We recently connected with L.J. Burkhart and have shared our conversation below.
Hi L.J., 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.
Let me just preface this by saying that dealing with imposter syndrome in this field is not easy. I think every author struggles with it. It’s a constant back and forth. I really notice it when I’m going through the editing process and rereading my work a million times. I start to question if the story is really good enough to release. I want to assure all other authors and writers out there that this is completely normal! That has actually been a huge help to me. The fact that I know other people struggle with the same thing I do. Having lifelong anxiety, I’ve come to realize that a lot of my fears and insecurities are in my head. Sometimes just taking a step back and looking at all I’ve accomplished is a huge help.
Another part is that I’m doing what I love. I would be writing these stories regardless. So why not share them with the world and see if others get some enjoyment out of it? It’s never been about the money for me. It’s about the joy that writing brings me. Would it be wonderful if I became a famous author overnight and was able to make this my full time career? Absolutely! But I don’t let the fact that I’m not a best selling author stop me from doing what I love.
Which brings me to my final part. Someone, somewhere is going to find enjoyment out of your story. It might not be for everyone. You might get negative reviews. You might have people that dnf your book. But guess what? You’re also going to have people that love your book! You are going to be someone’s favorite author someday. I tell myself that when the imposter syndrome makes itself known.
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?
Hi everyone! I’m L.J. Burkhart. I’m a published author. As of right now I have five published books. I originally started writing contemporary romance and rapid released my first trilogy, the Fire series. It follows three best friends all navigating new relationships, past trauma, and discoveries about themselves. Each novel is about a different friend and their own journey. Fire & Ink is about Savannah and Charlie, Light Me Up is about Lauren and Phoenix, and The Fire Inside Me is about Anna and Molly. Needless to say, being a romance series, it contains a lot of smut and some triggers so make sure to check those out before you buy! The series that I’m currently working on and releasing is the Realm of Queridian trilogy. This one is fantasy romance and is about a woman who goes searching for answers about her heritage and ends up falling into a portal into the magical realm of Queridian. It has multiple different species which all contain their own power as well as a sexy fae/vampire love interest. The first book, An Ember in the Dark, was released in October 2023, and I just released book 2, A Blaze in the Shadows, on April 1, 2024. I will be publishing a novella about the villian in between books 2&3 hopefully in July, and I plan to conclude the story with A Queen in the Ashes in October.
I’m also planning on releasing a short story called Of Love and Time in August. It’s a time travel world war 2 novella.
My last project I’m currently working on is a witchy novel that I’m co-writing with my friend Mandy Maree! We aren’t for sure when we’ll have that one out yet, but hoping for September.
And FINALLY, I have some events coming up. The big one is I’m throwing a Book Bash with my fellow llama ladies (our fun group name) on May 4. It will be in Colorado Springs at the YMCA off of First and Main. We will have over 40 authors attending as well as vendors and food trucks. We’d love to see you there!
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?
I think the most obvious skill you need to have as an author is being a good story teller. A lot of authors worry about grammar and spelling, but that can all be fixed by an editor. Which reminds me, absolutely get an editor. I know it’s tempting to release it as is. I know it’s expensive. But if you want to be successful, get your book edited. Going back to the story telling, there’s something all great fiction books need and that is GMC. Goal, what does my character want? Motivation, why does my character want it? And Conflict, what gets in their way? If you’re wanting to know more about GMC make sure to pick up the book about it by Debra Dixon. It’s very insightful and will bring your books to a new level! Next is having relatable characters. Remember that they are human beings (or maybe not if you’re doing fantasy or sci-fi), they’re going to make mistakes. They aren’t going to be perfect. People will love your book more if they can connect to the characters in them. Give them anxiety. Give them annoying quirks. Maybe give them a funny fear that you’d never expect from a tough character. And then make sure to give them relatable reactions. Describe the sensation of being scared. What happens to your body when you’re terrified? People will instantly be able to feel what you’re describing and put themselves in that situation, ultimately feeling like they are the main character.
And the most important advice I give all aspiring writers is simple. Just write the damn thing! You don’t have to have everything figured out first. Hell, a lot of us do that as we’re writing. You don’t have to have everything perfect. You can always go back and change stuff. But you’ll never get your story onto paper if you don’t start. So get out there and get writing! You can do it!
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
So as I mentioned earlier, I’ve struggled with anxiety since I was 16. Technically longer, but that’s when I was diagnosed. I tend to get overwhelmed easily, especially in areas that are new to me. I don’t like not knowing what’s going to happen. At times like these, I like to do a few things. First, creating a list. Once I write it out, I can clearly see what needs to be done and what the steps are. I feel better knowing what needs to be done and accomplishing those tasks. It’s also very rewarding to check something off your list and see it shrinking and realizing you’re getting closer to your goal.
My dad always told me something when I was younger and usually overwhelmed by the amount of homework I had to get done, and it’s really stuck with me over the years. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Yes you may have a mountain of stuff to get done, but don’t focus on all of it at once. Just do one thing at a time and celebrate the accomplishments, and before you know it, your task will be complete, the elephant gone!
Another huge part is being self aware. I can tell when I’ve got too much going on. My anxiety rises and the simplest thing will set me off or seem like a monumental task. Try to realize before you get to your breaking point that you’re struggling or needing to cut back. There’s nothing wrong with taking time for yourself or setting healthy boundaries. Self care is so important, and so many people neglect it. Whatever it is can wait. You need to put your oxygen mask on before you can help others.
And finally, and this really goes back to self care, find things that make you feel better. For me, it’s going to yoga, reading and writing, baking, spending quality time with my husband and dog, getting massage, and just having fun and enjoying life! I know it’s not always easy to take the time to do, but it’s important. Think about what makes you feel better and less stressed and make it a priority in your life!
Contact Info:
- Website: Ljburkhart.com
- Instagram: L.j.burkhart.author
