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.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg sit down with the incomparable Meredith Maran—acclaimed author, activist, and cultural critic—for a deep and thought-provoking conversation on imposter syndrome, resilience, and the evolving world of publishing.

Meredith opens up about her journey as a writer, the sting of rejection, and how shifting cultural landscapes have shaped her identity and career. She shares candid insights into the intersection of gender, feminism, and storytelling, as well as her experiences adapting her work for film.

This episode unpacks the seductiveness of self-doubt, the tension between artistry and activism, and the power of personal narratives in shaping both literature and society. Meredith also reflects on the importance of self-accountability, the changing face of publishing, and how embracing one’s creative voice can lead to personal and professional transformation.

Don’t miss this illuminating discussion with a literary powerhouse whose work—including My Lie, What It’s Like to Live Now, and The New Old Me—has left a lasting impact on readers and writers alike.

On this episode of Imposter Hour, Liz and Greg sit down with writer and bodybuilder Lori Brand to explore imposter syndrome, body image, and the creative process. Lori opens up about her debut novel, Bodies to Die For, which tackles society’s expectations of women and the internal battles they fight.

This conversation dives deep into the intersection of writing and fitness, the challenges of publishing, and the transformative power of strength training. Lori discusses the impact of social media on body positivity, the importance of community in both creative and athletic spaces, and how empathy shapes storytelling. Above all, she champions self-acceptance and nourishment over restriction—encouraging us to embrace our strength, both physical and creative.

In this episode of Impostor Hour, hosts Liz and Greg engage in a heartfelt conversation with bestselling author Samantha M. Bailey about her journey through imposter syndrome, the challenges of writing, and the emotional rollercoaster of seeing her work published. Samantha shares her experiences of self-doubt, the importance of support systems, and the risks she takes in her writing. The discussion also delves into the role of music in her creative process, the dynamics of editorial relationships, and how she navigates criticism from readers. In this engaging conversation, Samantha M. Bailey discusses her journey as a writer, touching on themes of resilience in the face of rejection, the intricacies of character development, and the challenges of the writing process. She shares her transition from writing chick lit to thrillers, the joy of creative fulfillment, and the importance of community in the writing journey. The discussion also delves into the balance between the artistic and business sides of being an author, highlighting the significance of internal validation over external recognition.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg sit down with Chelsea Hoffmann and Olivia Day Wallace, co-hosts of the Thriller by the Bookclub podcast and organizers of a thriving book club community focused on thrillers. Together, they explore the themes of imposter syndrome, Olivia’s writing journey, and the power of community through book clubs. Chelsea and Olivia share how balancing the demands of motherhood with their creative work has amplified feelings of self-doubt. They also highlight how book clubs have fostered deep friendships and provided humorous, memorable experiences.

The conversation delves into the ongoing writing journey, reflecting on how networking and attending author events have boosted their confidence. They emphasize the importance of honest reviews in book club discussions and how hearing readers’ opinions has shaped their understanding as writers. They also touch on the challenges of writing and marketing thrillers, particularly how mis-marketing can skew reader expectations and the complexities of crafting a compelling synopsis.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg engage with bestselling author Kimberly Belle, whose novels include The Paris Widow, The Marriage Lie, Dear Wife, Stranger in the Lake, and The Personal Assistant. Kimberly discusses imposter syndrome in the creative process, highlighting her writing journey and the importance of strong female characters in her work. The conversation explores her collaborative projects, including Young Rich Widows and Desperate Deadly Widows, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of working with other authors.

They also dive into themes of identity theft in psychological thrillers, and how traveling and research contribute to her storytelling. Kimberly shares valuable insights from her experience in the publishing industry, stressing the importance of community support, accountability, and resilience throughout the writing process.