Obviously I cannot speak for every author everywhere.
But if you are an author, or if you follow an author on social media, I’m certain you’ve seen the memes that revolve around this question.
What do Authors Fear?
Let’s look at this from a different perspective.
Authors have fears as all humans do, and this human condition offers opportunities for our characters to experience fear.
Imagine a hero who’s afraid to fall in love. There’s a challenge there in giving him reasons to push past that fear and reach for a happily ever after with the heroine. And can we say second chance romance? Those are my absolute favorite, and a large portion of them consist of either the hero or heroine being reluctant about love because of a failed relationship in the past. And what is behind that reluctance? Why, I think it might be fear that he or she will experience the same heartbreak.
What about other fears? I’m sure we’ve all read a story where we relate to a character’s fear, and sometimes that helps a reader to connect to the character in ways that others might not. I love the idea that fear can bring people together, though it’s not fun being the one who’s afraid.
Have you ever found yourself connecting to a fictional character because of a shared fear?
I always root for them to overcome the obstacles in their way, and although fear is something that we all encounter, I love when the character starring in the opposing role helps guide and encourage.
Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor's degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she's not homeschooling her kids, you'll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha's genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.
No connection, because I know what I am reading is fiction.
Yes I have found myself connected to a fictional character because of their fear.
I find that when I make a quilt for someone, at first I am all excited and happy that it is for them and I know they will love it. Then as I am finishing it, things like: will they really like it, are the colors right, and so many more unfound questions to doubt what I am making. So when I am done stewing and done with the quilt, I need to wrap it up and pray long and hard. Then leave the outcome in Jesus hands and believe that I am making a labor of love for this someone. I would image that this is similar to what an author must go through
Oh, yes! In a book I read, the heroine meets the hero in an elevator. They’re the only ones in the elevator, and it gets stuck when the electricity goes out. I do NOT like elevators, so while her fear wasn’t really being in the elevator so much, mine definitely would be!!!
Fear definitely makes a character feel more real, and I think most people can relate to the fear of getting hurt (again) and/or getting someone to know you completely as you are.
I also enjoy reading about second chances, though I don’t have any experience there (regarding the romantic relationship department).
Fear of heights & being claustrophobic (small or enclosed spaces) would be my two biggest fears! I’ve read stories where I could relate to the characters in this way. I read a suspense book a while back where the hero & heroine had to crawl through a tunnel under the heroines house to escape the bad guy. The author definitely made the fear feel real in my mind, I actually got goosebumps! Another one I recently read, the heroine was drugged and woke up buried in a glass casket…yikes bikes! Of course our hero found and rescued her thanks to the search & rescue dog :-)
I’ve also read where they are reluctant to fall in love again because of being hurt in some way in the past. I related to the reasons behind it. God brought me my own hero when I wasn’t even looking or WANTING to get married again :-)
I absolutely LOVE when I can connect with the characters emotionally & share the same fears, joy, or any number of emotions!
Oh yes, it can be easy to empathise with characters, especially when they are well written and developed.
I think the best writers invoke a gamut of feelings including fear from their characters and it creates more dimensions for the story. Interesting post. Thanks
no, haven’t
I love a good fiction story.
That is very similar to what I think many artists endure. I love that you make quilts for people! That is a labor of love, for certain.
Oh, that’s an excellent example! I would not like being stuck in an elevator either.
I enjoy characters who feel like they could walk off the page and into real life. Second chances are great at reeling me into a story, too. Fear is a great motivator. It can keep us safe but also hold us back, depending on the situation, which makes the story that much more exciting to read for me.
Oh, those give me shivers just thinking about them! The stories definitely sound exciting and pulse-pounding.
Absolutely agree! Love when the authors make me feel like I’ve run through basically every emotion possible while reading their stories.
Yep, I can relate sometimes!
Yes I have had many fears like the characters in books & even authors. I understand there fear of people not liking the book
I have had a few fears like in some books
I’m late was tired last night and gardening today. I know I have connected. One book the little boy had forgotten his mothers voice and the heroine was speaking with him and I thought and was crying to as I too had forgotten my mums voice (she had died about 4 months prior). I have seen other fears too like I don’t like spiders, mice etc (although with 2 cats that bring them in the fear of mice isn’t as bad just the fear of not finding them).
I am not sure if I have seen a character scared of dogs but would like to. Its not all dogs I can get use to them even big ones (not chihuahuas they always seem to snap and bite). but it takes time and if I am out for a walk or ride and see one I am not sure of or know it may come nearer I will turn round and go another way. Sometimes way out my way and sometimes to the point I either go back home or back to the shops and ring a taxi. But if I get use to them I can throw a ball etc. I don’t handle the jumping and licking. So it would be nice to see a hero or heroine scared of dogs.
Ironically I handle the dark, and heights (Unless having balance issues), I don’t like lifts for the same reason they affect my balance and make me dizzy especially the older ones.
It’s a fun yet sometimes odd feeling, connecting to fictional people. I love it!
Fear is such a powerful emotion.. It’s so scary to put your work out there for others to read.
Do you find it hard to read when that happens?
Thanks for stopping by! That’s an interesting idea to have a hero afraid of dogs. I’ll have to consider that perhaps for a book later on. I don’t like having strange dogs approach without their owner around.
Sorry I am late in responding. This has been a busy week. I find when a character encounters fear in their lives, it makes them more relatable. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.