From the story archive · Fictional encounter
Receiving a literary award for my first novel. Standing at the podium, thanking my parents, agent, and spouse. Just as I reach the emotional conclusion—FRRRP—a barking spider decides to contribute to my carefully crafted prose.
I paused, then said, "And that was the sound of my imposter syndrome finally leaving my body." Got a standing ovation. The barking spider is now acknowledged in the paperback edition's acknowledgments.