I've been thinking a lot about the different reasons we might have reading and/or blogging slumps (because I'm currently in one).

There are a whole bunch of them out there: maybe you just came off of a really amazing or soul-crushing read and now have a book hangover; or maybe you're burned out on books and could do with a break; or maybe you're just reading the wrong book, or too many books, or too many of the wrong books!

Certainly these are things all book bloggers deal with that can have a real effect on how much blog content they're generating, but I want to talk about something different: an insidious thing called impostor syndrome. According to the definition I ganked from Wikipedia (italics are mine):

Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments. Despite external evidence of their competence, those with the syndrome remain convinced that they are frauds and do not deserve the success they have achieved. Proof of success is dismissed as luck, timing, or as a result of deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent and competent than they believe themselves to be. Notably, impostor syndrome is particularly common among high-achieving women.

(Note: I know there are some great non-lady book bloggers out there, but the book blogging community seems to be primarily made up of women. Humor me here!)

We most often hear about this phenomenon in reference to women who have high-powered or traditionally male-dominated careers, but it's absolutely applicable to blogging, too. Do these thoughts sound familiar to anyone?

• "Are my judgments about this book wrong/stupid/unfounded?"


• "Why would anyone take my thoughts about this book seriously?" 


• "When will my readers figure out that I'm just winging it and call me out on it?"

I think these are somewhat normal feelings for new bloggers to have when they're first getting their legs under them and building up readership, but I would also wager that plenty of established writers have them now and again (or perhaps more often than that). After all, we're not Wonder Women here.

Whenever I start feeling impostor syndrome creep up on me, I try to remind myself of a few things.

1. First and foremost, my blog is for me. Do I love having readers and interacting with them? Of course! It's one of the main reasons I blog. Ultimately, though, I write for myself. As Leah told a commenter recently, this isn't The New York Times. 
2. Do I ever look back on posts and cringe? Sure. Does that mean I'm a bad writer/reviewer who should close up shop? No way! It means that I'm becoming a more critical, thoughtful reader and writer. I know that, as I move forward, I will be grateful for this ongoing record of how I've grown.
3. I have yet to come across anyone in the book blogging community who was not supportive of other bloggers. I personally have not had anyone tear down my ideas or writing or be otherwise non-constructively nasty. I'm sure those people are out there, but I'm thankful to have surrounded myself with bloggers interested in positive, productive engagement. Bring on the friendly debate!