same as theirs. I prefer to grab a cup of coffee with a friend rather than go to a big party. Do I feel like I’m missing out? Sometimes. But I value those one on one, meaningful discussions I have with my friends, and it’s difficult to do that in a noisy crowd. So, even though I’m missing the party, I’m not missing out on true relationship connections.

  • Lose the Guilt

There is nothing wrong with being an introvert, even when it seems like the rest of the world is partying. Introverts know how to make their own parties. It may not look exciting to some, but to me, an evening alone, curled up in my favorite chair with a book is actually very exciting. I make no apologies for that! And this year, I won’t feel guilty for saying “no” to extraneous social invitations.

  • Be a Quiet Source of Strength  

Being a friend often means listening to problems and providing gentle encouragement and advice. Introverts possess the ability to think through problems and resolve issues and conflict. They excel in one-on-one, meaningful interactions, and value their relationships. Introverts are true, loyal friends. Whatever 2020 brings, I plan to be there for my family and friends.

  • Embrace Your Inner-self

I read somewhere that almost ninety percent of New Year’s Resolutions fail. Maybe that’s because we’re always reaching to attain things outside our natural tendencies. So, this year, let’s resolve to embrace our inner-self, introvert or extrovert, and do more things that will bring us happiness.

Readers: Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Comment below with one resolution that suits your personality and will bring you more joy in 2020. One US commenter will receive a signed hardcover copy of Shattered Justice.

Susan Furlong launched her Bone Gap Travellers series with the acclaimed novel Splintered Silence. She’s worked as a freelance writer, academic writer, translator, high school language arts teacher, and a martial arts instructor. She and her family live in central Illinois. You can find her at www.susanfurlong.com.

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Published by Edith Maxwell

Agatha Award -winning author Edith Maxwell writes the historical Quaker Midwife Mysteries (Beyond the Page) and short crime fiction. As Maddie Day she writes the Dot and Amelia Mysteries, the Country Store Mysteries series, the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, and the Cece Barton Mysteries (all from Kensington Publishing). She lives north of Boston in an antique house with her beau and cat Martin, where she writes, gardens, cooks, and wastes time on Facebook.

106 Thoughts

  1. Great list. I am definitely an introvert. When I was still working everyone thought I was an extrovert because I seemed to know everybody. I enjoyed the interactions but since I’ve retired really appreciate all the alone time I can have.

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  4. I am definitely an introvert. I love to spend some time with a small group of close friends, but I treasure my alone, recharging time.

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  5. I’m definitely an introvert. Your FOMO resolution really strikes home with me.

    I need to learn to say NO to the RIGHT things. I’ve thought I’d mastered saying NO, but realize, there have been things I’ve turned down that I wished I hadn’t…and those things I’ve said YES to because I thought I should and then regretted. I hope in 2020 to reevaluate both my yeses and nos.

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  6. I don’t know that I’m just one or the other when it comes to introverted or extroverted. I think it depends on my comfort level in any given situation.

    As for a resolution, the only thing I’m really “resolved” towards trying to accomplish is to somehow see 2020 be at least a little easier.

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    1. Hi, Jay. I know what it’s like to want to leave a hard year behind and start fresh. Here’s to your 2020 being joyful and easier. I’m glad you stopped by to comment. Thank you.

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  7. Are you sure we’re not twins separated at birth? I’m totally the same way. I’m an introvert. I keep “joking” that I don’t like people, but I’d honestly rather spend time with just my husband and my dog than go out and be with a bunch of strangers (or even family). My goal is to move this year to Virginia Beach and have a happy peaceful existence away from the pressures of our families.

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  8. I am a huge introvert. I am more comfortable in very small group settings. Staying at home with a book, a cup of tea or coffee and my dog is a fun Friday night! My one daughter understands this, as she is just like me. I think being an introvert is why I read so much and also why I craft. It is my way of being a part of the world, without the people!
    Thank you for the chance to win this book.

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  10. Most definitely an introvert. I’d much rather in our home in the country watching our daily critter visitors and reading a book than out in a big crowd shopping or socializing. I’m more of a one on one person where you can talk to a person and be heard and hear them as well. Although they can be serious or funny or anything in between, I think talking this way is more meaningful to both parties.

    I’ve got two personal resolutions for 2020 that intertwine. The first one is to be the healthiest me I can be. Having several medical problems that the specialist and me try to maintain to give me the best quality of life as possible, I know I won’t be “cured”. However, I’m willing to do whatever is necessary to keep me moving and productive if it’s in my power. At the beginning of 2020, that means trying to lose weight – again, since moving around is increasingly harder due to bone and muscle pain, adjusting to yet another new diet since being diagnosed with yet another disease at the end of 2019, to keep walking (albeit with a cane when necessary) as much as possible and to stay as productive and active in daily events so as not to leave it all in the hands of my sweet and loving hubby. That brings me to the second one which is to continue to travel to see the wonders of the United States while I’m still able to go. We love photography and there is nothing that brings us more joy than to travel to see new sights, both landscape and critters, and to photograph them. To be able to do this I have to stick to number one and pray number two is achievable again this year.

    Thank you for the fabulous opportunity to win a copy of “Shattered Justice”. Love your books and this one sounds amazing. Can’t wait to read this one which is on my TBR list.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Hi, Kay. I also love photography and am drawn to old barns. We have a lot of them here in the midwest. Your determination to achieve your resolutions shines through on your comment. I hope 2020 is your best year yet and that you’re able to travel, see many wonderful things, and enjoy your critters. Thank you for commenting.

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  11. There is much to be said about enjoying “a circle of tranquility” afforded to a person who enjoys quiet 1 on 1 time with folks away from the maddening crowd.
    I salute you Susan for leading the way….and keep writing those wonderful mystery stories…great sellers at our bookshop.

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    1. Thank you, Jerry. I’m so glad you stopped by to comment. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. I hope to one day make it to your bookshop and meet you in person.

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  12. Definitely an introvert.

    Somehow I need to figure out how to get more “recharge” time in the form of getting away from the noise and chaos that is my home. Even just for a day. There has to be a place out there somewhere.

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  13. I am definitely more of an introvert. I think my resolution needs to be to lose the guilt. I always feel bad if I don’t make plans to go out with family or friends even if I really just want to stay home and be by myself. I usually end up going anyway but I need to learn to take time for myself and recharge. With two young kids, time to myself is hard to come by. I need to do a better job of taking it when it’s given.

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  14. Hi Susan! I think I’m a little of both. But I do value my family time at home. Staying home and watching movies with the kids are precious moments for me. “Shattered Justice” looks like a great read. Thank you for sharing!

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  15. An Introvert and not ashamed of it, but it has taken me a long time to feel that way. These days I stay close to home and family and have great one on one friendships. It was hard to step back from so many activities that seemed to fill up my time, but when I did learn to say no…wow, what a difference in my life and how I feel about myself. Thank you for the suggestions…all good ones. I would like to read your book and will look for it at the library and if not there on Amazon.

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  17. I’m definitely more of an introvert. I’m hoping to up my reading this year and have set a goal of 75 books, hopefully many will be new to me authors

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  19. I am a total introvert. My resolution is to take better care if myself. I have so many health issues that I keep putting on the back burner because I take care of my 4 year old and her disabled father. I never even go to the store and by myself anything. Its always for her and him. I decided I need to do some things for myself and schedule this surgery to have 10 tumors taken out of my hip. I have put it off for awhile now and hopefully while I’m In recovery I can be reading this book👍👍👍👍😚

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  20. I’m an introvert and I do feel like I’m missing out at times but as I get older I’m ok with it. I have my family. Life gets busy so we don’t see each other too often but I know they are there for me if need be. As for as a resolution, I want to be ok not having a close friend. I’ve tried connecting to people but it just seems to not work out. Maybe because I am an introvert? I’m happy, healthy and my life is comfortable, though. Happy New Year!

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  21. I am most definitely an introvert. Being around people is exhausting. You’re take on FOMO resonates with me so I resolve to try not to worry about being included or excluded from activities.

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  22. I’m definitely an introvert. This year I need to be more forceful in letting my husband know when I don’t want to get together with others. In the past, I gave in too easily

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  23. I’m definitely more of an introvert. I need to get out more and do things. But with my work schedule and small town there’s not much to do.

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  24. Being and extrovert and married to introvert is really hard at times but we work well together so I completely understand where you are coming from

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  25. Definitely an introvert and I concur that it does mean that I have certain desirable strengths. However, what I find it lacking is impact – especially in meetings. When expressing a thought or opinion it is the more assertive folks who usually exert influence and who people remember. I have frequently experienced the “that’s what I said” phenomena.

    My resolution for 2020 is to read more and watch tv less!

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  26. I am an introvert. I share your idea of a good time–reading a good book. Connecting with a friend over coffee or lunch is also great. I need to do more of this!

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  27. Somewhere between introvert and extrovert, I think. I like all of your resolutions, but I think “Lose the Guilt” is always a particularly good one.

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  29. I used to be very social. I loved going out, exploring new places, and meeting new people. Something changed once I hit my 30s. I very much became an introvert. I no longer have the desire to leave the house, and be social. Honestly, I enjoy my life so much more now, because I don’t feel that pressure of having to be social. I wouldn’t change it for the world!

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  30. Hi, and yes I would rather be reading a book then out in a crowd. I even have a t-shirt that states that. Love your books!! And fingers crossed for chance to win!!

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  31. I guess I.am an introvert. I like to stay home and read. Noe that..I a shut-in. I used to enjoy friends parties but at my age there aren’t many.

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  32. I am more of an extrovert by nature but am more isolated by illness. I need to keep seeing people and enjoying life when I can.
    browninggloria(at)hotmail(dot) com

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  34. Introvert, with health challenges that limit my excursions or even planning. Having married into a family of extreme extroverts increases the challenge. I do enjoy much of my time alone, at least.

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  35. Introvert but I like having lunch with friends and family. If I go out most days of the week, I sometimes feel a little stressed. I need my reading and TV time, and gardening in the season.

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    1. Hi, Sally. Gardening is one of my favorite ways to destress, too. Unless I have too many weeds to pull … that sort of adds to my stress. 🙂 Thanks for commenting. Happy New Year!

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  36. Like a few others that posted, I too used to be an extrovert in my younger years. Now that I have some age on me I am more introverted ( my preference). My idea of a wonderful evening is relaxing at home with a good book to take me on an adventure.

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  39. Hi Susan! I’m an basically an introvert, married to an extrovert for 54 years. At this point in my life, I would like to believe I am somewhere in between. I have always enjoyed crafting, knitting and reading books and currently babysitting my grandson 3 days a week. I haven’t read any of your books yet but I intend to change that very soon whether there is a win in my future or not! Wish you a happy and healthy 2020!

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  40. Extrovert. I want to be more patient and listen more talk less. Enjoy more worry less. I have your book on my wish list. I would like to win it. Thank you for the opportunity.

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  41. I’m an introvert. My goal is to spend more time reading books & less time reading emails & FB.

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  42. I am always an introvert growing up… I didn’t grow up with dolls, stuffed toys or sleep-over.. My playmate at home was my second brother .. And, I guess I am quite fit with your description of introverts – deep thinker, good listener, observant and sensitive to others’ needs ( especially when I work with kids with special needs.
    No, I don’t have FOMO, not a party goer. I always looking forward to a peaceful and quiet holiday “me time”, reading books with my furry daughters curl up on my laps.. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

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  43. I just realized I never made it over here to comment today. Bad, Mark! Bad!

    I’m an introvert when in a crowd, but an extrovert when I’m home wishing I were out doing something with people. I wish I could match my desire to be out doing stuff with the times I am and my desire to be home alone with the times I am.

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  45. I am a introvert, I would rather stay at home with a good book, a craft project or a good show on the TV then go out.
    I don’t have resolutions this years there more goals, which is to get more organized and healthier.

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  49. I’m an introvert too. I can talk online like this, but in person, I’m so shy. I wish I had more confidence. I think that’s why I love to read so much. It takes me away and I can be those characters in my books. Thank you so very much for this chance❤

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  50. I’m also an introvert. I’m not sure my other comment posted. This is why I love to read. I can be my characters and live through them. I didn’t post this in my other comment, but I’m very shy. I think it’s because I was assaulted when I was 17. Just really really shy since then. Please don’t feel bad for me. I made it❤

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