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.