Jesse Armstrong Discusses Impostor Syndrome in Creative Writing

Jesse Armstrong, the acclaimed creator of the HBO drama *Succession*, has openly shared his experiences with impostor syndrome, a common psychological phenomenon among writers. In a recent interview on BBC Radio 4's *Desert Island Discs*, Armstrong described the contrasting feelings of exhilaration and self-doubt that accompany the creative process. He likened a successful writers' room to "walking on the moon," emphasizing the collaborative magic that can occur when ideas flow freely among writers. However, he also acknowledged the challenges of self-doubt, stating, “You don’t know how possible it is for me to be a really bad writer because you don’t see all these drafts where it’s really bad.”

The Guardian

Armstrong's career includes notable works such as *Peep Show* and the film *In The Loop*, for which he received an Oscar nomination. *Succession*, which concluded in 2023 after winning 19 Emmy Awards and nine Golden Globes, centers on the power struggles within the Roy family, led by patriarch Logan Roy, portrayed by Brian Cox.

The Guardian

During the interview, Armstrong elaborated on the duality of confidence and self-doubt that many writers face. He expressed that while there is often a pervasive fear of failure—“this is going to be a disaster and I’m going to be exposed as the fraud I always thought I was all along”—there is also a necessary glimmer of hope that fuels creativity. He noted that a writer needs a small percentage of confidence to believe in the potential greatness of their work, stating, “If I could do the version of this which I think it should be, it could be really great.”

The Guardian

Armstrong's reflections resonate with many in the creative industry, as he pointed out that even successful writers grapple with self-doubt. He remarked, “All the good writers I know that I’ve ever met are riddled with self-doubt and lack of certainty about whether what they’ve just done is good.” This sentiment underscores the universal nature of impostor syndrome, suggesting that it is not limited to those at the beginning of their careers but affects even the most accomplished individuals.

The Guardian

While Armstrong's candidness about his struggles has been well-received, some critics argue that the focus on impostor syndrome may overshadow the importance of recognizing and celebrating success in creative fields. They suggest that acknowledging achievements can help mitigate feelings of inadequacy and foster a healthier creative environment.

The Guardian

• “Speaking on Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs to Lauren Laverne, Armstrong, 55, said: “When a writers’ room is working well, it’s like you’re walking on the moon.” — Jesse Armstrong, Screenwriter

The Guardian

• “You need that 10 to 20% – if you’re lucky, 30% – feeling of: ‘If I could do the version of this which I think it should be, it could be really great’.” — Jesse Armstrong, Screenwriter

The Guardian

Armstrong's insights into the creative process and the pervasive nature of impostor syndrome provide a nuanced understanding of the emotional landscape faced by writers, highlighting both the challenges and the potential for greatness in their work.

The Guardian