In this episode of Impostor Hour, hosts Liz and Greg sit down with acclaimed author Karen Dukess for a rich, honest conversation about creativity, confidence, and the winding path of a writer’s life.

Karen reflects on the success of her debut novel, The Last Book Party—a critically praised coming-of-age story steeped in literary nostalgia—and how that experience shaped both her confidence and her expectations moving forward.

They dive into her newest novel, Welcome to Murder Week, a sharp, atmospheric mystery inspired by the haunting beauty of the English countryside. Along the way, Karen opens up about grappling with imposter syndrome, the emotional aftermath of rejection, and the challenges of writing her ambitious novel set in Russia.

She discusses the process of unlearning habits from her journalism background in order to embrace the fluidity of fiction, and how she’s found joy in balancing the “highbrow” with the purely entertaining.

This candid, insightful episode explores what it means to keep growing as a writer—even after success—and how to stay grounded in your voice when self-doubt creeps in.

In this episode of Impostor Hour, hosts Liz and Greg sit down with bestselling author Kaira Rouda for a candid and compelling conversation about the intersections of ambition, storytelling, and self-discovery. Kaira shares her unique path from the business world to bestselling fiction, unpacking the recurring themes of perfection, deception, and female empowerment that define her work. Together, they explore the craft of writing, the emotional truth behind character development, and the importance of authenticity in both life and literature.

We do a deep dive into Kaira’s newest novel, Jill Is Not Happy, a sharp and timely exploration of marriage, image, and the stories we tell ourselves. Along the way, Kaira opens up about genre experimentation, navigating the shifting tides of publishing, and the sustaining power of the creative community—especially during the isolating days of the pandemic. With warmth and insight, she encourages writers to lean into their voices, embrace imperfection, and write through the dark to reach the light.

This week on Impostor Hour, hosts Liz Keenan and Greg Wands sit down with novelist Debbie Babbitt to explore her compelling journey from stage to page. A former actress and playwright, Babbitt brings a unique perspective to the world of thrillers, weaving her theatrical background into richly drawn characters and suspenseful plots.

They discuss the emotional architecture of character development and how Hitchcock’s signature storytelling style helped shape her voice as a writer. Babbitt shares how backstory can make or break a thriller, and reflects on the tightrope walk between writing and self-promotion in today’s publishing world.

Throughout the conversation, she opens up about navigating the challenges of imposter syndrome, coping with criticism, and finding strength in vulnerability. The episode also touches on the lasting impact of classic literature, the intricacies of narrative structure, and the way setting can function as a character in its own right.

Whether you're a writer, artist, or lover of story, this episode offers candid insights into the creative process—and a reminder that community and emotional honesty are essential to every great work.