Overcoming Imposter Writing Syndrome
I have never claimed to be a professional author; instead, I refer to myself as an amateur who is doing everything possible to become better. Part of the issue is that I did not start my career as a writer. Instead, I wrote my first book at age 48 because I was unemployed and wanted to make a quick buck. This is in stark contrast to hardcore authors with an English degree from a prestigious university who have been writing award-winning movie scripts, books, and plays since they were ten.
Still, I hope to be considered a competent writer someday. Yet, I know this is a long road requiring time and effort. Thus, I search every corner of the internet to learn all that I can. And there is so much. Take dialogue integration as an example. Bill said, “Hello.” Or is it: “Hello,” Bill said. Which is it? Things get complex in that minefield.
So, it was no surprise that I discovered something new in the following article:
Still, I hope to be considered a competent writer someday. Yet, I know this is a long road requiring time and effort. Thus, I search every corner of the internet to learn all that I can. And there is so much. Take dialogue integration as an example. Bill said, “Hello.” Or is it: “Hello,” Bill said. Which is it? Things get complex in that minefield.
So, it was no surprise that I discovered something new in the following article:
Imposter Writing Syndrome is when an author does not feel they are an author. Essentially, they lack confidence. Well, clearly that is not me. After all, I write articles every week and have published four books. Proof positive. Done!
Well… The article highlighted three symptoms of imposter syndrome: constant self-criticism, excessive self-editing, and procrastination. Gosh, my endless self-edits were a dead giveaway that I was suffering bigtime. So, I researched the matter to learn more.
Well… The article highlighted three symptoms of imposter syndrome: constant self-criticism, excessive self-editing, and procrastination. Gosh, my endless self-edits were a dead giveaway that I was suffering bigtime. So, I researched the matter to learn more.
Their message is simple. Cowboy-up, and write. Ignore the doubt. Believe in yourself! At its core, this is a viewpoint issue, and I need to have a more positive attitude.
So, I have been working on solutions over the last two weeks. This includes placing Post-it notes on my monitor with inspirational messages and reading about the successes of other authors.
I also made a big change to my writing routine. I have learned the very hard way to do a self-check before beginning to write or edit. This mental evaluation ensures that I am not upset or distracted. If there is even the slightest hint of negativity, I do something to calm myself down.
I have added to this routine by reminding myself that writing is a fun activity; in fact, it is a privilege. Then, I look at one of my Post-It notes. As a final step, I recite a quote from an unlikely source, the Billy Crystal and Danny DeVito movie Throw Momma from the Train.
In the movie, Billy’s character teaches a writing class filled with mediocre students. He is also a modest author with a bad case of writer’s block. Even with all those negatives, he still has a “go get them” attitude and says this famous line: “A writer writes, always.”
So, I have been working on solutions over the last two weeks. This includes placing Post-it notes on my monitor with inspirational messages and reading about the successes of other authors.
I also made a big change to my writing routine. I have learned the very hard way to do a self-check before beginning to write or edit. This mental evaluation ensures that I am not upset or distracted. If there is even the slightest hint of negativity, I do something to calm myself down.
I have added to this routine by reminding myself that writing is a fun activity; in fact, it is a privilege. Then, I look at one of my Post-It notes. As a final step, I recite a quote from an unlikely source, the Billy Crystal and Danny DeVito movie Throw Momma from the Train.
In the movie, Billy’s character teaches a writing class filled with mediocre students. He is also a modest author with a bad case of writer’s block. Even with all those negatives, he still has a “go get them” attitude and says this famous line: “A writer writes, always.”
That line has stuck inside my bonkers mind for years. It means: keep going! Just write! Get out of your own way! Do it! Do it! And now, this line is helping me again.
As I write this article, I notice an improvement in attitude. Yes, I still endlessly self-edit, but I do it with more confidence. As a further reminder, I glance at the books on my shelf. They remind me that while my accomplishments are modest, they are still accomplishments.
I will conclude this article on a high note, as I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. This was fun and worthwhile. Plus, I will no longer refer to myself as an amateur author. I am an up-and-coming author. Good for me.
You’re the best -Bill
September 03, 2025
As I write this article, I notice an improvement in attitude. Yes, I still endlessly self-edit, but I do it with more confidence. As a further reminder, I glance at the books on my shelf. They remind me that while my accomplishments are modest, they are still accomplishments.
I will conclude this article on a high note, as I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. This was fun and worthwhile. Plus, I will no longer refer to myself as an amateur author. I am an up-and-coming author. Good for me.
You’re the best -Bill
September 03, 2025
