Imposter syndrome. The feeling of being inadequate, not good enough. The fear of failure. It is something that plagues many writers. Myself and my writer friends included. Sometimes, you are working on a project: a book, a dissertation, a thesis—and you will be overcome with the sudden idea that you cannot do this. You’re kidding yourself and soon everyone else will see just how much of a fraud you are. Even if you’ve had successes, the doubt kicks in.
I wish I could tell you that it is something that goes away with experience, but the truth is… no matter where you are in your carer or writing journey, imposter syndrome is most likely going to keep popping up. Sucks, I know.
But… you can help yourself realise imposture syndrome for what it is… self-doubt. With that realisation, you can then move forward on your projects once more.
This post will ask you to consider what Imposter Syndrome is, challenge your inner thoughts, using connections, and reflect on your past achievements to build self-compassion.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome manifests as persistent self-doubt and the fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of competence or success. As someone who is currently studying a PhD, there have been times when I questioned if I was good enough. The one time that speaks to me the most was in second year. I was looking into fantasy, disability and literature but I couldn’t find the resources that I knew should exist.
The thing with a PhD is that you are often building on things that have not been developed in your way before. There is nothing that has your vision. This requires a lot of stitching and weaving together. At the time, it felt like such a big task. And it was. I was building something new. Yes, I was able to refer to academic journals on fantasy. I was able to refer to journals on disability and disabled literature. But there wasn’t much that I could refer to that had my vision. I had to make that.
I think that’s why novelists struggle with imposture syndrome too. There’s nothing quiet like your novel. Because if there was, you wouldn’t be writing the novel.
The thing is, if something doesn’t exist, then no one can tell you if you are doing it right. A PhD, a novel; both require time and patience, hitting at the bare minimum 40,000 words. That’s a lot of words. A lot of sentences to make come from no where. A lot of time for the brain to ask “what if this is wrong”.
It’s natural. If you understand this, it becomes easier to combat it.
Challenging Your Inner Critic
The first step to combatting and overcoming imposter syndrome is challenging the inner critic. We all have thoughts in our mind that tell us we are wrong. Sometimes, they can be helpful and guide us but sometimes they can hinder us and affect our confidence. If your brain tells you that you can’t do it, ask why?
Is it telling the truth or is it just stuck? Does it need a break? What proof does that thought have that you cannot do this?
It’s a technique I had to become familiar with when under therapy. Not because of self-doubt in my writing but because of other, unhelpful thoughts. My university anxiety mentor would and still does ask me “where’s the proof” as did my therapist. Identify the negative thought and challenge it.
For me, in terms of writing, I could point out that I have done two dissertations before, I have done research. I have completed stories before and the parts of the story that I have already completed that my brain had told me I couldn’t do were now done. Remember that. And remember, every writer experiences setbacks and insecurities; it’s how you respond to them that matters.
Speak to Others
Don’t suffer alone. Reach out to fellow writers, mentors and friends. They all would have experienced similar. Trust me. My writer friends and I joke about imposture syndrome sometimes, which can help, but we also brainstorm to help get each other out of ruts. We encourage each other, and we don’t let the imposture syndrome settle and consume each other. Sometimes just hearing the experiences of others going through something similar also helps you know you’re not alone, that it’s normal to doubt yourself.
If you do not have many writer friends who could understand how you are feeling, I recommend joining writer’s groups or online communities. There, you can share experiences and receive encouragement from others who understand the challenges you face.
Really, talking about it helps. It makes things seem lighter… somehow.
Reflect on your Journey
Now, my friend, Sophie, and I were both having imposture syndrome thoughts the other day. I forgot the “talk to someone” advice, but Sophie hadn’t. She expressed her thoughts that she didn’t feel like she could complete her fantasy series and that she was wasting her time because the books wouldn’t make it.
I validated her feelings, told her I understood it felt like an endless loop, but as her writing partner I have seen how the book has improved over the years and I have faith in it. And I do. It’s good.
She expressed that although she had been working on the series for over ten years, it was still not close to being published. I told her I felt the same about Seas’ Game but that we were both forgetting something.
We have both previously been published. And, equally important, we have not just been working on one project throughout the decade. With studies and five, six, seven different stories on the go, it hasn’t been one continuous thing.
So when you think you can’t do it, look at your journey as a whole. You may be forgetting things that you have achieved along the way, as well as any obstacles in your path.
Remember to have Self-Compassion
Practicing self-compassion is essential for combating imposter syndrome. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend facing similar doubts. Acknowledge your strengths and areas for growth without harsh judgment. Remember that writing isn’t easy. You’re creating a new world, a new story. And you’re doing it from your mind. You’re forming words and sentences that never existed on what was once a blank page. Each character you add is an achievement.
Imposter syndrome may be a persistent companion on the writer’s journey, but it doesn’t have to define you. By understanding it, challenging negative thought patterns, and looking at your past achievements, you can reclaim your confidence and thrive as a writer. Remember, you are not alone in this struggle. Seek support from others and celebrate your achievements along the way.
Embrace the writer within you, knowing that your voice is unique and worthy of being heard. It’s hard, but you can do it. Just believe and you can fly.