The Inaugural Issue: Imposter syndrome and the question of identity
Greetings and salutations! Welcome to this first issue of Pen the Truth — my passion project for starting conversations between editors, writers, and readers, particularly within the Catholic space. I'll try to keep this monthly letter short and sweet, because I really want to hear your thoughts and learn more about you. (Also, I make no promises that this email will be free of typos. Life happens.)
News
Cover reveal
I had the most fun over on Instagram revealing the cover of my upcoming children's book, Meet Sister Mary Margaret. This picture book, releasing from OSV Kids in the fall, is the work of my heart over many years of friendship with women religious. I hope you'll check it out, and I can't wait to share more with you as we get closer to release! You can check out the cover and my thoughts in my Instagram posts at this link.
Join me!
I'm headed to the Catholic Writers Conference Live in Chicago, Tuesday, May 30 - Thursday, June 1, 2023. Come hang out with your fellow writers to learn, network, and make new friends!
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Imposter Syndrome and the Question of Identity
When I attended last year's CWCL, I had a bit of an epiphany. At previous conferences, I've always been in charge of something — from volunteers to the entire dang thing. In 2022 I was just there, but also a legit acquisitions editor. And imposter syndrome hit hard...
...until the conversations started. Old friends saying how proud they were of me, new friends excited to pick my brain and share their dreams. Introducing myself with my title, realizing that no-one saw or cared how uncertain I felt. Opportunities to guide and encourage those who were even more uncertain than I was. When I participated in a panel on the editing process (which I did again at the Guild's recent online conference) a switch flipped. I know how to talk about this. I have the answer to that question. I'm not infallible but I can help.
What was different? Instead of needing — and fishing for — constant doses of affirmation to counteract imposter syndrome, I realized that I know who I am. I know my talents, as well as my shortcomings, and I could speak from that reality rather than pretending to be the ideal. I could trip over my tongue and say something stupid in front of way more experienced editors and it would be absolutely fine, because I am me, not them.
We talk a lot about finding our identity. But what do we do when we find it? Do we accept it and run with it, confidently? Or do we keep second-guessing it, give in to imposter syndrome, or search for an easier option?
The key, I think, is not conflating our identity with our self-image. Our self-image, how we see ourselves, can be confused, weakened, even broken, often by our own actions. But the core of our identity is unchanging, because it is absolutely rooted in God Who does not change. We are created in the image and likeness of God, given unique gifts, talents, personalities, and choices; He is the one who guides our path. Our call is to embrace who we are in this moment, and ask how we can draw closer to Him through His will for us.
Food for Thought
What unique gift or perspective do you bring to the conversation about Catholic writing? Are you an editor, reader, writer, or all three — or are you afraid to embrace a part of your identity because you feel you don't really qualify?
Good Books
Non-fiction — Much of my thought on the topic of identity has been formed by book I was privileged to edit in 2020: Who Am I, Lord? Finding Your Identity in Christ by Joseph Heschmeyer. Joe shredded my previous conceptions of self-discovery and presented a new and profound way of understanding who we are and who we are called to be in Christ.
Fiction — So many novels are a search for identity, with an arc that involves a character leaving everything behind to strike out towards fulfillment. One of my favorites, however, doesn't quite fit this mold: The Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner. The titular character, Eugenides, is sure of his identity as the Queen's Thief, even if he's scared or confused at times about how that is going to play out — and whether it will be taken away from him. He has an identity crisis around book 2 but recovers, even more determined than ever to reclaim that identity. But the reader has an even bigger challenge: to slowly figure out who Eugenides really is, what drives him, and what is really going on under the surface of the plot. These are some of my all-time favorite books and I share them at every opportunity. :D
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Continuing the Conversation
I'd love to hear your thoughts on imposter syndrome, identity, or anything else in this newsletter! Let me know if I can share it with just your first name in the subsequent issue of Pen the Truth.