In this episode of Impostor Hour, hosts Liz and Greg are joined by mental health advocate and author Kati Morton (Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health and Traumatized: Identify, Understand, and Cope With PTSD and Emotional Stress) to discuss the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among creatives. They explore Kati’s journey in mental health advocacy, the evolution of her widely followed YouTube channel, and the shifting generational attitudes toward mental health. The conversation dives into the rise of “armchair therapists,” the importance of trauma awareness, and the unique challenges of writing about trauma during the pandemic. Kati offers her perspective on balancing personal experiences with professional boundaries and how unprocessed trauma can impact critical thinking. Kati discusses the impact of social media on mental health and emphasizes curating one's feed to foster positivity. She addresses the common struggle with comparison in creative fields and explores the roots of imposter syndrome, linking it to self-esteem and past experiences. Kati highlights the importance of setting boundaries with individuals who lack empathy and shares self-care practices to recharge emotional energy. The discussion wraps up with reflections on the connection between creativity and personal trauma, suggesting that writing can be a powerful therapeutic outlet.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, Liz and Greg dive into a thrilling conversation with New York Times bestselling author Ana Reyes about her debut novel, The House in the Pines. Ana opens up about the challenges of navigating genre conventions, revealing how her MFA program shaped her writing style and the creative freedom she found within storytelling constraints. She shares the deeply personal elements woven into her novel, including her Guatemalan heritage and her harrowing journey with Klonopin withdrawal.

The discussion delves into the art of crafting a twist ending, the power of sense memory, and how mental reconstruction plays a crucial role in her storytelling. Ana reflects on her experiences as a writer, from finding community and navigating vulnerability to the impact her book has had on readers. They explore themes of not being believed, mental illness, and the lingering effects of trauma. Ana also shares insights from her time teaching creative writing, offers advice for writers tackling their second novel, and gives a glimpse into her future writing goals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of personal experience and genre storytelling!

In this episode of Imposter Hour, Liz and Greg chat with author Tessa Wegert about her experiences with imposter syndrome and the pressures of being a writer, especially during the pandemic. Tessa, the author of the Shana Merchant series (Death in the Family, The Dead Season, Dead Wind, and The Kind to Kill), reveals how she navigated the daunting expectations to publish more books and the vital role community and connection play in her storytelling. They dive into the atmospheric settings in Tessa's novels and how she channels imposter syndrome through her main character, Shana Merchant, creating a deeply relatable and complex protagonist.

The conversation explores the intriguing blend of subgenres Tessa weaves into her series, the response from her local community, and her journey from gaining confidence to transitioning between genres. As a former journalist, Tessa shares how her investigative skills bring authenticity to her police procedurals, and she emphasizes the importance of mastering craft and structure in writing mysteries and thrillers. With insights into her second series and the joys of collaborative writing, this episode offers a captivating look into the mind of a writer who’s unafraid to face her insecurities and emerge stronger.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, Liz and Greg sit down with Brooklyn-based writer Nadia Owusu to explore the raw and riveting journey behind her memoir, *Aftershocks*. Nadia opens up about the themes of identity, belonging, and imposter syndrome that weave through her story, shedding light on the challenges of capturing multiple perspectives and truths in memoir writing. The conversation delves into the powerful impact of code-switching, the complexities of straddling multiple cultural identities, and the often-overlooked nuances of mental health experiences.

Nadia reflects on how her father’s Ashanti storytelling tradition shaped her as a writer and reveals how music plays an integral role in her creative process. She shares her journey from writing a novel to realizing that the memoir was the story she was meant to tell, and how the metaphor of earthquakes echoes through her narrative, capturing the seismic shifts in her life. Offering a candid glimpse into the aftermath of sharing her story, Nadia provides invaluable advice for aspiring memoir writers and discusses the importance of representation in mental illness narratives. This episode promises an unfiltered exploration of identity, resilience, and the courage to own one's truth.

In this episode, hosts Liz and Greg are joined by Lauren Ling Brown, debut author of the instant USA Today bestseller and Reese’s Book Club pick, Society of Lies. Lauren opens up about her journey through imposter syndrome and how it has shaped her writing process. The conversation dives into the deep themes of her debut novel, including sisterhood, belonging, and societal expectations, while offering a candid look at the personal struggles behind the work.

Lauren shares insights on transitioning from screenwriting to novel writing, the influence of music on her creative process, and the power of writing women’s stories. She also reflects on overcoming creative blocks, the role of dialogue in literature, and the importance of having a supportive creative partner. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to explore the craft behind a modern bestseller and the emotional depth that drives unforgettable stories.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, Liz and Greg sit down with digital creator and book influencer Sonica Mazursky, the force behind The Reading Beauty. They dig into the impact of imposter syndrome on Sonica's journey as a book reviewer and influencer, unraveling how it shapes her reading experience and online persona. The conversation dives into her love affair with thrillers, the adrenaline rush of plot twists, and how reading psychological suspense has influenced her real-life mindset.

Sonica opens up about her evolution as an interviewer, her approach to picking the perfect book to review, and how moderating a panel changed her perspective on engaging with authors. They also shine a light on underrated Canadian writers, including hidden gems like Hannah Mary McKinnon, Samantha Bailey, and medical thriller writer Daniel Callow. Sonica shares her excitement for upcoming releases and talks about building a supportive online community for readers and authors. If you're ready for a deep dive into the world of book influencing and the thrill of unexpected plot twists, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, Liz and Greg dive deep with debut thriller author K.T. Nguyen about her gripping novel You Know What You Did. They unravel themes of imposter syndrome, cultural identity, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships as they explore protagonist Annie's struggle with her dual identity as a first-generation Vietnamese American in small-town America. K.T. Nguyen opens up about how her own immigrant experiences shaped her writing and shares her journey from journalism to fiction, discussing the pressure to be perfect, the importance of humor, and the unexpected comfort found in hidden talents.

The conversation gets real about mental health, as they tackle how OCD and hoarding are woven into the narrative to reveal a character’s life story. They also touch on trauma, the art of balancing showing versus telling in storytelling, and the allure of psychological thrillers. With sharp insights into the power of social commentary in literature, this episode offers a rich, thought-provoking look into the craft and courage behind K.T. Nguyen's storytelling journey. Don’t miss it!

In this episode of Imposter Hour, Vanessa Lillie, author of Blood Sisters, dives deep into the complexities of writing diverse characters and battling imposter syndrome. She unpacks the challenges of crafting a character like Sid—a white-passing Cherokee two-spirit working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs—and the delicate balance between storytelling and educating readers. Vanessa sheds light on the significance of authentic representation, the importance of uplifting Indigenous voices, and her journey of infusing vital themes into her narrative without sacrificing readability.

Vanessa also opens up about her own experience as a writer, from navigating shifts in agents and editors to overcoming self-doubt, and shares how trusting oneself is key to finding joy in the writing process. We delve into the themes of colonialism, disconnection, and the path to healing that flow through her work, offering a profound exploration of returning to Indigenous beliefs. With a wealth of insight on marketing, connecting with readers through social media, and maintaining authenticity, this episode is a must-listen for creatives seeking inspiration and guidance.