✍️ Diary of an Author: I'm Not an Imposter -- & Neither Are You

1 silly but effective way to build confidence in your writing.

Amy Suto

Sep 17, 2023

Article voiceover

0:00

-3:37

Happy Sunday! In today’s newsletter, you’ll learn about…

✍️ How to beat imposter syndrome as a writer

☕️ How writers self-sabotage — and how to unlock your inner creative genius

😎 And hello from Peru! Some of the views from Cusco as I settle in for the month

📖 3-Minute Story: Beating Imposter Syndrome + Hello from Cusco, Peru! 👋

✨ It’s a sunny morning in Cusco, Peru. I’m in my office/sunroom in a cute boutique hotel where I’ll be working remotely for the month in between 4-day treks to Macchu Picchu and other natural wonders in this mountainous region. (I can’t wait!)

My phone pings and I receive a glowing message from a client whose book I’m helping to edit, design, and publish with the support of my design team:

The kind words bring me joy — and a sense of relief.

Even though I’ve worked with and wowed hundreds of clients in my career as a freelance book ghostwriter, editor, and publishing expert, I still get butterflies at the beginning of a project.

What if the client doesn’t like what I’m proposing?

What if they don’t think my rate is worth the cost?

What if I’m not able to write this book in a way that does the material justice?

Imposter syndrome comes for us all. Experience helps — but the nerves sometimes creep in.

So what’s the silly ritual I use to banish the butterflies?

I give myself a pep talk in the mirror, and then journal about all of the reasons why I’m qualified and talented — and will absolutely crush this new assignment.

Cheesy? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

As writers, we are often our biggest obstacles in writing great work.

Don’t let self-sabotage stand in the way of writing your masterpiece.

Put pen to paper and just strive for momentum: the fear will melt away in the face of messy action.

“I have written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.” -Maya Angelou
“I still sometimes feel like a loser kid in high school and I just have to pick myself up and tell myself that I’m a superstar every morning so that I can get through this day and be for my fans what they need for me to be.” -Lady Gaga

✍️ 1 Journal Prompt for Reflection

Do you struggle with nerves, anxiety, or imposter syndrome around your writing? If so, where does it come from? Write yourself a pep talk as if you’re trying to hype up a good friend.

Feel free to share your reflections with other Modern Authors in the comments:

💻 New Blog Posts on AmySuto.com

🎙 New Diary of an Author Podcast Episodes

I create these podcast episodes from my blog archives using the tool Wondercraft AI, a text-to-speech tool that speaks in YOUR voice. 🎙 Use my code SUTO50 or this link to get 50% off your Wondercraft AI subscription!*

*This is an affiliate link, so I receive a small commission if you subscribe. Thanks for your support!

📸 Photo of the Week: Cusco Sweater Weather ✈️

From 100+ degree weather in Phoenix to #cozyvibes in Cusco, Peru. I’m here for this mountain sweater weather!

Follow me on X/Twitter or Instagram for more!

🎥 Video of the Week: Day in the Life of a Freelance Writer

Just an average day in the life of a freelance writer/ghostwriter/publishing expert/digital nomad/author who works remotely! 👩‍💻

Be sure to subscribe to me on YouTube and TikTok for more travel content, remote work inspiration, and writing tips!

⚡️ Upcoming Wednesday Edition: How to Write Your Book’s Rough Draft

This Wednesday, Diary of an Author paid subscribers will get an exclusive issue about…

✨ How to get through the — sometimes agonizing — process of writing a rough draft

🧪 How to keep up the momentum and get a book draft done within 3-6 months

📚 3 rules for my writing sessions that keep me focused

Sending creativity and good writing vibes your way,

-Amy

Discussion about this post

Ready for more?