3 Quick Writing Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

I know you’ve experienced imposter syndrome. We all have. For those unfamiliar with the term, it’s that icky, anxious feeling that doesn’t allow you to enjoy your success. It tells you that your level of success is not enough or unearned. You feel like a fraud. Hence “imposter.” And honestly? Imposter syndrome doesn’t magically go away, even when you defeat it. Imposter syndrome comes back at various points in your writing career. It can even happen from book to book. It can make it hard to concentrate or even trigger writers’ block. So how do you overcome imposter syndrome?

Here are three quick tips:

1. Log Off Social Media

I know. It’s hard. Especially when you feel pressured to have a platform to network and sell books. But imposter syndrome is often triggered by the comparison bug. It’s easy to think you’re not good enough when you’re seeing agent announcement after book deal after award win. Overcome your self-doubt by limiting external influence. Granted, I know keeping up a platform is important for the algorithm, so if you absolutely cannot log off, then set timers on your phone, or create your content elsewhere, then copy and paste it into a post, before logging back off. Protect your peace.

2. Ask a Critique Partner for a Positivity Pass

This basically means you’re sending your work out and asking your CPs to tell you what is working only. Emphasize that you do not want them to criticize anything that isn’t working. You just want to hear the good. Sometimes seeing what is working can be just as helpful as being told what isn’t. It can give you a little confidence boost and help you lean into your strengths.

3. Finally, Accept That Your Imposter Syndrome May Be Right

What?! How dare you say that, Shannon! I know. It’s an unpopular opinion. But before you come at me, know that I do this to myself. Instead of fighting my imposter syndrome, I often lean into it, hard. When I think, I’m not very good at this, I then confront myself. So? What have you been good at and what are you going to do to be even better? I find a way to improve whatever I am feeling negatively about. If there isn’t room for improvement—for instance, you’re struggling with the next step in your career and it’s out of your control, like winning an award—then I tell myself this: So what? So what if you’re not good enough for this. You’re good enough for other things. And you love doing this. What else would you be doing with your time? If it happens, great. But if not, oh well. You still have your passion.

You see, we all start somewhere. It’s often in an awkward place. But many fledgling writers have all the confidence in the world. That confidence? It’s actually passion. Excitement. Energy. Imposter syndrome is a shadow that takes it all away. Your passion is the light that’s going to make it disappear.

Believe in yourself and, if you can’t do that, believe in your ability to do better next time.

I believe in you,

~SAT