The Fear Place

Comment:

The Fear Place is one of the best books for older children I’ve read about coping with fear. While telling a good story filled with suspense, you illustrate how to cope so well: You show how to maintain perspective in the face of fear, and how keeping the mind busy and focusing on the here and now prevents fear from creating more fear. How did you came up with the idea for this book?  I’d be interested in whatever story lies behind it.

Phyllis replied:

Yes indeed, there’s a story behind it.  I’ve always been afraid of heights, but tried hard not to pass this fear along to our two sons.  When they were in their twenties, we went to the Rockies for a hiking vacation with friends, and I was terrified when Jeff and Mike announced that they, and some others, were getting up at three the next morning to climb Longs Peak.  I knew that the only way I could get through the day was to start writing a new book.  And, of course, it was about two boys in the Rocky Mountains.  Somehow it was easier worrying about four boys, not two.