Imposter Syndrome Hits Hard

What's Left by Livvy Skelton-Price

Imposter syndrome can be a common occurrence within the writing community. We spend a lot of time dreaming about being Authors, yet when we become one, we don't believe it.

I had a recent experience when I was referred to as an Author. Not only that, I was introduced as an Author.

For the first time in my writing career, I completely froze. I had an overwhelming urge to correct them, tell them it's only me. Not an Author, just me. I wanted to run, they would find out the truth eventually. I wanted to apologise, as though I did something wrong.

What would make me think I could be an Author?

It was the strangest feeling. All my life I've pushed past the terms, "It's just a hobby." "That's cute." "But have you actually written anything?"

I've received a lot of praise for my words throughout my life and a standard I've worked to live up to.

I knew I could do it. I knew I could write a book. I knew I could publish it.

I knew at some point in my life, I would do it.

And I have.

Yet, being referred to as the thing I've wanted to be all my life makes me freeze up and want to run.

It's talked about in the writing community: Imposter Syndrome. There are a few things we can do when we are in that situation. Disclaimer: this is from my personal experience:

1) Stay calm. Take a breath.

They are calling you this for a reason. You may not feel like it, but it's true. There was something you did to get to where you are; let them call you 'Author' if they want. Take a deep breath.

2) Remind Yourself You Are An Author.

That book they're holding. That's yours. The only way they got that is by you writing and publishing it. The only way that happened is because you decided to become a published Author.

3) Smile and nod.

Foolproof. Smile, nod, and say thank you. Pretend you're in a foreign country and you don't speak the language. Smiling and nodding never fails.

What's your favourite way to deal with Imposter Syndrome?