Sunday Snippet: The Imposter’s Ah-Ha Moment Edition

Have you ever heard of impostor syndrome? Basically, it’s “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.” I suffer from this, and I think a lot authors do. We are all pretty much people who are writing, not for the kudos for finishing a book, but because we have these characters in our heads begging to have their stories told. It has never occurred to me not to write, but I struggled with the idea of trying to get what I write published. Would it be good enough? Would people want to read it? Is it just dreck and not worth putting it out there?

Well, pretty much, I still suffer from impostor syndrome, in spite of having eighteen novels out there in the world and another on the way. In spite of doing book-signings and interviews where I am the interviewee and having a publisher who believes in me and readers who give my books glowing reviews. Maybe it’s just the way of things–when we succeed, we are never sure we deserve it or if we can do it again, although I intend to try.

All that said, I had a wonderful moment this past week–a moment of recognition that warmed me to my very soul and reminded me that I am a great writer. (There, Lani Diane Rich I said it. I am a great writer!)
I was doing a book signing at local arts event on Thursday, and having a great time meeting readers and shoppers. Smiling and nodding and saying, “Yes, it’s me—I’m the author of all these books.” And “Thank you so much” when people said how impressed they were that I’d written “all those books!” And “Thank you so much” again when folks bought a book or even a set of books. But the highlight of the evening was when a little girl—she might have been ten or so—dragged her mom to my table.

Her eyes were alight and she seemed a tad shy, but she clearly wanted to talk to me. Turned out she wants to be a writer, so we talked a little bit about writing, and her mom let her pick out a book for her (Mom) to read. Then, she whispered something to her mom, and Mom asked if I minded having my picture taken with the little girl. It was such a weird celebrity moment that at first I didn’t get why she was asking. But I said, “Of course,” and we took the picture and the girl was thrilled and frankly, so was I. (I was so surprised, I forgot to have Minnie take one, too. Sigh.)

The whole thing was fun, and I basked in my fifteen minutes of fame–never mind that it happened at a small local art event with a little girl who hoped to be a writer just like me one day. It was touching, and I loved that warm moment of being acknowledged for my hard work. Writing is a pretty much a solitary business, so we’ll take our moments when they come along, right? I hope that girl keeps her writing dream alive–I did, and now here I am … an author!

Gratitude for This Week: A good book-signing event—so proud of DIL’s amazing organization of the Fishers Arts Council’s Winter Art Market; time with Minnie—she is truly a kindred spirit; a new fuzzy scarf that is warm and toasty; baked with Husband yesterday; attended a Boy Scout holiday event with Grandboy—such fun and he is great company.

Stay well, stay safe (Vaccines work!), choose kindness this week; and most of all, mes amis, stay grateful!