Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a First-Time Author
As someone who struggles with anxiety (among other psychological conditions), “Imposter Syndrome” is something I have long history with, especially when it comes to writing. As a child, writing was a source of joy and self-expression for me. My teachers and peers recognized my talent, and I even won school-wide and state-wide awards for my short stories. But as I got older, that recognition started to feel like a weight rather than a boost. Instead of motivating me, it made me anxious—what if my next piece wasn’t as good? What if I wasn’t really as talented as everyone believed? Eventually, the pressure became too much, and I stopped writing creatively almost entirely.
Losing (and Finding) My Love for Writing
Through high school and college, I distanced myself from creative writing. I attended Sarah Lawrence College, one of the best creative writing schools in the country, yet I never took a single writing class. Looking back, I regret that decision, but at the time, I wasn’t confident enough to share my work with my professors or peers. Instead, I focused on my other academics and later built a career in the NGO sector, where writing donor and research reports became a significant part of my job. However, that kind of writing only made me love writing less—it felt technical, structured, and devoid of the creativity that had once fueled me.
Then the pandemic happened. Like so many others, I turned to books for comfort, and my love for reading reignited. I became a voracious reader, particularly of romance novels, and as I absorbed story after story, I started thinking more critically about storytelling itself. Ideas for my own stories began to take root. I started dabbling again—journaling, jotting down snippets of fiction, and writing short stories just for myself. But as I took these tentative steps back into writing, I found myself battling imposter syndrome more than ever.
The Fear of Not Being Good Enough
One of my biggest fears is that my work-in-progress won’t be any good—or at least, not good enough to be publishable. That fear is paralyzing at times. I find myself wondering: Who am I to think I can write a novel? I don’t have an MFA. I took a long break from writing. I spent years feeling like I had abandoned my creativity. Why should I believe I can suddenly produce something worth reading?
But here’s the truth: Every writer, no matter how experienced, has these doubts. Imposter syndrome thrives on comparison, on the idea that we need permission or validation to call ourselves writers. But the act of writing itself is what makes us writers—not a degree, not a publishing deal, and certainly not some external measure of "good enough."
How I’m Pushing Through Imposter Syndrome
I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve found a few strategies that help me keep moving forward despite my doubts:
Learning the Craft – I’ve immersed myself in studying creative writing, reading books on craft, and watching countless videos to better understand story structure, character development, and pacing. The more I learn, the more confident I feel in my ability to tell a compelling story.
Reframing My Project as a Learning Experience – Instead of putting pressure on myself to write a perfect, publishable novel, I’m viewing this as a trial run. My goal isn’t perfection; it’s to prove to myself that I can write a full novel from start to finish. That shift in mindset has helped ease some of the anxiety.
Allowing Myself to Write Badly – First drafts are messy. No one writes a perfect book on the first try, and that’s okay. I remind myself that even the most successful authors revise extensively. My job right now is just to get the story down on the page.
Connecting with Other Writers – Reading about other writers’ struggles with imposter syndrome reassures me that I’m not alone. Writing communities, whether online or in person, provide encouragement and remind me that self-doubt is part of the process.
Focusing on the Joy of Writing – When I let go of the need for external validation and focus on the act of storytelling itself, writing becomes fun again. I remind myself why I started in the first place—to create, to explore, to bring characters to life.
Encouragement for Fellow First-Time Authors
If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, know that you’re not alone. The doubt may never fully disappear, but it doesn’t have to control you. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep reminding yourself that your voice matters. Every writer starts somewhere, and every story you write—no matter how imperfect—brings you one step closer to the writer you’re meant to be.
You are a writer, simply because you write. And that’s enough.
Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome in your creative pursuits? I’d love to hear how you’ve worked through it—let’s chat in the comments!
