Overcoming imposter syndrome as a writer
Have you ever read a book and worried that you’ll never be able to produce something so perfectly polished? When networking, do you find yourself checking people’s social media bios to see which competitions they’ve won? Are you wondering if you can even call yourself a ‘writer’? You’re not alone.
Throughout the years, I’ve experienced imposter syndrome countless times as a writer. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, it’s most recognisable as that little (yet surprisingly powerful) voice in the back of your brain that churns out irrational, negative thoughts, such as:
“I’m not good enough to be a writer.”
“I’ll never get published.”
“Everyone around me is better than I am.”
Whilst it’s natural to experience some doubt and nerves about our writing – we worry because we care about it – imposter syndrome makes you overly self-critical and anxious.
It can manifest itself physically, too. Ever experienced that panicky feeling in your chest as you struggle to get words on the page? Does your heart start racing at the thought of others thinking you’re a fraud? Yep, that’s imposter syndrome striking again.
On multiple occasions during my MA in Writing for Young People, I’ve been in awe of my peers’ creativity and hoped to soak up their talent via osmosis (is that how it works?). It took me a while to appreciate that I have some skills of my own. Although conquering self-doubt is still a work in progress for me (excuse the writerly pun), here are my top tips for overcoming imposter syndrome as a writer.
Tip #1: Share your work
Letting others read your work can seem like the most daunting thing in the world. After all, we spend so much time in our minds or at our desks that we’re used to writing being a solitary and personal activity. The second that you offer your work for critique, you expose a part of yourself.
But getting external feedback is a great way to challenge your inner critic and boost your confidence. Have you been told by a friend that your writing made them laugh? Maybe the sentence you spent hours trying to perfect gave someone chills. Or perhaps your workshop partner felt your protagonist was relatable. Though small, these compliments are important reminders of your success. Believe them!
Tip #2: Don’t give up after a bad first draft
As hard as it is to hear, your first draft will be terrible. It’ll be a mess of words on a page that makes you wonder why you ever thought you could write. Nearly everyone has that same experience. But don’t see it as a reason to give up! A bad draft doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer. Second and third drafts exist for a reason; they’re chances to improve. Instead of perceiving that dodgy draft as evidence of your failure, view it as an opportunity to hone your craft.
Tip #3: Stop comparing yourself to others
I know, I know, it’s easier said than done. When your critique partner receives a full manuscript request for his epic adventure about space unicorns traversing planets to find a pot of magic glitter, sometimes you can’t help but bash your head against your blank screen and wonder why that hasn’t happened for you. But try to remember that everyone is on their own journey. If you work hard and have faith in your writing, your time will come.
Similarly, it’s not always beneficial for debut writers to compare their work to The Sunday Times bestsellers. Aspiring to that level of success is great, but don’t get bogged down or overwhelmed by trying to emulate it in a first draft. Two things I find useful to remember are a) those books have been through endless drafts and professional edits to reach their high standard, and b) you can’t control the market or what sells – all you can do is write.
Tip #4: Start a conversation about how you feel
Imposter syndrome is more common than you think. I can guarantee that the people in your critique group have suffered from it at some point. That friend whose cracking opening lines you wish you wrote almost certainly doubts their ability too.
Why don’t we talk about this fear we all experience? When I told my peers that I wanted to write an article about overcoming imposter syndrome, many of them were keen to read my advice. Knowing that they experienced the same concerns made me feel less alone. So, next time you notice those negative thoughts cropping up, talk to your fellow writers. You’ll be able to reassure each other of your talent and work together to block out those thoughts.
Tip #5: Write away the fear
The more you write, the better you’ll get at it. I encourage you to look back at your writing from a few years ago. Yes, even that draft you hid in the back of a cupboard or a secret file on your computer. Once you’re done cringing, you’ll realise how much your craft has developed. A quick comparison between ‘then’ and ‘now’ can help boost your morale. When you next find yourself thinking, “I don’t know if I’m good enough”, you’ll have proof that you are.
Tip #6: Find a distraction
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or experiencing imposter syndrome, one of the best things you can do is to switch off. Shut down your laptop, mute the writers’ group chat, and stay away from social media. Instead, go on a walk to clear your head or listen to music – whatever helps you to relax and stop overthinking. Something I do is make a cup of tea and sit down with a good book. Before long, the words on the page remind me of what’s important: I love to write. When my mind is clear, I return to my laptop, feeling rested and ready to write again.
Conclusion
Your mind can be a powerful, scary place, but it’s also where your wonderful stories blossom. Don’t let irrational thoughts hold your creativity for ransom. Next time you find yourself wondering if you should give up writing for good, stop imposter syndrome in its tracks by repeating this to yourself: I can write. I am good enough. I believe in myself.
