In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg sit down with Chelsea Hoffmann and Olivia Day Wallace, co-hosts of the Thriller by the Bookclub podcast and organizers of a thriving book club community focused on thrillers. Together, they explore the themes of imposter syndrome, Olivia’s writing journey, and the power of community through book clubs. Chelsea and Olivia share how balancing the demands of motherhood with their creative work has amplified feelings of self-doubt. They also highlight how book clubs have fostered deep friendships and provided humorous, memorable experiences.

The conversation delves into the ongoing writing journey, reflecting on how networking and attending author events have boosted their confidence. They emphasize the importance of honest reviews in book club discussions and how hearing readers’ opinions has shaped their understanding as writers. They also touch on the challenges of writing and marketing thrillers, particularly how mis-marketing can skew reader expectations and the complexities of crafting a compelling synopsis.

In this episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg engage with bestselling author Kimberly Belle, whose novels include The Paris Widow, The Marriage Lie, Dear Wife, Stranger in the Lake, and The Personal Assistant. Kimberly discusses imposter syndrome in the creative process, highlighting her writing journey and the importance of strong female characters in her work. The conversation explores her collaborative projects, including Young Rich Widows and Desperate Deadly Widows, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of working with other authors.

They also dive into themes of identity theft in psychological thrillers, and how traveling and research contribute to her storytelling. Kimberly shares valuable insights from her experience in the publishing industry, stressing the importance of community support, accountability, and resilience throughout the writing process.

In this milestone 30th episode of Imposter Hour, hosts Liz and Greg discuss their new novel, Trust Issues. They explore the book’s journey from inception to completion, unpacking its central themes of redemption, family dynamics, and the psychology of con artists. With their signature blend of humor and insight, they delve into the allure of the con man trope and the subtle interplay of self-deception that drives both their characters and real-life cons.

The conversation offers a deep dive into the challenges and rewards of crafting complex, emotionally rich characters—particularly those that might not win readers over at first glance. Liz and Greg share their evolving approach to writing unlikable characters with nuance and depth, reflecting on how their own creative process has changed over the years.

As they peel back the layers of Trust Issues, the hosts candidly discuss how imposter syndrome has shaped their creative journey and the vital role that community support plays in navigating the highs and lows of writing. They also share behind-the-scenes anecdotes about their collaborative process and offer a sneak peek into the excitement and anticipation surrounding their book’s upcoming launch. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers, fascinated by the art of the con, or simply curious about the creative process, this episode is for you.