Imposter syndrome can often feel like being a side character in a horror movie: you know the monster is gonna get you, but you don’t know when. Many authors–from just starting out to long-time pros–experience imposter syndrome, especially people who are marginalized. We wonder if we “really” belong; we wonder if everyone else knows we’re faking-it-til-making-it; but when will someone call our bluff? Imposter syndrome is common and we can continue our work despite the doubts. So, how do we deal with it? What techniques do you employ to make it to the end credits?

Panel: Alasdair Stuart, E. M. Markoff, Alexandra Rowland, Nancy Kress, Margaret Dunlap

The Imposter Syndrome is:

it’s the little voice that says “Did I deserve this?”
feeling like your success is because of luck or the people you know
feeling like you can’t do it again
“We fooled them again.”
feeling not worthy of the success or recognition
the feeling is not supported by evidence
self-doubt
not accepting empirical proof
can stem from mind control or mind set

lack of support
carries over from the past or childhood


gendered? (some discussion here)
tiny little micro-things add up
based on expectations
sometimes based on real mental health issues
can lead to depression
is one of the most hazardous effects of the creative industry
as you get older, you just get better at hiding it
comes forth particularly when having to write a professional bio (“How would a white dude write it?”)
“Why am I bothering?”
Because of your age? Nope.
Comparing the final draft of your previous work with the first draft of your new work


Coping

“When you set aside, you can focus on the characters and story.”
“Narrow your focus” (like a magnifying glass) on your current story
anxiety medication
“brute force” to “those people” that you can …
talk to your therapist
self-awareness of when it is happening and why
it can help to put some good experiences “in the bank” to reflect on
when someone gives you a compliment, just say “Thanks” without giving yourself time to dwell on it
don’t be afraid to ask for help and accept it; don’t let yourself believe “There are people who deserve it more than me.”
find people who you can trust
“add a rung to your ladder” — don’t dwell
project confidence on what you do know and what you have done
use writing as a cathartic tool to work through it
express it in writing — externalize it
put labels on it or describe it
“You are not alone.”
practice better thought processes
cut yourself some slack
focus on how much further you can go rather than how far you’ve come
practice some self-kindness
“never underestimate the power of cake” (insert the comfort food of your choice)
“Fall in love with finishing your work.”
combine work (writing) for therapy plus work to finish
“Motivate yourself out of spite … or whatever.”
give yourself permission to sit down and do the work


Providing Support

Point out (tactfully) that their brain is doing this thing
support through healthy communication


Other Points

the best moment of writing when nothing else exists, the world disappears — just the characters
you don’t always see others’ anxieties
“Always be aware of your own voice and don’t censor yourself.”
“Your own voice will also be the strongest one to write with.”



Note: The discussion occasionally jumped around due to questions from the audience, so I have organized them here somewhat by topic rather than in the order in which they were originally presented.