Aug. 20, 2025 - Imposter Syndrome

I've heard my fellow writers talk about imposter syndrome and even read articles about it, but I've never felt it, until today. I think, perhaps, I'm just feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the task - getting a book published. I had no idea it was so complicated and so difficult. To be honest, even if I had known I wouldn't have avoided writing. I love it. It's something I just feel compelled to do. I guess, it's the need to express the feelings and ideas I have without having to say them out loud. I remember beginning to write in earnest when I was feeling trapped in an abusive relationship. Writing my feelings out in poetry felt like the only way I could make myself heard. When he discovered the portfolio with some poetry in it (it was just sitting on my dresser - I wasn't hiding it), he flew into a rage and forbid me to ever write another poem or show anyone my writing. Of course, that was like waving a red flag in front of a bull! I heard how ridiculous it sounded and wrote more! I even titled my first book ever SHARDS OF GLASS , which was the name of the poem he read that night so long ago.

Now it's about rejection. The rejection letters are so kind and encouraging I feel compelled to write a thank you note - sometimes I have. It's not just the rejection letters, it's the abysmal statistics about how many people who send out query letters even get a response, let alone a request for more pages. Then, of course, the stats on how many people even get taken on by an agent, let alone finally get a book contract! I can see why so many people just give up and self publish. I was tempted to accept an offer over the weekend, but decided to keep pushing forward - for now at least.

Then there's Bruce the Spruce - I've been struggling to make his illustration look the way I want it too. The essence of the character keeps eluding me. All morning I sketched and revised and sketched again. My frustration level is through the roof... I guess that's why I'm feeling like an imposter... am I really a writer - an illustrator? or am I just a wanna be? An imposter. Ouch - I said it out loud.

Okay... back to the drawing board... literally. See if I can work my way out of this.... I hope you're having a better day than I am!

Best wishes always...

P.S. Welcome to my blog! My intention is to keep followers up to date on my latest writing adventures. My current focus is on fiction genres including children's picture books and YA/NA historical romanticies. I'm also preparing to write an epic fantasy for the young adult audience. As a debut author I face all the challenges of breaking into the traditional publishing market. I need your interest and support to do so! Please consider following me here and on other social media platforms, which you can access on the Home page of my author's web site. I'll be adding more in the weeks to come so please check back from time to time. Thank you so much, in advance, for following my blog. You are potentially helping me enrich the lives of future readers. I just need this break to attract my first agent representation! Your efforts will make all the difference! Thank you once again.