A Writer’s Fear Factor by Stacy Hoff

Because my newest book—my first sequel—released two days ago (February 3rd, 2016), my fear factor has been ratcheted up a notch. And why not? There is always anxiety for any author when their new book “hits the streets.” Will the book be liked? Loved? Trashed? Mocked? Burned?

Facing down fear is what we authors live with.

I personally combat this fear by working out these emotions through my characters. Basically, I toss them into the very worst situations I can think up, and then really crank up the danger. This part of a book is called the “black moment,” and its a literary device that is as intrinsic to writers as our own, personal fear.

In my new release, DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC, my characters have to face down unknown territory—both external (the wild Alaskan Yukon) and internal (fear of failure). Both kinds of exposure present a terrifying situation to my hero and heroine alike. No matter that my hero is physically powerful and brave, and the heroine, not-so-much, because internal fear is the scariest of all.

My characters must face down (or quake in their  boots, as the case may be) deadly animals like grizzly bears and wolverines, while I must face down potentially daunting reviews. Wow, that’s some pretty scary stuff for all of us!

So how will the first sequel I’ve ever written be viewed? I guess I’ll have to stay strong while I find out.

What’s your biggest fear? How do you stay strong?

Grizzly bear tracks (top) and wolverine tracks (bottom) found in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, USA, where all the action in DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC takes place. (Public domain photos courtesy of the US National Park Service.)

Book Blurb for DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC

Ana Davis has been given the promotion of the century—from secretary to television producer. But the new job is not without its problems.

The network will do anything for ratings. The executives reveal Ana’s newest show, one she’s forced to star in herself. She’ll have to survive in the Arctic Circle for twelve days. If she wins, she’ll get the prize money she desperately needs. But the stakes are high, she could lose her very life. Good thing she’s been paired up with expert survivalist William “Redd” Redding—a mysterious, solitary and very sexy man. Too bad she thinks he doesn’t even want to talk to her.

William “Redd” Redding is a former Special Ops Marine in need of cash to help a cause near and dear to his heart. What he’s not in need of, however, is Ana Davis—his clueless but captivating partner. It’s up to Redd to have the two of them survive in the most dangerous, hostile environment of all. But worse than snowstorms, predators, and a scarcity of food is a real danger—Ana. Resisting her, when he wants her more than anything, is his hardest challenge yet. How does he go about protecting her when his biggest goal is to protect his heart?

DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC RELEASED JUST 2 DAYS AGO—WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016! AMAZON ORDER LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AMUVJKW?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B01AMUVJKW&linkCode=xm2&tag=stacyhoffcom-20

And if your curious as to the book 1:

Book Blurb for DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES

Stephanie Lang’s successful career as a television producer can’t give her everything she wants out of life. Her personal goals of writing a romance novel and finding true love languish. Emotionally scarred by her fiancé’s affair with her cousin, she doesn’t have the confidence to go after either goal again. At least she has professional confidence to fall back on—she is ready to produce the company’s next hit show. But when her boss reveals what the show is about, a survival documentary starring a sexy, modern version of Crocodile Dundee, Stephanie’s life is turned upside down.

Colin Brandt, billed as “The Evergladiator,” will tackle Florida’s Everglades with nothing more than his bare hands and a knife. Stephanie, instantly attracted to handsome, rugged, enigmatic Colin, worries he will not survive his twelve-day odyssey. If he does, he’ll win a million dollars. If he fails, his beloved family’s farm will go into foreclosure. Can Colin conquer the Everglades? And can he conquer her heart?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NFSMCYG?creativeASIN=B00NFSMCYG&linkCode=w00&linkId=6PCZIZBWKBWUSNHI&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=stacyhoffcom-20

AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS by Stacy Hoff:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U7U2WCC?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00U7U2WCC&linkCode=xm2&tag=stacyhoffcom-20

AMAZON LINK FOR HOT SEDUCTION (box set with Stacy Hoff):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014RQX8GU?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B014RQX8GU&linkCode=xm2&tag=stacyhoffcom-20

AMAZON LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE (Box set with Stacy Hoff):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X3ZAR3E?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00X3ZAR3E&linkCode=xm2&tag=stacyhoffcom-20

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

Filed under: A writer's life, action / adventure, Characters, Emotions, fear, New Release, Plot, romance, romance novels, Settings, Stacy Hoff, Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Craft, writing life