I’m happy to announce that my essay “Getting Above My Raisin’” is now online at The Blue Nib: The Write Life. The essay looks at why writers feel they don’t merit top-tier agents or publishing contracts. Unlike “imposter syndrome,” a psychological condition whose sufferers doubt their competence, “getting above one’s raisin’” is rooted in the conviction that one is from the wrong social demographic. I’d love to hear back if you do (or don’t) experience something similar and how you interpret your reaction. Please leave a comment here or on the essay link. Read more about this article and others in ESSAYS.
Ann, I thoroughly enjoyed your piece. Not knowing much about the workings of the publishing industry, I venture to say that this attitude is pervasive in other like industries. However, I believe that there are those that can and will break through that ceiling, for lack of a better word. You never know, but that someone could be you.
Thanks so much for the encouraging words Pam. Alas, many deserving authors don’t get that break. Some, rather than questioning the mechanics of the industry, doubt their abilities. They fall into the “impostor syndrome” group. Others, while confident of their abilities, attribute their lack of success to belonging to the wrong social demographic. They are members of the “above my raisin'” crowd. I belong to the latter, but I have writer friends in both camps. Nevertheless, we all continue to pursue our craft because that’s who we are!