Author Harlan Coben discusses imposter syndrome

Prolific author Harlan Coben has spoken about experiencing imposter syndrome despite a successful career. During an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, the 64-year-old writer suggested that a lack of self-doubt is a trait found primarily in poor writers.

Coben described a paradox common to writers: feeling that his work is terrible while simultaneously possessing the hubris to believe readers should spend time and money on it. He noted that he prefers to categorize his work as “the novel of immersion” rather than strictly as crime or thrillers, aiming to create stories that captivate readers late into the night.

Many of Coben’s works, including The Stranger, Fool Me Once, and Safe, have been adapted for Netflix. His book The Woods is scheduled for a Netflix adaptation next year.