[ISBW] Embracing the Imposter: Battling Doubts in Writing and Life

Oct 24, 2025

This solo discussion dives into the struggles of self-doubt and burnout faced by writers. The host shares personal experiences, including overcoming challenges in completing a manuscript and balancing creative tasks. Insights on the 'Imposter Cop' shed light on how internal voices can sabotage creativity. A fascinating analysis of K-pop Demon Hunters explores its storytelling techniques. Listeners are encouraged to recognize the courage it takes to share their stories and combat feelings of impostor syndrome with practical tips.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Work One Thing Per Day

Try dedicating whole days to one major task instead of splitting tasks across a day.
Focusing one full day on writing or podcasting increases sustained output and reduces task-switching losses.

ADVICE

Stop Bopping Between Fires

Avoid constant firefighting across tasks; extinguish one fire fully before moving to the next.
Prioritize finishing and containment to prevent recurring crises and reduce context-switching.

ANECDOTE

K-Pop Demon Hunters' Instant Hook

Mur described K-pop Demon Hunters' opening: a plane reveal that instantly establishes characters and stakes.
The film demonstrates rapid character grounding so readers care about action sequences immediately.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

"If you're writing your stories down, you're more than a writer than a lot of people ever will have the courage to try to be."

It's a solo episode! I get into the complexities of writing and self-doubt, the struggles of completing a manuscript, the challenges of balancing creativity with personal life, and the ever-present specter of The Imposter Cop.

We try to accept the importance of focusing on one task at a time, despite everything.

Also we talk about K Pop Demon Hunters, exploring its themes and storytelling techniques.

(This post went live for supporters on October 22, 2025. If you want early, ad-free, and sometimes expanded episodes, support at Patreon!)

Download Transcript

Links

Evergreen Links

See all books from Season 21
Like the podcast? Get the book! I Should Be Writing.
Socials: Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, Focusmate
Theme by John Anealio
Savor I Should Be Writing tea blends
Support local book stores! Station Eternity, Six Wakes, Solo: A Star Wars Story: Expanded Edition and more!
OR Get signed books from my friendly local store, Flyleaf Books!

— "The Bully that Knocks: The Imposter Cop" is brought to you in large part by my supporters, the Fabulists, who received an early, expanded version of this episode. You can join our Fabulist community with a pledge on Patreon!

Some of the links above may be affiliate, allowing you to support the show at no extra cost to you. Also consider leaving a review for ISBW, please!

CREDITS Theme song by John Anealio, art by Numbers Ninja, and files hosted by Libsyn (affiliate link). Get archives of the show via Patreon.

October 27, 2025 | Season 21 Ep 20 | murverse.com "The Bully that Knocks: The Imposter Cop" by Mur Lafferty is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

In case it wasn't clear: Mur and this podcast are fully supportive of LGBTQ+ folks, believe that Black Lives Matter, and trans rights are human rights, despite which direction the political winds blow. If you do not agree, then there are plenty of other places to go on the Internet.