4 Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
*Special guest post by Melanie Faith, author of From Promising to Published.
Have you ever gotten praise for your writing but still felt it wasn’t good enough? Or gotten published and started to doubt if you’ll ever write anything publishable again? Or felt that the first story or poem or book was just a fluke?
It’s common for writers to experience imposter syndrome multiple times in our lives. Often, just when we’re advancing in our abilities, that doubtful voice rears up.
It’s understandable that confidence in our writing projects, and in ourselves, comes and goes, since we writers are sensitive people who create art. Still, there are things we can do to silence the not-good-enoughs.
Keep something for yourself. I’m an educator and writer, so I communicate for hours each day; I love it. On the other hand, I’m an introvert, so I also love unplugging from technology and renewing my energy alone. Making a tiny part of the day your refuge is important, even if it’s only for twenty minutes at a time. When I’m the busiest and have overshared the most is also when I tend to second-guess my writing. Also, keeping some of your work-in-progress just for yourself can be energizing. Some projects I’ve written have returned me to the joy of creating, but no one else will ever see them—they’re just for me. We live in an era that makes it very easy to share, but that doesn’t mean we have to share every project. Keep some back for you.
Get some sleep and some healthy dinner. Seriously. This is a simple but profound game changer. Don’t edit, add to, or talk about your writing when your body is run down from lack of sleep or nutritious food or both. Many times when I’m feeling imposter vibes it’s because I’ve not gotten enough sleep. Or I ate too much sugar. Or I sat at the computer through mealtime without a break. Eating less sugar, taking a nap, or going to bed even a half-hour earlier can create a thought reset. The same goes with making sure we’re eating balanced meals regularly. When I’m hangry, I tend to overthink in ways I never do when I’ve been eating all of my meals and some healthy snacks in between. If you find yourself in thought-loop land, pause to consider how long it’s been since you’ve eaten or slept well.
Call in the crew. Reach out to a fellow writer or a good friend. Friends and fellow artists can provide quick but effective reminders that yes, we do have talent and this feeling is just that: a feeling that will soon leave. Text, email, call, or have lunch with a supportive pal in the midst of imposter syndrome, and watch those doubts fade.
Keep motivators handy. I frequently write with music playing. Music elevates my creative mind while turning my self-doubts way down to mere background hum. I’ll drop one of my playlists below; the songs might not be your favorite flavor, but they might inspire you to make your own mix for writing. Motivators might also include a favorite quote or a framed photo on your desk, journaling, a favorite blanket you curl up with while you write, or a stash of treats. Surrounding ourselves with stimuli that we care about puts us in a relaxed frame of mind that dampens downer thoughts. You deserve a supportive environment while you create; we all do.
My Current Remove-Self-Doubt, Write-on Mix Tape:
JVKE, “Golden Hour”
PHOX, “Never Lover”
Fleet Foxes, “Featherweight” and “Silver Dagger”
Kings of Convenience, “Love is a Lonely Thing” and “Catholic Country” featuring Feist, and “Rocky Trail”
Laufey, “Fragile”
Simon & Garfunkel, “El Condor Pasa”
Amir Darzi, “Till There Was You,” Beatles Cover
Lord Huron, “To the Ends of the Earth”
Erlend Øye, “La Prima Estate,” “Paradiso” and “Bravo Marco” with La Comitiva
Tears For Fears, “Head Over Heels”
Josh Turner Guitar, “Here, There and Everywhere,” Beatles covers
Monica Martin, “Say”
Durand Jones & The Indications, “Is It Any Wonder?”
Reina del Cid, “I Shall Be Released,” Bob Dylan cover
Melanie Faith is a night-owl writer and editor who likes to wear many hats, including as a poet, photographer and visual artist, prose writer, professor, and tutor. She’s been a doodler for years but just recently got brave enough to share her perfectly imperfect doodles. Three of her writing craft books for writers were published this year by Vine Leaves Press, including her latest, From Promising to Published: A Multi-Genre, Insider's Guide to the Publication Process. She loves to write about historical settings in poetry and prose and will teach an online class about writing historical fiction and time-travel stories this winter. She enjoys ASMR videos, reading, and tiny houses. Learn more about her books, art projects, writing, and classes at https://melaniedfaith.com/, @writepath99 at Instagram, or @writer_faith at Twitter.
Follow the From Promising to Published blog tour:
December 5th @ The Muffin
Join WOW as we celebrate the launch of Melanie Faith's blog tour of From Promising to Publishing. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
December 5th @ Karen Brown Tyson
Visit Karen's blog today and read about whether to monetize your writing or keep it a hobby.
December 7th @ Create Write Now
Visit Mari's blog today to read a guest post by Melanie Faith about how to self-motivate.
https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog
December 8th @ Margay Leah Justice's Blog
Join Margay as she reviews From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.
https://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com/
December 9th @ Blunt Scissors Book Reviews
Jennifer shares her thoughts about Melanie Faith's helpful book From Promising to Published.
https://www.instagram.com/bluntscissorsbookreviews/
December 10th @ World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole's blog to catch her review of From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.
https://worldofmyimagination.com/
December 11th @ Shoe's Seeds and Stories
Visit Linda's blog as she reviews Melanie Faith's book From Promising to Published.
https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/
December 12th @ One Writer's Journey
Sue shares her thoughts about Melanie Faith's helpful book for writers From Promising to Published.
December 13th @ Lisa Haselton's Book Reviews & Interviews
Visit Lisa's blog for an interview with author Melanie Faith about her book From Promising to Published.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/
December 15th @ Mother Daughter Bookclub
Join Cindy as she reviews From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.
https://motherdaughterbookclub.com/
December 16th @ The Faerie Review
Lily shares her thoughts about Melanie Faith's book From Promising to Published.
https://www.thefaeriereview.com/
December 18th @ Michelle Cornish's Blog
Come by Michelle's blog and read Melanie Faith's guest post about overcoming imposter syndrome.
https://www.michellecornish.com/blog
December 20th @ A Storybook World
Deirdra features a spotlight of Melanie Faith's book From Promising to Published.
https://www.astorybookworld.com/
December 21st @ Elle Backenstoe's Blog
Join Elle as she reviews Melanie Faith's book From Promising to Published.
December 22nd @ Author Anthony Avina's Blog
Visit Anthony's blog and read his review of From Promising to Published.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/category/blog-tours/
December 23rd @ Help Me Naomi
Noami shares a review of From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.
December 24th @ The Mommies Reviews
Join Tara she reviews Melanie Faith's book From Promising to Published and hosts a giveaway too.
https://www.themommiesreviews.com/
December 27th @ Mindy McGinnis' Blog
Join Mindy's blog today where author Melanie Faith shares tips on writing author bios that have personality and heart.
https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog
December 27th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog
Join Beverley as she reviews Melanie Faith's book From Promising to Published.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
December 29th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog
Visit Beverley's blog to read a guest post by Melanie Faith about the benefits of hiring a freelance editor and how to find a good fit.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
January 2nd @ Elle Backenstoe's Blog
Visit Elle's blog again and read Melanie Faith's guest post about the benefits of beta readers and how to find one.
January 3rd @ Editor 911
Join Margo as she features a guest post by Melanie Faith about the taking-on-too-much spiral.
January 4th @ Liberate & Lather
Visit Angie's blog and read her review of From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith. She hosts a giveaway and also interviews author Melanie Faith about her book.
https://liberateandlather.com/blog
January 5th @ Word Magic
Fiona reviews this helpful writing book From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith. Don't miss it!
http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/
January 7th @ Leslie's Voice
Join Leslie as she reviews From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.