How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

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In this solo episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, Rhonda dives into one of the most common struggles writers face—imposter syndrome. 

If you’ve ever heard that insidious voice whisper, “Who do you think you are?” or “Your writing isn’t good enough,” this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone—and that voice is lying.

Drawing on thousands of weekly check-ins from writers inside her First Book Finish program, Rhonda unpacks why imposter syndrome shows up (especially for those working on their first book), and how to move through it without letting it derail your progress.

Rhonda shares personal stories and writing truths, including:

• Why even published and award-winning writers still struggle with imposter syndrome
  
  
• How our brains look for “proof” that we can’t do something when we’re learning new skills
  
  
• The dangerous myth of a “magical moment” when you’ll finally feel good enough to write

She also explores how our culture reinforces the idea that you’re not a “real writer” until you’ve published something big, and how that messaging gets internalized—especially if you haven’t yet finished your first book.

But here’s the heart of the message: Writing is a skill you can learn. 

Just like you once learned to cook, lift weights, or drive a car, you can also learn how to write compelling dialogue, structure scenes, or move your story across timelines.

Rhonda encourages writers to trade perfectionism for progress, and comparison for compassion. She offers a powerful mantra that has helped her and many of her students silence that inner critic:

📝 “I’m always learning and growing as a writer.”

It’s a reminder that we don’t become great writers overnight—and even our future selves will look back and see how much we’ve grown. This kind of growth is not only normal, it’s necessary. It's also deeply human.

She shares how even after publishing books and winning awards, she still edits and improves her past work when she reads from it. Why? Because growth is ongoing. And that's a beautiful part of the creative process.

Whether you’re just starting your first draft or revising your fifth, this episode will reassure you that you're not an imposter—you’re a writer in progress, and that’s exactly where you're supposed to be.

🎧 Tune in now to reframe your mindset and take your next step with more confidence.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Rhonda’s upcoming Book Finishers Bootcamp (11-17 September)
  
  
• Workshops from Jane Friedman and Writer’s Digest
  
  
• The mantra: “I’m always learning and growing as a writer.”