In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz Keenan and Greg Wands welcome self-published thriller author Dan Lawton to discuss his latest novel, The Two of Us, and the emotional realities of long-haul creativity.

Dan shares what it’s like to write through imposter syndrome, how his personal experiences influence his characters, and why writing from multiple perspectives continues to challenge and excite him. As a self-published author of eleven novels, Dan reflects on the freedom, discipline, and perseverance it takes to build a career outside the traditional system.

They also explore the difficulty of finding fresh ideas in a saturated genre, the role of empathy in storytelling, and how emotional state can shape narrative. Dan offers advice to aspiring authors, emphasizes the importance of reader feedback, and talks about the balance between writing for yourself and writing for your audience.

A generous and insightful episode about resilience, authenticity, and staying in love with the work.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg sit down with Nishita Parekh, a former software programmer turned debut novelist, to talk about her atmospheric locked-room mystery, The Night of the Storm.

Nishita shares her journey from coding to storytelling, opening up about the inspiration behind her novel, the layered family dynamics at its core, and how her Indian heritage informs both character and theme. The conversation explores the cultural complexities of immigration, marriage, and gender disparity in Indian society, as well as the emotional terrain of motherhood and societal expectation.

She also gets candid about navigating imposter syndrome as a new author, the vulnerability of Goodreads, and the often conflicting demands of introversion and promotion. Together, they dive into lessons from tech and fiction alike—pacing, process, and the chaos of creation—and the importance of community, cultural insight, and honoring single mothers in her work.

A rich and resonant conversation for anyone chasing creativity in a noisy world.

In this episode of Impostor Hour, Liz and Greg welcome Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau, author of The French Honeymoon, for a dynamic conversation that spans creative reinvention, cultural identity, and the emotional rollercoaster of writing.

Anne-Sophie dives into the themes behind her latest novel—including immigration, forbidden love, and the tension between fantasy and reality in Paris—while also unpacking her transition from young adult fiction to psychological thrillers.

They discuss everything from female rage to character development, the impact of motherhood on the writing process, and the stubborn satisfaction of finishing a project despite doubt and delay.

Honest, thoughtful, and unexpectedly funny, this episode is a deep dive into what it takes to keep creating—especially when imposter syndrome shows up at the door.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz Keenan and Greg Wands sit down with television producer and author Sandra Chwialkowska to discuss her debut novel, The Ends of Things. Sandra shares her journey from screenwriting to novel writing, offering insights into character development, narrative structure, and the thematic depth of her work—particularly around female agency and societal expectations.

The conversation explores the psychological layers of her novel, set against the backdrop of the Bahamas, and the challenges of navigating reader expectations in the literary world. Sandra also reflects on self-perception, agency, and the impact of motherhood on identity, while unpacking the imposter syndrome that often plagues writers. She discusses the influence of social media on self-image and contrasts the creative processes of screenwriting and novel writing.

The episode culminates in a discussion on finding the right medium for storytelling and a look at Sandra’s upcoming projects.

In this episode, Liz and Greg sit down with Bethny Ricks, author of Face Forward: How to Lead Yourself While Leading Others, a powerful and motivational book about resilience, self-leadership, and embracing authenticity.

Bethny shares her journey through imposter syndrome, personal transformation, and the power of faith, offering raw insights into overcoming setbacks and reclaiming her voice. She reflects on the role of mentorship, the impact of health scares, and how moments of silence can spark profound personal growth. The conversation explores the intersection of ego and creativity, the importance of setting boundaries, and how self-accountability shapes leadership.

Bethny also opens up about her publishing experience, the importance of community in writing, and the small but intentional steps that lead to empowerment. As she looks ahead to future projects, she remains committed to authentic expression and inspiring others to step into their full potential.

A must-listen for anyone seeking motivation, clarity, and the courage to move forward.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz Keenan and Greg Wands sit down with New York Times bestselling author Katy Hays to explore imposter syndrome, the creative process, and the nuances of character development—particularly in relation to wealth, privilege, and social dynamics.

Hays shares insights into her writing journey, the power of setting and atmosphere, and the influence of authors like Patricia Highsmith. She opens up about her fascination with unhappy families, the tension embedded in their dynamics, and how environment shapes storytelling. The conversation also delves into the challenges of pacing, crafting compelling endings, and the pressure to deliver twists in a genre that thrives on surprises.

Hays reflects on navigating success after a breakout debut and the expectations that come with it, emphasizing the importance of writing for oneself and finding joy in the creative process. Whether you're a writer, a reader, or just love a good literary deep dive, this episode offers an engaging look at the art of storytelling and the mindset behind it.

In this episode of Impostor Hour, hosts Liz Keenan and Greg Wands sit down with bestselling author Ashley Winstead to discuss her latest novel, This Book Will Bury Me. The conversation explores impostor syndrome, the intersection of grief and creativity, and the ethical complexities of true crime narratives.

Ashley, author of The Last Housewife, In My Dreams I Hold a Knife, Fool Me Once, and The Boyfriend Candidate, shares how personal loss shaped her writing, particularly in the realm of autofiction. She and the hosts examine the broader cultural fascination with true crime, the role of social media in shaping narratives, and the responsibility of authors when tackling sensitive topics.

The discussion also delves into Ashley’s journey as a writer—from navigating rejection to embracing ambition and authority in her craft. She opens up about writing across multiple genres, the evolution of her storytelling style, and the narratives she’s excited to explore next. Whether you’re a writer, a true crime enthusiast, or simply love an insightful literary conversation, this episode offers a compelling look at the art and ethics of storytelling.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, Liz and Greg sit down with USA Today bestselling author Lori L. Dove to explore her journey through writing, identity, and the complexities of motherhood. Lori opens up about her experiences with imposter syndrome, her transition from journalism to novel writing, and how her personal history of adoption and cultural identity shaped her powerful debut novel, Mask of the Deer Woman.

The conversation delves into themes of grief, belonging, and the creative practices, while also highlighting the significance of community and the natural world in her storytelling. Lori discusses the epidemic of missing Indigenous women, the symbolism of masks in identity, and the coping mechanisms of her characters, offering deep insight into the layered themes of her work.

She also reflects on the challenges of writing a sequel, her creative process, and the shift from reporting facts to crafting fiction—emphasizing the importance of authenticity and the role of community in storytelling. Thoughtful, moving, and deeply relevant, this episode is a must-listen for writers, readers, and anyone who has ever questioned where they belong.