The Monster in the Mirror

Fighting the Monster in the Mirror: Slaying Imposter Syndrome

You look at the blank screen and feel like you’re looking in a mirror. What’s reflecting back at you? Nothing. Emptiness. A silent scoff. And then the faceless monster emerges. The imposter who mocks you for pretending to be a writer. Snide, he hisses, “Who do you think you are to do this?”

No one else can hear him. You shut him up by turning off your computer. By closing your notebook. But that doesn’t stop him. He doesn’t live there. The reason you can’t see him is because he resides inside of you. Up there. In your head. With your characters and plots and worlds. He’s trying to lock them up.

They need you. This is no time to hide in the closet. You have to don your armor, forge your sword, and slay that monster. Call him out. Shame him. Not the other way around.

But Who is He?

His name is Imposter Syndrome. But you can call him Joe. Or Princess. Or Demon Face. Anything you want. Just give him a name.

And a voice. What does he sound like? Because that jeering sound he makes is unpleasant. Imagine his taunts coming from a squeaky mouse or a grumpy old man constantly clearing his throat. It's harder for him to feel terrifying when he sounds ridiculous.

So, change that now. You can do that. You’re a writer. You’re creative. And you’re in control.

Then How is He Controlling You?

Good question. The answer is simple. Through lies. He taunts you with falsities. He tells you your well is empty. He tells you no one cares about what you have to say. And he tells you you’re not good enough. These are the sharpest barbs in his arsenal, designed to paralyze you with self-doubt.

And why does he do this? So many reasons. Maladaptive perfectionism, a lack of confidence, no self-trust, and worse, no support. When you feel alone in the battle, you’re easy prey. Until you’re not.

Every time you win a battle, no matter how small, you strip it from its power. A single sentence written, a character detail fleshed out, a plot hole identified—these are all victories. Track your wins in a Victory Journal, or inside the dedicated channel within The Writers’ Forge. Every sentence, every chapter, every word, is a win. A blow struck against the imposter's hold.

You Are Not Alone in This Fight

The truth is, even the most celebrated authors have wrestled with this beast. That feeling of inadequacy, of being a fraud, is a common companion on the writing journey. But here’s the powerful secret: recognizing it, naming it, and actively fighting its lies with your own truths—that's how you reclaim your power.

You don’t have to face this monster alone. Slaying Imposter Syndrome is a continuous battle, but with the right tools, the right mindset, and the right support, you can forge your words into a powerful weapon. It's time to write the story you were meant to tell, free from the whispers of doubt.

What's your go-to strategy when the Imposter Monster rears its head? Share your wisdom in the comments below – your experience could be someone else's armor!