What to read if you have Imposter Syndrome

That thing we all have.

Good morning wordicorns and scribblers,

Today I want to talk about something we all suffer from: Imposter Syndrome. It’s that voice in your head telling you that you’re a fraud, that nagging feeling that you should leave your writing to the professionals. It’s insidious. It’s toxic. And it can kill creativity—not to mention it’s eroding your mental health as you read this.

I can tell you that you that you’re amazing a million times over. Your best friend, your partner, your mom, your neighbor, your insurance agent, your UPS delivery person can say it, but it means nothing if the little creature sitting on your shoulder is calling us all a liar.

So here’s the truth. It’s brutal, so sit down or stand up or grab onto something (whatever is best for you): We have all been frauds at some point. We will all be frauds again.

And in this case (about writing, I mean), that’s okay.

Fake it til you make it, right?

You can’t get good at anything if you don’t sit down and just do it. And you can’t do it if you suck at it. So, you don’t suck. You can do it.

Copyright Amer Mughaw via Unsplash

I have much more to say on the topic. But until then, here are some voices sharing their experiences with and how they’ve managed their Imposter Syndrome.

I hope at least one of them makes your journey as little easier.

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Articles/essays of interest

• A great article on questioning the phrase “Imposter” and using it as often as we do. It’s in reference to women (especially those of color or with many accolades), but it’s so good I think we could all stand to read it. “The label of imposter syndrome is a heavy load to bear. “Imposter” brings a tinge of criminal fraudulence to the feeling of simply being unsure or anxious about joining a new team or learning a new skill.”

• “Two years after my first book came out, I still find myself feeling like such an outsider in my own industry.” —

  Olivia Petter

A writer should be an imposter in every room, right?

• “I've got until 3p to write and baby I feel ready. I wonder what is the best way to do this?” —

  Alex Dobrenko`

A day in the life of a writer who is also a dad and husband etc

• “My competition lies solely with me.” —

  Jendia Gammon

Write on Through Self-Doubt

• “Many of us battle imposter syndrome, especially when we’re venturing into the unknown.” —

  Kristi Koeter

Go ahead, put that stake in the ground

• “I chucked this banana can drawing in the rubbish a few years ago.” —

  Julia Pott

  Showing your work

• A piece about millennial imposter syndrome that feels applicable to any and all kinds by

  Liz Plank
  .

• A lovely post about calling yourself a writer and intention by

  Haver & Sparrow
  .

  H&S Archive: You're allowed to call yourself a writer...

• Time Magazine’s thoughts on Imposter Syndrome and a few ways to work through it.

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