When Success Makes You Feel Like a Fraud: My Dance with Imposter Syndrome
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Have you ever felt like you've somehow tricked everyone around you into believing you're competent, while secretly harbouring the fear that you're just one mistake away from being exposed as a complete fraud?
This phenomenon, known as Imposter Syndrome, is a persistent psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have an internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud." Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing it remain convinced they don't deserve their success, attributing achievements to luck, timing, or their ability to deceive others about their abilities, knowledge, or talents.
My Recent Encounter with the Imposter Within
I experienced a severe case of imposter syndrome after being invited to be a guest on Howard Lovy's Inspirational Indie Author podcast. Initially, I'd confidently pitched myself to the host with a well-crafted email highlighting the unique aspects of my journey, writing process, and books that would make me an interesting guest. I felt sure of myself and my story but at the same time, doubted my pitch would be successful.
Then came the acceptance email. Suddenly, that confidence evaporated. What had seemed like worthy accomplishments just days before now felt insignificant. Who was I to speak as though I had wisdom to share? Had I somehow misrepresented myself in that pitch? The irony wasn't lost on me - I only began to feel like an imposter after someone validated that my experiences were, in fact, worth sharing.
If you'd like to listen to the podcast recording, you can find the episode here: M. Jacqueline Murray on the Inspirational Indie Author Podcast
The Writer's Paradox
Authors are particularly susceptible to imposter syndrome. We pour ourselves into our work, then send it into the world where it faces judgment. Even established, celebrated writers admit to feeling like frauds.
Writing requires us to be both vulnerable and brave simultaneously, exposing our thoughts while facing potential criticism. With each book release, we stand at the edge of our comfort zones, wondering if this will be the time everyone realizes we don't belong.
The creative process itself makes us vulnerable. We work in isolation, comparing our messy first drafts to others' polished final products. We wrestle with characters and plotlines that refuse to behave, wondering if "real writers" struggle this much. And then there's the deeply personal nature of writing - when we share our work, we're offering pieces of ourselves for evaluation.
The Unexpected Antidote
But you know what's been the most powerful antidote to these feelings? You. Yes, you. Those messages that appear unexpectedly in my inbox from readers I've never met, sharing how they identified with a particular character, or how a story resonated with them. Each time a stranger takes a moment to reach out about how my words touched them, the imposter voice grows a little quieter. It’s those connections that remind me why I write in the first place - not to be recognized as an expert or to claim some lofty status, but to create stories that find their way to the hearts that need them.
A Two-Way Street of Validation
Have you experienced imposter syndrome in your own life? I'd love to hear about it. And if a book (mine or anyone else's) has ever touched you in a meaningful way, consider sending that author a quick note or leaving a review. That small act of kindness might be exactly what they need to silence the doubts whispering, "You don't belong here."
Your words matter just as much to authors as our words might matter to you. It's a beautiful cycle of connection that helps all of us feel a little more like we belong.
Because the truth is, we do belong - all of us who create with sincerity, who strive to connect, who put our work into the world hoping it might matter to someone. Your voice matters. Don't let imposter syndrome convince you otherwise.