A way with fear

I've been working on a project that has lead me to step out of my comfort zone in many ways:

1. I'm co-writing the script, which I wasn't sure I wanted to attempt again, but there's a lot to be said for tackling a story as a team.

2. It's a thriller. No paranormal elements. No serendipitous use of magicks to get characters out of a jam. It's real-world, and frankly, that much scarier.

3. Several of the characters are twisted and have a way with fear - exploiting each other's to the utmost - which translates into a lot of nasty research into the minds of psychopaths.

4. My writing partner has a proven track record in the industry and his experience forces me to up my game. What if I suck? What if my dialogue is shit and my characters are flatter than I was in the sixth grade?

It's all a bit frightening if I dwell on things, however, that's part of the appeal. This project has made me realize I use fear as a motivator in my life. I write everyday, but usually don't finish a project until a fierce deadline closes in. I hate dentists and go in for treatment at the last possible second, when a wonky tooth is threatening to do its worst. My diet is questionable and only improves when slipping on my favourite jeans becomes a secretive five-minutes-in-the-bathroom-without-my-husband-as-a-witness procedure.

I need fear in my life and I'm not ashamed to admit it. It's the great regulator, ensuring I get shit done, pay my bills, make it to the day job, strive to do better.

The above image is supposed to be motivational. But what if no one in the world experienced fear? What would we be capable of then? Ah...now there's a story....