If I want to be successful as a writer, I must understand what makes my characters tick. Strengths, weaknesses. Things that make them happy or sad. Whatever motivates them. Including their fears.
I had an interesting conversation the other day with members of my critique group. I just considered it part of the meeting where we all visit and catch up before we get down to business. Until I got to thinking about it.
We were discussing our personal fears. Something we all have whether we want to admit it or not. While one of my friends had no problem admitting hers, she didn’t feel compelled to face them. Another friend said it was her faith that had helped her face hers.
Later that evening, it hit me. There’s a fine line between facing our fears and conquering them. And I’m not so sure that facing them isn’t the most difficult. Who wants to admit the fear of something others might consider irrational? And once we do, it means we have to deal with them. Which isn’t easy.
I have to admire anyone who has conquered their fears, but I must also admire those who keep trying.
Susan A. Royal 
Susan,
I’ve decided our fears may not actually be certified fears as much as they are things we just don’t like or enjoy. I hate flying and always say I’m a afraid of flying, but I have flown and don’t like it. So maybe the things we fear, yet try, and still don’t want to do falls into the dislike category! I hate heights, so I don’t go to high places. I don’t like being on water because I get sick, so I don’t go on cruises. I don’t like artichokes, so I don’t eat them!
So many times, I think it is more about just not enjoying something to the point of avoiding it. Anyway, that’s my new theory and I’m sticking to it! :+)
~Ann
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