We were lucky to catch up with Claire Kohler recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Claire, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Masks. We all wear them at times, but some wear them so well they don’t even realize they’re doing it. Hi, my name is Claire. I’m an author, tutor, editor, wife, mom, and Bible study leader. I’m also neurodivergent, specifically diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
Growing up, I learned quickly how to imitate others. I excelled at school, obeyed my parents, and tried to be a good person. From the outside, I appeared fairly normal, if a bit quirky. On the inside, however, some part of me always knew I was different from other people. That I was hiding who I truly was.
That subconscious knowledge produced a deep fear within me that someone somehow would eventually discover my secret: that I was a fake, a fraud. This fear stuck with me into adulthood, even after I discovered I was neurodivergent. It clung to me in my relationships, my career, and even as a new mom. That was one way I knew it was irrational, this sense of being an imposter, for I had birthed my children the same as any other mother in the world.
Overcoming this feeling has taken a lot of work. It’s a process, a journey I’m still walking. Imposter syndrome stems from doubt, which isn’t always a trustworthy emotion. By reminding myself of what I know is true, I can choose to ignore that doubt and make decisions that will ultimately be for my benefit, rather than keep me from reaching my dreams. As a mom and a neurodivergent woman, I want to be someone people can look to and say, “If she did it, so can I.”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I write romantasy books set in historical time periods around the world. I absolutely adore my work because I get to blend three things I love: romance, fantasy, and world cultures. I have a complete romantasy trilogy set in 18th-century Scotland (with a prequel novella on the way), and I am just starting a brand new series set in the Joseon dynasty. I also have a book coming out in October that I co-authored with six other people. It’s a steampunk murder mystery book that’s a cross between The Hunger Games and Howl’s Moving Castle.
Besides just writing books, I also help other neurodivergent authors through my blog, which focuses on tips for utilizing your strengths and managing your weaknesses as a neurodivergent person.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The top three qualities I would say have impacted me the most are resilience, faith, and courage. Achieving your dreams is hard, especially when you aren’t going the traditional route or your circumstances don’t match what’s typical. I had to pivot several times at the beginning of my writing journey. It took five years between the start of my debut novel and its publication. Don’t give up just because it’s hard. Step back and consider if there’s another way to achieve your goal. Consider how much time you realistically have, and remember that just because you may not attain your goal in the timeline you want, it doesn’t mean you won’t eventually get there. Learn how other people did it, then figure out what would work best for you.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My relationship with Christ and the support I’ve gotten from my husband are at the top as far as helping me overcome challenges, but I want to hone in on the writing group I am a part of. They have been such an amazing community for me. They’re real with their struggles and with what has worked for them. Being part of a community of other like-minded writers (even if they write in completely different genres from me) has been such a gift. This is something I recommend every writer be a part of, if they can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clairekohlerbooks.com
- Instagram: clairekohlerbooks
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