In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg engage in a deep conversation with author Katie Gutierrez about her experiences with imposter syndrome, the complexities of motherhood, and the journey of writing her debut novel, More Than You'll Ever Know. Katie shares her insights on identity, ambition, and the challenges of being a writer while navigating personal and societal expectations. The discussion also touches on the creative process, the long journey of writing a book, and the importance of representation in literature.

Katie opens up about her struggle with imposter syndrome, which intensified after publishing her novel. She reflects on how supportive parents were vital in nurturing her early writing career and how her writing identity is inextricably linked to her writing practice. Transitioning from writer to author brought new layers of self-doubt, particularly when balancing motherhood and the loss of previous identities. Her novel explores themes of marriage, motherhood, and female ambition. Katie also gives insight into the extensive editing process and how self-discovery plays a major role in her writing. Her upcoming project will tackle wealth, power, and the intricacies of a historical murder trial.

In this episode of Impostor Hour, hosts Liz and Greg are joined by mental health advocate and author Kati Morton (Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health and Traumatized: Identify, Understand, and Cope With PTSD and Emotional Stress) to discuss the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among creatives. They explore Kati’s journey in mental health advocacy, the evolution of her widely followed YouTube channel, and the shifting generational attitudes toward mental health. The conversation dives into the rise of “armchair therapists,” the importance of trauma awareness, and the unique challenges of writing about trauma during the pandemic. Kati offers her perspective on balancing personal experiences with professional boundaries and how unprocessed trauma can impact critical thinking. Kati discusses the impact of social media on mental health and emphasizes curating one's feed to foster positivity. She addresses the common struggle with comparison in creative fields and explores the roots of imposter syndrome, linking it to self-esteem and past experiences. Kati highlights the importance of setting boundaries with individuals who lack empathy and shares self-care practices to recharge emotional energy. The discussion wraps up with reflections on the connection between creativity and personal trauma, suggesting that writing can be a powerful therapeutic outlet.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, Liz and Greg dive into a thrilling conversation with New York Times bestselling author Ana Reyes about her debut novel, The House in the Pines. Ana opens up about the challenges of navigating genre conventions, revealing how her MFA program shaped her writing style and the creative freedom she found within storytelling constraints. She shares the deeply personal elements woven into her novel, including her Guatemalan heritage and her harrowing journey with Klonopin withdrawal.

The discussion delves into the art of crafting a twist ending, the power of sense memory, and how mental reconstruction plays a crucial role in her storytelling. Ana reflects on her experiences as a writer, from finding community and navigating vulnerability to the impact her book has had on readers. They explore themes of not being believed, mental illness, and the lingering effects of trauma. Ana also shares insights from her time teaching creative writing, offers advice for writers tackling their second novel, and gives a glimpse into her future writing goals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of personal experience and genre storytelling!