The fear within

There are a lot of phobias in the world today. Special names have been thought up, so we tend to believe they are problems out of our control and therefore unmanageable or unfixable.

Acrophobia: fear of heights

Aquaphobia: fear of water

Dentophobia: fear of going to the dentist

Glossophobia: fear of public speaking

I have to admit, I suffer a bit from all of those. Not so much that I am completely debilitated but enough that I’m smart enough to avoid all but the dentist if I can help it. The possibility of losing my teeth is far more frightening to me than sitting through an hour of horrific maintenance once or twice a year.

I’m not afraid to admit that I also hate and try to avoid spiders. In my personal experience, the only good spider is a dead spider. Although, I don’t know that I would go so far as to say that I suffer from Arachnophobia, I will naturally jump and run if one lands on me unannounced. Or announced, for that matter.

After the recent COVID scare of “stay home, stay safe,” more people than ever are dealing with agoraphobic tendencies. I know that being agoraphobic can mean much more than just the fear of leaving your home, but that is the issue I am writing about in my new thriller.

My protagonist, Liya Sharapova, is a best-selling mystery writer, but has been living an isolated, lonely existence for the past two years since her fiancé was killed in a mugging and her apartment was broken into and ransacked. These circumstances left her bereft and broken. She numbs her fears with self-medication and trusts in a house that is completely computer run and secured. Cameras, lights, and speakers keep her contained in her safe place and keep everyone else outside its walls. She orders everything online and it is delivered right to her door. Even her therapist meets with her online when and if she desires to talk.

Into this scenario a man calls and announces he is her new editor at the publishing house. Her former editor was killed in a car crash. Sad at the loss and suddenly eager for a little human interaction, she begins chatting with him online.

Suddenly, her system isn’t so secure and safe anymore. Things begin to happen. At first, she believes they are just glitches in the software, but soon… its as though someone is watching her.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, this story is a thriller. Liya Sharapova thinks she’s safe within the walls of her smart home, but someone has gained access to her system and her life. The past she is hiding from will soon come crashing into the present.

Coming soon! Keep checking back here for updates on the release of (the yet unnamed book). Leave a comment and let me know what you think or share a phobia or fear you are plagued with. I may even use it in my story. Unless sharing is what you fear most.

Thanks for stopping!

Barbara