Most writers suffer with imposter syndrome at some point in their life and wonder when 'they'll be found out'. However, this is something which effects many people - not just writers. 

The term was originally coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes, who believed it only affected high-achieving women, but it is clear that in fact, most people can suffer from it at some point.  

In general it is the little voice inside your head that tells you it won't be long before everyone finds out that you're winging it, that everything you write (if you are a writer) is rubbish, and that you generally don't know what you are doing. 

Even best-selling author Neil Gaiman suffers from it:

Imposter Syndrome has always existed in my life, and I remember on the day I went to my PhD graduation I genuinely expected someone to take me aside and tell me there had been a mistake and I hadn't passed. Only this week Imposter Syndrome is plaguing me. I've been invited to join a prestigious writing society and I'm hesitating as I keep thinking, "I'm not a real writer like the other members", even though I have more books published than many of them. 

So, what can we do to stop Imposter Syndrome? I'm sure there are lots of mindfulness techniques you  could employ, but I like the reverse psychology approach.  

It is thought that Imposter Syndrome is often an affliction of very talented people because they are perfectionists and they have low self-confidence. People who are confident in everything they do, often cannot take criticism of their work, because they don't think it can be improved upon. They rarely are afflicted with Imposter Syndrome. 

We have all met people where their confidence outstrips their talents and abilities. But they won't listen to advice.

With this in mind, I embrace my Imposter Syndrome as my own doubts about my writing and my work make me strive for excellence. It makes me a perfectionist who cares about the quality of what I write. These doubts will make me check one more reference, or proofread it one more time and in doing so can improve my work. I don't however, allow my Imposter Syndrome from preventing me from doing anything that I want to do (other than perhaps joining prestigious writing societies). 

As a very practical person I tend to prepare well for most things.  I know that if I've done the background work and know what I'm doing then I can ignore the 'Fraud Police' and the doubts before they take over. But that takes discipline and a lot of practice. 

I believe therefore that there is a fine line between using your Imposter Syndrome to improve your work as I try to do, and letting it hinder you from taking advantage of opportunities. 

Now, I'm off to send my acceptance email. Maybe.

How do you allow your Imposter Syndrome to help you?