Battling Imposter Syndrome (and the Perth Heat)
My first radio interview, a sweaty train ride, and the moment I realised I might actually be a real author
To say I had imposter syndrome the week leading up to my first, and maybe only, radio interview would be an understatement.
I kept thinking: what if they ask me a question, and I can’t answer it? Everyone will realise I’m not a real author, just a stay-at-home mum who accidentally wrote a book.
I knew they were going to ask me about the current book I was reading. I’m reading two books at the moment: a trashy thriller, and a more ‘sophisticated’ one for my book club that I’m not really enjoying. I was stressing myself out attempting to come up with something intelligent to say about the book club book.
Then I remembered. I’m here to talk about my book of short thriller stories. Just be myself and talk about the trashy thriller I’m reading.
The radio station, 107.3 Heritage FM, was a 45-minute drive from my house, so I decided to take the train. The rising petrol prices have been giving me anxiety lately. The trains are free in Perth on Sundays. Plus, I find driving to new places can sometimes be stressful. I wanted to arrive as relaxed as possible. I could also enjoy some reading time on the train to catch up on my thriller, The Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden.
Of course, the day was stinking hot, and by the time I got to the train station, I was covered in sweat, and my hair was frizzy. Not to mention all my greys were showing because I just couldn’t be bothered to dye them before the big day.
That imposter syndrome started sneaking in again. A real author wouldn’t be traipsing around in the heat, without makeup and with messy hair, catching the train to an interview, would they?
As I sat on the train reading my book, my fingers began absentmindedly playing with a hole I’d found in my dress.
And there it was again, a real author wouldn’t show up to an interview in a dress with a hole in it.
I finally arrived at Gosnells Station and began my walk to the radio station. My stroll took me through the Civic Centre Gardens, which was such a pretty spot and great for calming jangled nerves. I was a little early, so I stopped there for a few deep breaths before continuing my journey.
Then I saw the sign for the radio station. It was a cosy little house off the road. I started my walk up the dirt driveway, and by now it was sweltering. As I approached the house, one of the hosts, Valerie, stepped outside to get something from her car, saving me the awkward moment of wondering whether to knock on the door of what looked like a house, but was actually a radio station.
I was greeted with a smile and an icy-cold soft drink, and instantly, my nerves melted away. We had time for a quick tour of the station, and they confirmed that it used to be someone’s house. I met the other guest for the day, Gosnells Writers Circle member Linda, and she was warm and welcoming as well.
Before I knew it, it was 2 p.m. and time to start. We had a song queued up, which gave us time to take our seats and get set up. I was given a set of headphones and was shown which microphone to use.
The song was over. It was time to start, and my heart was pounding. I was allowed to bring a bottle of water into the room, but I had decided to leave it in the fridge to keep it cold. At that moment, my mouth was so dry, I was seriously regretting my decision.
The other host, Michael, introduced me and asked me a question about how I discovered my love for writing, and the words just started flowing.
There were no trick questions. Nothing I couldn’t answer. Because I’m a real author, and can talk about my writing and my book.
Throughout the two-hour show, people were given the opportunity to send messages in, and I received messages of support from several family members, cheering me on.
We were so busy chatting the whole time that I barely noticed when it was nearly time for the show to wrap up.
Valerie was kind enough to offer me a lift back to the train station, and I got back on the train feeling much lighter than before, and very excited.
I had so much fun and would love to do it again someday.
I’m going to finish up with some final words:
Go away, imposter syndrome. I have just as much right to be here as anyone else.
About the Creator
Sandy Gillman
I’m a mum to a toddler, just trying to get through the day. I like to write about the ups and downs of parenting. I’m not afraid to tell it like it is. I hope you’ll find something here to laugh, relate to, and maybe even learn from.
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Side Quest Goal Achieved: Placing an Alien Claim
This is a post that has me quite ecstatic. It's funny, I thought it was going to be one of my usual, "Hey, I achieved another one of my goals and checked it off" type deals. And it sort of is. But it sort of isn't. And it's also one of my greatest writing accomplishments of late.
By Stephen Kramer Avitabile4 days ago in Writers
Comments (28)
Congratulations
What a fabulous experience. Radio can be such fun and glad it went so well. Congratulations on the TS
you are no imposter and you came across as so authentic, why? Because you're the real deal :-)
Well done: the interview, the conquering of IS, the writing of this story. I really enjoyed the read. Congrats on TS!
Yes, imposter syndrome can get lost. This was so vivid. I shared your dry mouth and anxiety as I read it. ❤️
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
You have more than enough right to be there. Glad it went so well. Hey, we have a celebrity here!
Sandy, you're a rock star! And a real author who doesn't need to worry about anything, but I would be the same nervous with the same fears in your shoes, tbh.
Yes. You are a real author and a bloody good one at that. This is very cool.and I appreciate you sharing your journey with us. It's helpful and inspiring. Plus your accent is awesome. Congrats on the book (it's on my list), the interview and Top Story too!
That's right, Sandy; you are a real author! I hope interviews become easier from here onward because I suspect there will be more. Just keep your chin up. 😊 Congratulations on your top story❣
yes, the old imposter syndrome-I'm not good enough-yes you are a real author and a delight to our community. congrats on ts
Congrats on top story! Also congrats on all the recognition you're getting! It's well deserved - your book is brilliant and we are sitting in wait for the next one 👀❤️
Love it all. Love the article. Love the video. I do NOT love the impostor syndrome. Think about all the talented writers here on Vocal. We're (see how I snuck myself in there?) all at various stages in our writing...I'm not even sure what to call it..."writing hobby?" "writing vocation?" "writing career?" The label is elusive because for most of us, writing doesn't yet fall neatly into a category. But you have managed to get an interview on a radio station about your writing? That's fantastic. I'm still waiting for that phone call. You've managed to publish a book? Amazing. I guess I can technically say I'm "published," but I can't yet call myself an author. I look with admiration at the way you're consistently able to place on the Leaderboard. You write with a refreshingly honest voice. A lot of what I've read from you comes from your real life. You convey it in a unique, accessible, REAL way. There's no impostor in you. The writer, author, poet, IS you. Keep going forward.
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story!!!
I know what you mean by imposter syndrome. I remember the first interview for my first book. I knew that book inside and out, but I was still scared I would not be able to answer the questions. You have a lot to be proud of most people don't even get a chance at an interview. If I can give you one word of advice it would be to keep pushing interviews. That will make your book soar faster than anything. Congratulations on your book and interview.
Amazing my lovely so proud, I'm still reading enjoying the book. Congratulations and yes you are an author 💜💜 love the video and I love your accent yay💜💜
Fascinating read! Well done on your book & the radio interview… very brave. I’ve only recently conquered nerves talking into a microphone when I run games at Youth Group!😬 Keep up the great work. Friends of mine have just enjoyed 2 weeks’ holiday in W.A.✅
Congratulations on the book and the interview experience! Great telling it here, thank you!
Congrats 🎉🎉 this sounds like such an intense but super fun time!! I am proud of you! And your video is lovely 🤭💝
Congratulations! Must have been a truly fascinating experience for you at the end.
Once you have done one, they become easier. It is a couple of years since I last did one. Thanks for sharing
Hehehehhe I'm so happy for you! Hope you get invited to more interviews. It'll be fun for you and great marketing for your book!
Congrats on the interview. You are a superstar Hugs and love!
Oh my God! Congratulations girl, that is so big!
Loved this and it reminded me, my copy of your book is due to arrive Thursday. And to be clear, only real authors are allowed a spot on my bookshelf. You'll be nestled next to the greats like Kurt Vonnegut, JRR Tolkien, Paul Stewart, and Mother Combs.