Think of Imposter Syndrome as an invisible barrier that holds many creatives back, making them question their worth and validity, even in the face of clear success. It’s the feeling that creeps in when you least expect it, telling you that you’re a fraud, that you don’t deserve your accomplishments, or that at any moment, someone’s going to ‘find you out.’

Almost all creatives, especially writers, suffer from this mental self-sabotaging thought cycle that feeds on one’s insecurities. But why does it affect writers more? Because writing is deeply personal, when you put words on a page, you’re putting a piece of yourself out there. Writers tend to hide their true feelings and express them through their words, making them vulnerable to the world.

Why Self-Taught Writers Feel It More

When you don’t have a degree in English or a fancy writing certificate, it’s easy to feel like you’re not ‘qualified.’

Imposter syndrome is every creative’s worst enemy; it is that sneaky little condescending voice in the back of your mind that whispers, “You’re not really a writer. You’re just pretending.” It lies in wait for the moment when inspiration starts to flourish, only to knock you right back down.

If you’ve ever felt that way, especially as a self-taught writer, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, heck, I am there on a regular basis, but here’s the truth, being self-taught doesn’t make you any less of a writer, it just means your path is different than others.

And that path? It’s just as valid as anyone else’s path. Just because you got there differently doesn’t mean it doesn’t count.

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imagine Imposter Syndrome as a mortal enemy with its sole purpose is to conquer your self-esteem, crushing your confidence, and spirit. It is up to you to be the hero of your own story.

It’s the feeling that creeps in when you least expect it, telling you that you’re a fraud, that you don’t deserve your accomplishments, or that at any moment, someone’s going to ‘find you out.’

Almost all creatives, especially writers, suffer from this mental self-sabotaging thought cycle that feeds on one’s insecurities. But why does it affect writers more?

Because writing is deeply personal, when you put words on a page, you’re putting a piece of yourself out there. Writers tend to hide their true feelings and express them through their words, making them vulnerable to the world.

My Struggle of Feeling ‘Not Enough’

I started my writing journey without any professional training. Just me, a laptop, and a burning desire to tell stories. But every time I shared my work, I felt like I needed to include a disclaimer: “I’m not *really* a writer, but…” It is a struggle I deal with to this day.

This mindset held me back on so many opportunities. I second-guessed every sentence I wrote, and I compared myself to authors with MFA degrees or publishing deals that are on the New York’s Best Selling Author list. It has taken me a long time to realize that skill and passion can’t be measured by a diploma, and writing isn’t about having permission. It’s about persistence and showing up for yourself even when no one is around to see.

How I Started to Push Through

Reframing My Narrative: Instead of saying “I’m not a real writer,” I started saying, “I am a writer.” And you know what? That’s powerful.

Connecting With Other Writers: Finding a community, whether online or in person, reminded me that most writers feel this way at some point. Find your people who cheer you on even through your failures.
Celebrating Small Wins: Whether it was finishing a blog post, getting a kind comment, or receiving my FIRST payment for writing (best day ever!), I let myself celebrate. Every accomplishment is worthy of celebrating, no matter how big or small.

Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Recognize It: The first step is knowing when it’s happening. Notice the voice. Name it. Remind yourself it’s not true.
Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or list of your wins, big or small. Finished a chapter? Got a nice DM about your blog? Write it down. I keep a journal, and just before any writing session, I dump all of the racing thoughts in my mind, putting them down on paper, clearing my mind for creativity.
Stop Comparing: Someone else’s path isn’t your blueprint. You’re on your own writing journey, and it’s worth celebrating.
Keep Writing: The best way to shut down imposter syndrome is to prove it wrong. Keep showing up. Keep writing. The more you write, the better you become; it is just the same as a carpenter honing their craft.
Say It Out Loud: I am a writer. Say it again. Louder this time. I AM A WRITER!!!
Progress is Still Progress: Just because you are not pumping out 2–3 novels a year like other authors you know of doesn’t mean you are not progressing. Not every writer operates or writes exactly the same way. It is what makes us unique and fabulous in our own way.

What Makes You a Writer?

Here’s the thing: being a writer isn’t about titles or how many stories you’ve published. It’s about writing. If you write, you’re a writer. If you’re showing up, telling stories, journaling thoughts, sharing your truth, you’re a writer. Your path may be self-taught, but it’s also self-driven, self-motivated, and full of heart. That’s something to be proud of.

A Note to Self-Taught Writers

You don’t need permission. You don’t need validation from anyone else to do what you love. Your voice matters. Your stories matter. Every word you write chips away at that self-doubt, until one day, you realize, you’ve been a writer all along.

YOU ARE A WRITER AND YOUR WORDS MATTER!

Final Thoughts

Imposter syndrome might never disappear completely, but you CAN learn to muzzle it and lock it away in a closet for a while, to keep writing even when it tries to take up space. You’ve made it this far without a formal roadmap. That’s resilience. That’s grit. That’s what writers are made of.

So go ahead, write that story, publish that blog post, share your words with the world. Because someone out there needs to read what only you can write.

You are a writer. Don’t forget it.

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Best Regards,

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: As A Self-Taught Writer