Imposter Syndrome and Me: Why I Keep Waiting for Someone to Call Me Out
Picture this: I’m sitting at the dining room table of my mother’s condo, holding the printer’s proof copy of my third book in the Oliver the Owl series, a series that’s brought together my love of family memories, creativity, and questionable amounts of coffee. I should be popping confetti and hooting louder than Oliver himself, but instead, I’m nervously scanning the horizon, waiting for someone to point at me and say, “Hey, you! You’re not a real author!”
Channeling my inner vintage author vibes. The message on the page isn’t just for me—it’s a nod to someone very special who’s been my biggest cheerleader this past year, always encouraging me to ‘HIT THE BUTTON.’ Whether it’s publishing books, chasing dreams, or battling imposter syndrome, his belief in me keeps my fingers on the keys and my heart full of gratitude and love.
Welcome to the glamorous world of author imposter syndrome, where every success feels like an elaborate prank you’ve somehow stumbled into, and the only thing more consistent than self-doubt is your need for snacks.
The Perks of Imposter Syndrome
Let me tell you, this syndrome keeps you humble. Just when you think, “Hey, maybe I am pretty good at this,” a tiny voice whispers, “Don’t get too comfortable, Rayna Jo Zest. The publishing police are probably reviewing your Amazon listings right now.”
Even as I’m gearing up to release my third book (Mix, Play, Stir: A Coloring and Activity Book—shameless plug alert!), I find myself wondering: Am I really an author? Or am I just a creative owl enthusiast who tricked the world into letting me play pretend?
A Look Back at My Year of "Faking It"
Let’s rewind. Less than a year ago, I was a regular human balancing a full-time job and the whirlwind chaos of life. Then, like a creative spark wrapped in feathers, Oliver the Owl swooped into my imagination, reminding me of my family’s culinary roots and my deep love of storytelling. One book turned into two, and now three—and somehow, readers are loving it!
But do I feel like an author? Of course not. I feel like a kid wearing their parent’s shoes, teetering around, hoping no one notices I don’t quite know what I’m doing. Meanwhile, Oliver’s out there, thriving as the culinary pro he is, making pies, cocoa, and gingerbread cookies. He’s the real professional here—I just take dictation from him.
The Audacity of Success
You’d think positive feedback from readers—parents sharing how much their kids love the books, or teachers saying they used Oliver the Owl in class—would be enough to silence the doubts. Nope! My brain still insists it’s a fluke.
When I hear someone say, “I can’t wait for your next book!” my response is always some variation of, “Oh, you liked the first two? That’s… suspicious.” It’s like every compliment is a setup for a cosmic “gotcha” moment.
Lessons from Oliver (and My Readers)
Oliver, of course, would tell me to stop being ridiculous. (He’s wise like that.) If Oliver can lose a button in his own treehouse kitchen and still whip up a perfect pie without his apron, surely I can lose my insecurities and enjoy this journey.
Readers have taught me that my stories aren’t just pages—they’re invitations to explore, create, and laugh together. And if Oliver can teach kids to embrace messy kitchens and missing buttons, maybe he can teach me to embrace this messy, imperfect feeling of being an “official” author.
Hoot On, Rayna
So here’s my big revelation: I am an author. I’m an author who’s published three books in under a year, created bonding moments, hosted book signings, and somehow convinced myself that owls wearing aprons is a totally normal career choice.
Imposter syndrome, take a seat. I’m busy building a kingdom of stories for kids and families to explore. And if I’m not a “real” author, well, someone should probably tell my Amazon, my readers, and Oliver the Owl. Until then, I’ll be here, hooting with pride and maybe eating a celebratory cookie.
Your Turn!
Have you ever felt like an imposter in something you’re passionate about? Share your stories below!
Mix, Play, Stir: A Coloring and Activity Book—with the bonus story The Search for the Missing Button—is going LIVE this week! (Don’t worry, I’ll keep you posted on the exact moment.) I’d love to hear your thoughts—because even this self-proclaimed 'imposter' thrives on feedback from amazing readers like you!
Hoot hoot,
Rayna Jo Zest (Definitely an Author)
