Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kirsten Geter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kirsten, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I wouldn’t say that I have completely conquered it. Instead battling imposter syndrome is an ongoing journey. I choose to work through the negative thoughts and doubts.
People from many walks of life are affected by these emotions of inadequacy and uncertainty, and they can make it difficult to move through environments that have been historically controlled by particular groups. As a black woman in the field of writing, a space historically dominated by white men, I can say that I still battle with doubting my worth in the space. Publishing is brutal for black writers. In 2020 Black authors account for 6% of all registered authors. For a black indie author like me with no big publishing house behind me, it can be difficult to feel valued in this space.
A few ways that I am fighting through these feelings and that others might use are:
Rather than viewing these doubts as evidence of my own shortcomings, I acknowledge that impostor syndrome is a common experience shared by many high-achieving people, particularly black professionals. I was able to break free from self-blame by realizing that these feelings are common, and that they are an essential component of progress.
I often use self-affirmations by reminding myself of my successes, my abilities, and the distinctive viewpoint I offer to the writing industry. I tell myself that it’s important for tales of individuals like me to be told so that others may relate to them and learn from them in order to enrich their own lives.
I have cultivated a strong support system that includes mentors, peers, and allies who understand and appreciate the challenges I face. Their encouragement has been monumental in building my confidence and overcoming self-doubt.
I have learned to embrace vulnerability and recognize that it is not a sign of weakness. By sharing my experiences, challenges, and triumphs with others, I create connections and open up opportunities for collective growth and support. I use these feelings to help me connect to my characters and even when teaching writing in the classroom or in workshop scenarios.
I decided to use Imposter Syndrome to challenge myself, to push beyond my comfort zone, and to pave the way for greater inclusivity and representation in the writing field. By persistently working through the doubts and negative thoughts, I have been able to find my voice, contribute my unique perspective, and make a meaningful impact in the field of writing.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Kirsten Saint Preux, but I write under my maiden name Kirsten Geter. I am a wife, mom, educator, and entrepreneur. But at heart I have always been a creative primarily through the art of writing. I started writing poetry with a group of friends in 7th grade. We all started writing poems and sharing them. Eventually the fad faded for most of the group, for me writing remained my favorite way to express myself and then I fell in love with reading black authors in high school and gained a new appreciation for books of all types. I started professionally writing during my early years as an educator back in 2004. I recently released my novel Quiet Revisions on Amazon and a self-help workbook that I wrote with my daughter Jasmine Geter, Dear Sis, It’s Me, Love Myself.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Resilience, community building, and ongoing learning played major roles in my development. My advice to new or aspiring authors is to prioritize self-care, accept failures as learning opportunities, and connect with supportive writing groups. Building a network of like-minded folks and cultivating resilience will be needed in a field where “no” is an often-heard word. If you want to write, then you must work on not just the creative aspects, but also the technical aspects by studying good writing and mastering grammar and style. I believe if you desire to really write that you must have a dedication to lifelong learning through workshops, classes, and diversified reading.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The main obstacle I face is the absence of a large marketing team or publishing house. This means the hats I must wear daily are plentiful and find alternative ways to promote my work. I am working to build a stronger social media presence and have plans to begin blogging. I believe a strong online presence is essential to engaging with a wider audience, but nothing beats live appearances. I also look forward to attending literary events and networking with industry professionals, which can open doors for collaboration and mentorship opportunities. Despite the challenge, I am confident that through strategic online promotion, networking, and strong reviews, I can overcome this obstacle and ensure my works and name reach a broader audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: kirstengeter.com
- Instagram: @author_kirsten_geter
- Facebook: @authorkirsten
Image Credits
Author photo shoot images: Photographs by Carletha Geter
