We recently connected with LaShane Arnett and have shared our conversation below.
LaShane, 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.
Many of us creatives fall victim to imposter syndrome. When it happens it can be detrimental to the creative process. In the beginning of my self publishing journey I struggled with comparing myself to other authors; feeling inadequate and as though my writing would never be good enough. Thankfully this insecurity came in waves. After much reflection and many discussions with other authors, I realized we all experience it. And it’s not just authors. No matter what medium you, as a creative use, imposter syndrome can hold you hostage.
I felt obligated, to my creativity, to delve deeper into what this means and how I could overcome it. Truth is, imposter syndrome is an innate part of being a creator—it’s not something you overcome. Instead I learned to ride the wave. I took a different approach and turned its negative connotation around. Now I see it as humbling, and when it hits, I use that time to learn and grow.
I have also stopped comparing myself to other authors. We all are different and unique. We all have different methods, different stories, and truths to tell in our own ways. If we stay true to ourselves then imposter syndrome becomes less effective.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hi everyone! I am LaShane Arnett. I am the author of two paranormal thrillers, (The Pain Eater and The Magic Man Book one and two of The Sadie Reed Series). I have two poetry books, (Go Ask LaShane: Decades of Ramblings and Go Ask LaShane Volume Two: My Human Experience which will be released Spring 2024). I also have works that appear in a few Horror Anthologies (Horrorscope Volume 3 and Horrorscope Volume 4 ), and an essay in a Soledad Art Magazine.
I have been writing for over 4 decades. I love to write and love the imagination. My goal is to create rich, contemplative stories and poems that help people understand it’s okay to reflect on their lived experiences. It’s okay to go to the shadow realms of your reality, because it’s from there you actually find the light.
I am also the owner and creator of Arnett Publications LLC which I created back in 2019. I applaud indie authors and know first hand it takes endurance and dedication to succeed. There is a lot of things to consider and a lot of things to learn about the business.
I am, after 5 years, still learning. My goal is to one day expand Arnett Publications LLC so I can represent those who may not want to take on the task of marketing themselves.
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?
I believe one important/impactful quality to develop is an undeniable sense of self. Knowing and being true to who you are beneath the surface is key to living a happy and fulfilled life. And from there you will tap into the pure beauty of your creativity.
Another important/impactful quality to develop is time management. Something I admit I struggle with sometimes. Learning to give your creativity adequate space to grow, but also stay connected to those in your life that offer you support, (family, friends, etc…), is so important.
And for your mental health another important/impactful thing to develop is balance between the reality you exist in and the one you create on paper. We, as creatives, tend to live long periods in the imagination. We must understand that our lives, as well as our art, benefits when we find a balance between the two.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents were strong believers in you create your own reality. The power of positive thinking was also huge in our household—a reason I am an annoying optimist. I know this has played a huge role in me overcoming some of the most personally challenging aspects of my life. Though I have lived through many traumas, I refuse to exist down where negativity lives. It’s not in my DNA. My parents taught me to seek the beauty and knowledge in every experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lashanewrites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashanewrites/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lashanearnett/
- Other: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19506626.LaShane_Arnett
Image Credits
All photos were taken by Sami Arnett instagram: @sami_arnett or @samiarnett_art
