Five Steps that Will Help Writers Combat Imposter Syndrome

by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

In middle school, I had my initial experience with performing in theatre. It was the first time I felt I could escape into my role as a cabaret singer. I was no longer the nerdy girl who wore skirts every day. Instead, I was part of a group of glamorous performers who presented Broadway vignettes. At times, I felt like a fraud, but our theatre directors insisted that we fully engage with becoming the characters we had been chosen to play. Although I struggled with feeling like an imposter, the more I allowed myself to escape into becoming the character I had been selected to represent, the easier my role became.

As Christian authors, many of us struggle with imposter syndrome, the same way I struggled to accept my role as a cabaret singer in middle school. Imposter syndrome for writers is the feeling that we’re not good enough and don’t belong in the writing community. This is a common problem many writers face, but it can be particularly challenging for those writing from a Christian perspective. 

Five Steps to More Confident Writing By Combating Imposter Syndrome 

Step 1: Remember our purpose

Christian authors’ writing has a purpose beyond telling a story or sharing our ideas. We have a message to share with the world; writing is a way to do that. When we feel like imposters, we need to remind ourselves of the purpose behind our writing. Focus on the message we want to share and the impact we hope to have on our readers.

Step 2: Recognize our strengths

We all have strengths and weaknesses and must recognize what we excel at. As writers, we may have a strong voice, a talent for storytelling, or a unique perspective on the world. Whatever our strengths are, embrace them and use them to our advantage. When feeling like imposters, remind ourselves of our strengths and how they make us valuable contributors to the writing community.

Step 3: Connect with other writers

Writing can be lonely, but it doesn't have to be. Reach out to other writers, both in the Christian community and beyond. Join writing groups, attend conferences, and participate in online communities. When we connect with other writers, we’ll realize that we’re not alone in our struggles and that everyone has their insecurities. We’ll also learn from others and gain new perspectives on the writing process.

Step 4: Practice self-care

Writing can be stressful, and taking care of ourselves is essential. Make sure we’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when we need them. Find activities that help us relax and recharge, whether walking, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones. When we’re feeling good physically and mentally, we’ll be better equipped to handle imposter syndrome and other challenges that come with writing.

Step 5: Keep writing

The best way to combat imposter syndrome is to keep writing. Write every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Celebrate our successes, no matter how small, and learn from our failures. Remember that every writer has doubts and insecurities, no matter how successful. The key is to keep writing, improving, and sharing our messages.

Imposter syndrome can be challenging for Christian writers but not impossible. By remembering our purpose, recognizing our strengths, connecting with other writers, practicing self-care, and writing, we can overcome imposter syndrome and feel confident in our writing.

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Five Steps that Will Help Writers Combat Imposter Syndrome from @KHutch 0767 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color),

AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 board and the 540 Writer’s Community board and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel. Her thriller A Fifth of the Story will debut in February 2024 through Endgame Press.

Katherine flourishes in developmental editing and coaching writers. She has a twenty-year career in education, leadership, and journalism. Katherine freelances as an educational consultant for charter schools, home school programs, and churches. In this role, she has written and edited curriculum, led program development, and helped manage growth facilitating and public relations.

She also works as an editor and book coach through her consulting business. Katherine provides skill, accountability, and professionalism so clients can begin, develop, and finish their writing projects for publication.