IMPOSTER SYNDROME

A black and white image of a face being pulled at by hands coming from the background

Why Feeling Like a Fraud Might Actually Mean You're Doing It Right

What Is Imposter Syndrome, Anyway?

Picture this: You sit down to write, and a little voice whispers, “Who are you kidding? You're not a real writer.” Or perhaps it whispers, “It's been done before.”

Sound familiar?

That, dear scribe, is imposter syndrome. It's a sneaky mental gremlin that makes you feel like a total fake—even when you're actually writing. It convinces you that your success (big or small) is just luck, and someday someone will unmask you like a Scooby-Doo villain. Ruh-roh!

If you're a fan of South Park, you might remember the episode called 'Simpsons Already Did It.' The episode was inspired by the fact that The Simpsons beat South Park to several plot concepts. With such a long running show, it's no wonder that The Simpsons had already created a number of ideas in their long-lived run.

Writing stories is no different. Chances are, your plot or idea probably has been done before. But, it hasn't been done the way you're doing it. Each writer has their own voice, their own tale to tell and they will put their own spin on a story. Just because you have an epic fantasy with dragons, doesn't mean you're copying the Game of Thrones series or Fourth Wing.

Why Writers Are Prime Targets

Writers tend to be thinkers. Dreamers. Perfectionists. (Hi, it's us. We're the problem.) We live in our heads, which is both our superpower and our kryptonite.

Whether you're just starting out or already published, imposter syndrome can strike at any time. You may:

Edit yourself into oblivion
Procrastinate like a pro
Constantly compare yourself to others
Hesitate to call yourself a “real writer”

But here's a fun fact: You don't need to be traditionally published by one of the big four to call yourself an author. If you write, you are a writer. Full stop. No aspiring, no permission slip needed.

Tips to Kick Imposter Syndrome in the Butt

1. Stop “Aspiring”

Unless you're trying to be a cloud or a fireman, stop aspiring. If you write, you're a writer. Boom. Done. Welcome to the club—no secret handshake required.

2. Own the Noun

Instead of saying “I write,” start saying “I'm a writer.” Yes, it may feel weird at first, like trying on a hat you're not sure fits. But it does fit. And it looks good on you.

3. Review Your Journey

Dig up your old writing. Cringe at it. Then smile, because that cringing? It means you've grown. Growth is the best proof you're not faking it—you're levelling up.

4. Reframe Success

Published ≠ Validated. Whether you're self-publishing, blogging, writing fanfiction, or keeping a secret journal, you are still a writer. Getting published is nice—but not required for legitimacy.

5. Talk About It

You're not the only one with a sneaky brain troll whispering doubts. Talk to other writers. Join a community. There are hundreds out there online, and a lot of local groups. Scout some out and join them, you'll find that most of us have danced with this monster at least once.

Bonus: Here are some of my favourite communities to join. (Find one that suits your vibe.)

6. Embrace Positivity

Keep a “Nice Things People Have Said About My Writing” folder. Got a kind comment? A glowing review? A proud grandma? Screenshot that stuff. Pull it out on hard days.

7. Prepare for Critics (and Trolls)

Spoiler alert: Someone won't like your work. That's okay. Your writing isn't for everyone—no art is. But don't let a snide comment snuff out your spark. Put on your metaphorical armour and keep going. Some people are also just jealous.

8. Give Yourself Permission to Suck

Sometimes your first draft will be hot garbage. That's okay. Writing badly is part of writing well. Allow yourself to mess up, revise, improve. That's where the magic happens. It's also how you develop your skills and grow as a writer.

9. Keep Writing

This is the golden rule. No matter how fake you feel, don't stop. The only way through imposter syndrome is to write through it. The more you write, the more you'll grow. The more you grow, the quieter that gremlin gets, and you will become a better writer because of it.

Final Thoughts

Feeling like a fraud doesn't mean you are one. It means you care. It means you're stretching yourself. And ironically, it's something most writers experience—so in a weird way, feeling like an imposter is proof that you belong in the club.

So go ahead, say it with me:

“I am a writer.”

And now go write something wonderfully weird, deeply heartfelt, or hilariously bad. Whatever it is—just write it. You've got this.