One hopes, when one is an “aspiring” writer, that once one gets within sight of being published, impostor syndrome will go away.
No such luck. Here I am with a contract, and the stupid brain weasels are still very much wrapped around my brain.
I just sent in my author homework. And now I’m utterly convinced the editor and other staff are going to be rolling their eyes, convinced they made a bad deal and they need to do whatever they can to rid themselves of this idiot.
It’s nonsense, I’m sure. If there are problems with what I sent in, I’m sure they’ll let me know and work with me to fix it. But even knowing that, I keep expecting the worst.
The thing with Impostor Syndrome is that you can’t let it paralyze you. Sure, feel inferior. Go ahead and believe that you’re a terrible writer and nobody will ever like your work. But don’t let it stop you. Tell your brain to shut the hell up and get back to work. Eventually, you’ll come out the other side and recognize the BS for what it is.
And then be prepared to do it over and over and over again. I do it all the time as a teacher, and as a writer. It stinks, but what else are you going to do?