I often tell my fellow indie romance author friends that the reason we sometimes feel like imposters—or like we’re getting away with something—is because we often exist in IRL spaces where not many people do what we do or entrepreneur the way we do.
On top of that, we’re off the outline that the system we were born into created for our demographic. Instead of working perfectly nice (but usu. non-creative) jobs with corporate health insurance (if we're lucky) and a schedule, sick days, and vacation time dictated by some corporate overlord, we’re doing… this.
Of course, that's going to make us feel some kind of way.
I loved this post for the reminder that we’re awesome at what we do, and there’s no shame in planting ourselves in that truth while we continue to grow.
Love this! And you were so excellent on the panel at SFWC I saw--you're especially knowledgeable in the indie romance space and generous in sharing your knowledge with others!
Great piece!! I adore that Ilona interview. Imposter syndrome is all over so many industries (I work in entertainment but have worked in big tech AND in publishing) and it’s everywhere! It’s totally a scam!
Heck yes!! I'm so glad the SF Writer's Conference was such a great experience and for the surge of confidence! You and your beautiful words deserve it <3
THANK YOU! Today is my release day for book sixty something. I’m tired. Life has been lifeing and I’m hanging in there. I’m proud of this book but yeah, it’ll go under the radar most likely. I’ll still keep writing. I’m excited for you and your success and I think having your background and resources is huge. It will make the work a little more manageable. I do appreciate how you reframed imposter syndrome here. And I dig Point North! Their collab with Kellin Quinn is how I first heard them. Dig it. Hope to see you Tuesday! You rock!
So, I think you may have pride and proud mixed up, at least from a Christianity view.
Christianity does not discourage being proud of yourself for doing something great, or with excellence. That is tought by many pastors.
Pride, on the other hand, is one of the seven deadly sins. Christianity teaches that "Pride comes before a fall. The definition of pride in Christianity is:
In the Bible, pride is a sinful attitude of excessive self-love and self-importance that goes against God's will. It's the opposite of humility, which is a virtue that God rewards.
Hi Tim, thanks for the reply! For what it's worth, I'm a staunch atheist, so anyone looking for literal biblical interpretation is in the wrong place :)
Adore this. What an uplifting post!
I often tell my fellow indie romance author friends that the reason we sometimes feel like imposters—or like we’re getting away with something—is because we often exist in IRL spaces where not many people do what we do or entrepreneur the way we do.
On top of that, we’re off the outline that the system we were born into created for our demographic. Instead of working perfectly nice (but usu. non-creative) jobs with corporate health insurance (if we're lucky) and a schedule, sick days, and vacation time dictated by some corporate overlord, we’re doing… this.
Of course, that's going to make us feel some kind of way.
I loved this post for the reminder that we’re awesome at what we do, and there’s no shame in planting ourselves in that truth while we continue to grow.
Seriously, thank you.
Thanks so much for the reply! I completely agree—indie romance authors are awesome at what we do, and our entrepreneurship is worth celebrating :)
2025 is the year to channel the confidence of Ilona Maher because we deserve this!
Exactly! That interview was #goals. Imposter syndrome? We don't know her!
Love this! And you were so excellent on the panel at SFWC I saw--you're especially knowledgeable in the indie romance space and generous in sharing your knowledge with others!
Thanks so much, Heather! I can't wait to dive deeper with you during our Book Journey Club :)
Great piece!! I adore that Ilona interview. Imposter syndrome is all over so many industries (I work in entertainment but have worked in big tech AND in publishing) and it’s everywhere! It’s totally a scam!
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's such an insidious way to keep us on the sidelines, and I refuse to take part!
Thanks for this encouragement!
Of course, we need all the encouragement we can get!
Heck yes!! I'm so glad the SF Writer's Conference was such a great experience and for the surge of confidence! You and your beautiful words deserve it <3
Aww thank you thank you!
THANK YOU! Today is my release day for book sixty something. I’m tired. Life has been lifeing and I’m hanging in there. I’m proud of this book but yeah, it’ll go under the radar most likely. I’ll still keep writing. I’m excited for you and your success and I think having your background and resources is huge. It will make the work a little more manageable. I do appreciate how you reframed imposter syndrome here. And I dig Point North! Their collab with Kellin Quinn is how I first heard them. Dig it. Hope to see you Tuesday! You rock!
Thank you, and CONGRATS! Wow, 60 books is a MASSIVE accomplishment. You should be insanely proud! I can't wait to have a backlist like that.
Pop punk makes the work more manageable too. I'll need to get all your recs! :)
So, I think you may have pride and proud mixed up, at least from a Christianity view.
Christianity does not discourage being proud of yourself for doing something great, or with excellence. That is tought by many pastors.
Pride, on the other hand, is one of the seven deadly sins. Christianity teaches that "Pride comes before a fall. The definition of pride in Christianity is:
In the Bible, pride is a sinful attitude of excessive self-love and self-importance that goes against God's will. It's the opposite of humility, which is a virtue that God rewards.
Biblical definitions
An inflated view of oneself
Thinking one is better than others
Looking down on others
Having an incorrect view of oneself
A desire to be God
Moral self-righteousness
Confidence in one's accomplishments
Ambition for prominence
Lack of teachability
See the difference?
Hi Tim, thanks for the reply! For what it's worth, I'm a staunch atheist, so anyone looking for literal biblical interpretation is in the wrong place :)