We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joanna Mcspadden a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
JoAnna, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
To be honest, I haven’t really overcome imposter syndrome. I don’t think it’s something you ever truly defeat—it’s more of a constant battle. But I’ve come to realize that it’s really just a signal that I’m stepping out of my comfort zone. Imposter syndrome is my brain trying to keep me safe, telling me to stay where it’s comfortable. But I’ve learned that growth only happens when you push past that comfort zone. So instead of letting it hold me back, I use it as a reminder that I’m challenging myself, improving my craft, and reaching for something bigger. In a strange way, it keeps me grounded and motivated to keep creating work that feels authentic and meaningful.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a fantasy author, I create epic, immersive worlds where readers can lose themselves in magic, adventure, and characters who grow and evolve. What excites me the most about writing fantasy is the ability to push boundaries—not just of imagination, but also in exploring the human experience through fantastical elements and ideas. There’s something truly special about building entire realms from scratch and letting readers embark on those journeys with me. It’s a way to inspire bold dreaming and remind us all that we can defy the odds, no matter how impossible the quest might seem.
Right now, I’m especially excited about my upcoming release of Midnight Embers, which comes out in April 2025. It’s the second book in my series, following Obsidian Tide, and it dives even deeper into the magic and complex relationships within the world of Akaria. I’m also working on a short fantasy novella called Monsters, Magic, and Moonlight—a love story full of fierce competition, unexpected alliances, and, of course, some epic monster battles, which is set to release in May 2025.
I’m also focused on building an engaging community of readers and fellow creators, especially through social media and my newsletter. I want people to not only connect with my stories but also feel inspired to embrace their own creativity, authenticity, and their dreams.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were persistence, creativity, and discipline. First, persistence is key because the road to becoming an author isn’t ever smooth. There will be rejections, doubts, and setbacks, but staying committed to your craft and your vision is what pushes you forward. Creativity is essential not just in storytelling, but in problem-solving and finding new ways to connect with readers and build a brand and a business. Finally, discipline is what helps turn big dreams into reality. Writing a book takes consistent effort over time, and discipline ensures that I stay on track, even on the days when motivation is low.
For those just starting out, my advice is to focus on building these qualities. Start by embracing persistence—don’t be discouraged by early failures or obstacles. You only fail when you give up. Every step, even the small ones, is progress. To nurture creativity, allow yourself to explore ideas without judgment and take inspiration from everything around you, not just books but art, nature, or even everyday life. And when it comes to discipline, set small, achievable goals for yourself and stick to them. Consistency is more important than perfection, and over time, those little efforts will add up to something big.
In my monthly newsletter, I often offer advice on staying creative, maintaining discipline, and overcoming challenges as a writer.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
My biggest challenge right now is marketing and social media. As an author, I love writing and creating stories, but promoting those stories and building an online presence is a completely different skill set. It can be overwhelming to figure out how to stand out and reach the right audience in such a crowded space, especially when you’re balancing writing with marketing.
To overcome this, I’ve been focusing on learning as much as I can about social media strategy and book marketing. I’ve been experimenting with different types of content, from engaging visuals to more personal posts that share more about me, my writing process, and world-building insights. I’m also working on connecting with my readers in a more authentic way, whether it’s through my newsletter, where I share behind-the-scenes updates, or by interacting more consistently on platforms like Instagram. My goal is to not only promote my books but to create a community where readers feel like they can be part of the journey with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joannamcspadden.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writerjoannamcspadden
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writerjoannamcspadden
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
