By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett

Did I really just suggest the impossible? Even as I sit to blog about imposter syndrome, I’m second guessing my qualification to do so. Oh, the irony.

I’ve been through a tough season and have struggled to come out swinging, which is my usual default after any type of trial. Everywhere I look at the moment, I see failure.

A daughter uses poor time management and bombs a test, that’s my bad parenting. There’s a huge pile of laundry undone when my husband gets back from a trip, shame on me when I don’t work outside the home (that from me, not him-he quietly just did the laundry). My manuscript still isn’t revised. Clearly, I’m not a proper writer.

And it goes on in almost every area of life. I am a champion at self-recrimination. And that, dear friends, has translated into raging imposter syndrome. I think I need all Susan May Warren’s smokejumpers to come put out the inferno of self-doubt I am being roasted by.

But the other day, my husband said something that stopped me short. That he sometimes feels like an imposter too but uses it to be better. Needle across the record. WHAT? I’ve been playing with that thought ever since. (Hubs is thrilled I was listening).

What could he possibly mean?

1 Use imposter syndrome to keep yourself humble.

None of this is easy. Take an HONEST look at what you’ve accomplished as a writer (or in any other area you feel fraudulent in) over the past ten years. I bet there’s a lot of growth. Some learning the hard way, perhaps, but that’s okay. Allow what you have accomplished to quiet the voice saying you’re not the real deal but take any grains of truth as humility checks.

2 Corinthians 5:17 addresses this by reminding us we are new creations in Christ Jesus. New. Get up off the mat and stand in HIS authority and calling.

2 Use imposter syndrome to teach you.

Okay. You feel like an imposter. Who are you impersonating? What do they do that makes them the real deal? Figure that out and adopt similar behavior. If another writer you admire writes X hours per day and then does Y, try that. Perhaps they invest two hours per week working through a craft book or taking an online class. Off you go. Because if you’re doing what real writers do, doesn’t that mean you’re one?

1 Peter 2:9 covers this by declaring us (you)that you belong to Jesus and are set apart to proclaim His excellency. BICHOK people, get proclaiming.

3 Use imposter syndrome to ground yourself in scripture

None of this is easy. Not writing, not being of the world but being in it. Juggling writing and life, whether parenting, working, caregiving, or another task is hard. It’s no wonder you sometimes feel like you’re a hobbyist. But here’s the truth: if God has called you to write, you are a writer. The God of the universe says so. Use scripture (pray scripture at your writing spot) to quiet the voice of lies telling you otherwise.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us we are his workmanship and created for His good works, prepared for us to walk in them. Enough second guessing, get walking (the italicized parts are me, not Jesus talking)

In closing – you are NOT an imposter. Fake writers don’t subscribe to industry blogs. Breathe deep. Pray. Type. He sees you. Live that. With every word.

Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Writer, broadcaster and speaker Debb Hackett has been a radio journalist for more than twenty years. Married to a Royal Air Force test pilot, Debb has written a Bible study for military wives.

A regular contributor to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Devotional Arise Daily, she’s also been privileged to writer chapters for Write Well Sell Well. For now, based near London, England she’s having lots of fun working on a contemporary romance series and was an ACFW Genesis award semi-finalist in 2020.

When she’s not writing, Debb can be found leading worship, playing bass or skiing. If you can swing by her house while she’s making scones, that would also be a win.