Imposter!

As a writer, have you ever felt like an imposter? Like you’re wearing a costume, pretending to be someone you’re not? Acting like a legitimate writer while feeling deep down you’re the furthest thing from that? To put it in the modern vernacular – do you ever feel like you’re posing? There’s a term for that – it’s called Imposter Syndrome.

I’ve frequently wrestled with Imposter Syndrome, and I don’t often come out the victor in those particular wrestling matches. But with increasing frequency, I’m beginning to win the battle against the dreaded Imposter Syndrome.

I’m not winning the battle against it because I’ve signed a traditional publishing contract – or because I sell massive amounts of books. I’m winning against it because I love to write, and because the books I’ve written have entertained and caused a small group of readers to experience moments of joy. They’ve caused them to experience moments of introspection. They’ve supplied moments where those readers have considered the life conditions of their fellow human beings and have wanted to make things better for them.

I’ve come to understand and truly believe that if a person loves to write and someone enjoys their writing – no matter if it’s one person or one million people – then that writer is the furthest thing from an imposter. They’re genuine. And there’s no better feeling in the world than knowing you’re genuine.