Ever feel like you're just faking it?

[amberdreams]

This was on a writing blog today and I thought I'd share it here because - yeah - all the bleedin' time, matey. Art and writing both, for me.

3 Steps to Dealing With Imposter Writer Syndrome

The unescapable reality is that if you want to be a writer, you will feel shame.Everyone feels shame, but writer’s are particular susceptible to it. It’s just part of the job.

And the worst part is there’s no quick-fix to shame.

But here are three tips to dealing with that feeling of being an “imposter” writer:

1. Identify It

First, just recognize your feelings. When you get that feeling like you got punched in the gut or someone poured a bucket of ice water over your head, make the connection, “Oh, I’m feeling shame right now.”

2. Endure it

Next, endure it. Even though you may feel like you would do anything to not feel like this, the hard truth is that you can’t distract yourself out of shame.

And if you try to distract yourself as a way to avoid feelings of shame, you can potentially do long-term damage to your creativity (creativity and vulnerability are closely linked).

Instead, feel your feelings. Breathe them in. Breath them out. Let them exist, even as they rip you up inside.

3. Replace It

Shame is the belief that who you are is not good enough.

Obviously, that’s a lie, because you are awesome.

You can be a great writer.

You aren’t a sham, an imposter, or just faking it.

You are an artist. You are beautifully and wonderfully creative.

And, most of all, writing is supposed to be fun! Stop taking it (and yourself!) so seriously.

“

Writing is supposed to be fun! Stop taking it (and yourself!) so seriously.

Tweet this

Don’t give in to the lie, replace it with truth.

You Aren’t An Imposter

We all feel like imposters. Even the great writers do:

F. Scott Fitzgerald felt like an imposter.

J.K. Rowling felt like an imposter.

Earnest Hemingway felt like an imposter.

George R.R. Martin felt like an imposter.

We all feel like we’re faking this writing thing so much of the time. You can’t avoid it.

But you can live with it. You can overcome it. You can write anyway.

Comments

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

And, most of all, writing is supposed to be fun! Stop taking it (and yourself!) so seriously.
this is the most true sentence I have ever read! Thank you for this! Mind if I hit share?!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

of course not, share away! I'm only sharing it myself in the first place :D

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

Thanks bb! :)