Imposter Syndrome

When I started writing my debut novel, Pandora’s Secret, I did it for fun.

It was a challenge and a new skill to learn. It took up all my spare time, early weekend mornings before the fam were up, on holidays, and at lunchtimes if I could.

I loved it. I learned new things – mostly filed under damn, how did I not know that!

And with input from a writing mentor, family including my 12-year-old daughter, fellow writer friends Horror Boy, Teddy bear and Batman (pen names obvs)  and my brother, Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, who is on his 3rd book, I finished it

Woohoo.

Then, of course, there were the rewrites. Not so much woohoo! More – arghhhhhh!

But I got there again, with the help of all those folks above. It was still fun – but hard work – like directing a film is.

Then I started sending it out to agents and publishers.

Honestly, I thought I would end up self-publishing/indie publishing, and that was cool. One of my fave authors, Caimh McDonnell , does it that way, and I had no idea until he shared a post on X [username @caimhmcd] about it.

And then I got a nibble from a publisher… I was a little surprised. I still am.

I've signed the publishing contract with them, and so far it seems to be progressing positively [I will name-check them when I know I can.]

And now I have a brand-new friend:

Mr Imposter Syndrome

Yay

Authors. Writing Community, did you ever get this – how did you manage it? How do I ignore it? Who invented liquid soap, and why? (Bonus points if you recognise the film that this one comes from)

Does it get any better? Please tell me it gets better 😂 

Let me know on X, Insta, or Bksy using the linky-clicky things [technical term I know] at the bottom of the page there...