By Jamie Dalton
Every writer knows that voice. The one that whispers "you're not good enough" just as you're about to hit submit. The one that compares your first draft to someone else's published work. The voice that tells you you're a fraud, and someday, everyone will find out. Welcome to imposter syndrome – the unwanted companion of creative minds everywhere.
But here's the thing about that voice: it lies. And more importantly, it can be tamed.
Understanding Your Inner Critic
Before we dive into strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, let's acknowledge something important: feeling like an imposter doesn't mean you are one. In fact, studies show that imposter syndrome often affects high achievers and creative professionals the most. The very fact that you're worried about being "good enough" suggests you care deeply about your craft – and that's a trait of a dedicated writer, not a fake one.
Name Your Inner Mean Voice
There's power in naming things. Ancient cultures knew it, fantasy writers use it as a plot device, and psychologists confirm it: naming something gives us power over it. So, let's start by giving that critical inner voice a name.
Why does this work?
Creating distance between yourself and negative thoughts
Making the abstract concrete and manageable
Adding a touch of humor to defuse anxiety
Allowing you to recognize patterns in negative self-talk
Try this exercise: Think about how your inner critic speaks to you. Is it snobbish? Whiny? Overly dramatic? Give it a fitting name like "Professor Pompous" or "Drama Queen Debbie." When those thoughts arise, you can respond with, "Oh, there goes Professor Pompous again, making assumptions."
Keep a "Wins" Folder
Success leaves clues, but our brains are wired to focus on the negative. Combat this by creating tangible evidence of your achievements.
Your Wins Folder should include:
• Positive reviews and reader feedback
• Screenshots of encouraging comments
• Completion certificates from writing courses
• Meeting word count goals
• Finished chapters or drafts
• Competition entries or placements
• Blog posts or articles published
• Personal milestones in your writing journey
Make this folder easily accessible. When imposter syndrome strikes, open it. Let it remind you of how far you've come and what you're capable of achieving.
The Power of Reframing
"I'm not good enough" is perhaps the most common manifestation of imposter syndrome. But what if we could transform this thought into something more productive?
Shifting Your Perspective:Instead of: "I'm not good enough"Try: "I'm still learning and growing"
Instead of: "Everyone will realize I'm a fraud"Try: "I'm challenging myself to improve"
Instead of: "My writing is terrible"Try: "This draft needs revision, and that's normal"
Remember: Every bestselling author started somewhere. J.K. Rowling's first Harry Potter manuscript was rejected multiple times. Stephen King's rejection letters could wallpaper a room. The difference between published authors and aspiring ones often isn't talent – it's persistence.
The Power of Community
Writing can be solitary, but overcoming imposter syndrome shouldn't be. Joining a writing community offers multiple benefits:
Building Connections:
• Find critique partners who understand your struggles
• Share experiences and solutions
• Learn from others at different stages
• Celebrate wins together, no matter how small
Creating Support Systems:
Regular check-ins with writing buddies
Accountability partnerships
Shared goal setting
Mutual encouragement during tough times
Remember: Even experienced authors have doubts. In writing communities, you'll often find that the concerns you thought were unique to you are actually universal experiences.
Challenge Your Inner Critic's Logic
Your inner critic often speaks in absolutes and generalizations. It's time to challenge these assumptions with logic and evidence.
Common Critical Thoughts and Counter arguments:"You're not a real writer"→ What defines a "real" writer? Someone who writes. You write, therefore you are a writer.
"No one will want to read this"→ How can you predict what others will enjoy? Different readers have different tastes.
"You'll never be as good as [favorite author]"→ They weren't born writing masterpieces either. Everyone starts somewhere.
The Art of Self-Permission
One of the most powerful tools against imposter syndrome is giving yourself permission – permission to be imperfect, to learn publicly, to take up space in the writing world.
Creating Your Permission Slip:Dear [Your Name],You have permission to:
Write badly (that's what editing is for)
Share your work before it's perfect
Call yourself a writer
Take up space in the literary world
Learn and grow publicly
Succeed AND fail
Change your writing style or genre
Take breaks when needed
Signed,
Your Future Self
7. Tracking Progress: Your Writing Journey Map
Progress often happens so gradually that we miss it. Creating a systematic way to track your growth can provide concrete evidence against imposter syndrome.
Elements to Track:
• Daily word counts
• Completed projects
• Skills learned
• Feedback received
• Goals achieved
• Challenges overcome
• Time invested in craft
• Publishing milestones
Documenting your journey isn't just about fighting imposter syndrome – it's about creating a roadmap of your evolution as a writer.
Identity vs. Outcome: Breaking the Connection
Your worth as a writer isn't determined by:
Book sales
Social media following
Review ratings
Competition results
Publishing contracts
Your worth as a writer is determined by:
Your dedication to craft
Willingness to learn
Persistence through challenges
Love of storytelling
Commitment to improvement
Creating Your Confidence Routine
Develop a pre-writing ritual that puts you in a positive mindset:
Morning Pages:Start your day with free writing – no judgment, no editing, just pure expression.
Affirmation Practice:• "I am a writer worthy of being read"• "My stories matter"• "I improve with every word I write"• "My voice is unique and valuable"• "I trust my creative process"
Environment Setting:
Create a dedicated writing space (even if it's at your kitchen table or favorite coffee shop)
Use inspiring quotes or vision boards
Keep your Wins Folder visible
Eliminate common distractions
Taking Action Despite Doubt
The most powerful antidote to imposter syndrome is action. Every time you take action despite your doubts, you prove to yourself that you can overcome them.
Action Steps:
Submit that story
Share your work
Enter that competition
Query that agent
Start that new project
Join that writing group
Attend that workshop
Request that feedback
Remember, imposter syndrome isn't a sign of inadequacy – it's often a sign that you're pushing yourself to grow. Every time you feel like an imposter, it means you're challenging yourself to reach new heights.
The key isn't to eliminate these feelings entirely (they may always pop up from time to time), but to develop tools and strategies to manage them effectively. Use this guide as your roadmap, but remember that overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey, not a destination.
Your Next Steps:
Choose one strategy from this guide to implement today
Start your Wins Folder
Name your inner critic
Join a writing community
Create your confidence routine
Remember: The world needs your stories, your voice, and your unique perspective. Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back from sharing them.
Your inner critic may be loud, but your determination to write can be louder. Every word you write is an act of courage, every story you complete is a victory, and every time you choose to continue despite doubt, you prove that you are, indeed, a real writer.
Need some help deciding which one to choose? Here's a quick break down of which things may be harder or easier for some author archetypes. Not sure what yours are? You can check that out here!
NINJA
Easier:
Harder:
INVESTIGATOR
Easier:
Harder:
BARD
Easier:
Harder:
HERMIT
Easier:
Harder:
ASTRONAUT
Easier:
Harder:
PROFESSOR
Easier:
Harder:
NOMAD
Easier:
Harder:
WIZARD
Easier:
Harder:
APPRENTICE
Easier:
Harder:
ARCHIVIST
Easier:
Harder:
Now, go write that story. The world is waiting.
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