Jason Howell asked Melinda Clayton:

Hi Melinda... I'm asking this question of several writers, some friends, some strangers... Q: Given that writing usually requires, if not comfort, at least a degree of safety, the question is Do fiction writers fear enough? Are they too insulated? Would you be willing to share the kinds of fear that inform or influence your work?

Melinda Clayton That's a great question! I can't speak for writers in general, but sometimes I think I fear TOO much. In other words, if I start worrying about what someone else will think, or how my writing will be perceived, I freeze. I tend to write pretty provocative stuff - not provocative in a sexy way, but provocative in that people tend to have strong feelings about one or more of the elements of my stories. I write that way because after years of working as a psychotherapist, those are the elements of the world I see. I'm fascinated by the choices we make, how we come to our conclusions, what motivates us, what other people might have done differently. I like to explore that in my writing, knowing that my protagonists might stir up feelings - not always positive feelings - for my readers. I'm rambling as I think and type, but long answer short (I know - too late for that, right?), my experience isn't usually being too insulated, but rather being too fearful.

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