Feeling Imposter Syndrome

 This week I have been thinking about the term "Imposter Syndrome" and its availability within our, the writers of the world, brains. 

Imposter Syndrome is a normal feeling for most artists, where you feel a sense of doubt about your own accomplishments. There is so much doubt whenever I look at my own work, and this weekend I was validated in my own capabilities as a writer. 

I finished my first draft of the new novel, named currently "Romace?" and most certainly subject to change. I have been so excited about this book, but the fear of inadequacy has been hounding me the whole time. So, I did what any rational person would do: I gave the first couple of chapters to my loving family. 

One member reads books like I do, probably more, and he has a lot of opinions about novels. He finds books to be the best escape, and I'd have to agree, so when he told me that he wanted to read more? I was on cloud 9. His thoughts about those chapters were about the characters and the action, and how I was able to reel him in within the first couple of paragraphs (intro will be on the Instagram later this week), it made every bad thought disappear.

My other cousin read it and she felt the same way. She had gotten to chapter three, and she had no notes. No. Notes! The fact that my first draft was getting this kind of response is something I could only dream of. 

I should mention they are not the kind of people who will be nice when the actual story is garbage. Especially the guy-no names for my privacy-if he hates something, he will be nice but brutal. 

This week was about my own impostor syndrome, but I know we all get it. That feeling of maybe it being a fluke? Or someone is making it up to make us feel better. So here is my advice: 

Find people who won't do that. Find two people who will tell you, nicely, that your art does suck, but they will also help you find ways to make it better! While someone will always be better at whatever you love to do, it's okay to also feel good about what you are making. It's important to you, so it's worth the work you put into it. Sometimes your work will be hot garbage and should never see the light of day-I.E any fanfiction I write- but others should be shared. 

When I say "shared," sometimes with a loved one is all you need. I can't do that, though. I am fueled with the hope that one day someone will beg their mom for my novel in a bookstore. This week, or whenever you read this, I want you to go out and remember that your voice and art deserve to be heard. Show it! It might not be for everyone, but someone will like it. 

Audience is key.

The picture is from Acorn and Crow studio. Her art is AMAZING, and I own a bunch of these stickers. Check them out on their own website https://acornandcrowstudio.net/.