Have you ever read a story where a phobia is a plot device for why a character can’t do something (say, travel by boat), or conveys comedic irony (a building architect terrified of elevators)?
I’m guessing you have. Like many conditions involving mental health, phobias aren’t always portrayed correctly.
When someone has a phobia, it changes their habits, routines, motivations, and more. They will have specific triggers and go to great lengths to avoid them. And, should they encounter one, even when there’s no danger or threat, the resulting panic attack will be debilitating and continue even after the moment of exposure is over.
Phobias aren’t the same as “really disliking something.” They are anxiety disorders, and when written from a place of understanding, can be a powerful way to showcase a character with unique challenges.
Because someone with a phobia will be forced to avoid things, you can shed light on meaningful inner conflict around what makes their life more difficult and limiting. And, if a triggering situation or obstacle is in the way of what they need, the stakes become uniquely personal. Phobias can also cause self-esteem issues, problems in relationships, disrupt a character’s aspirations, and more. But this struggle is also an amazing opportunity to show your character’s strength and resilience as they find their way to a meaningful life despite the challenge their condition poses.
Phobias & Triggers Mini Guide
To better help writers understand what phobias are and how to write about them, Becca and I created a mini-guide covering 10 of the most common phobias seen in fiction and film. Right now it’s a bonus extra when you purchase The Fear Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to What Holds Characters Back, from our Writers Helping Writers store. But like all good things, this bonus offer is coming to an end soon. So, if you haven’t yet taken advantage of this freebie, you might want to head over to check out The Fear Thesaurus at our store.
What Is The Fear Thesaurus?
Every character has something that triggers their vulnerability in such a way that it holds them back. The Fear Thesaurus explores 80+ deep fears and shows how each will shape behavior, distort perception, and cause personal inner struggles that feel human and true.
Whether your character fears abandonment, rejection, failure, death, or something else. you’ll know exactly how to write about it. (Go here to view the full list of character fears.)
We released this book in the spring, and honestly, it’s one of the most important guides we’ve written. Fear is often the heart of a character’s negative behavior and limiting self-beliefs, influencing their choices, relationships, goals, and growth. This book is especially connected to The Emotional Wound Thesaurus as painful experiences often give rise to the fear that the same kind of hurt can–and will–happen again.
Powerful stories contain meaningful inner conflict and struggle, and deep, personal fear provides both. So, if you’d like to understand what is holding your character back, we hope you’ll check our thesaurus out (and be sure to click the button to add the Phobias & Triggers Mini Guide to your order).
About the Writers Helping Writers Store
Over a year ago, we decided to set up a way to purchase our books directly, both to avoid being completely reliant on online stores and to offer discounts and helpful extras like the Phobias Mini-Guide. Our store carries Print, eBook (an ePub file for Kindle & other e-readers), and PDF. This way, you can find the writing guide format that best fits your writing process.
Hey, Speaking of Discounts…
It’s July, and here in Canada, it’s bloody hot. We all deserve a break, and while Becca and I can’t control the weather for any of us, we can pass on some savings to make sure you have more in your ice cream budget.
Until August 5th, save 10% off your entire order!
If there’s a hole in your physical or digital bookshelf, now’s a great time to fill it.
Find your favorite guide in PRINT
Find your favorite guide in PDF
Find your favorite guide in ePub (eBook/Kindle)
