Scotophobia. Fear of the dark. Raised in the age of the electric bulb, we modern folk have little inkling of just how scary the darkness is. Scotophobics know. When night falls, anything could be there — ANYTHING — just inches away from your face, savouring the moment before it gets you. Most people are uneasy… Continue reading Who’s Afraid of the Dark? (Fearless February Day 4)
Tag: 28 tricks for a fearless grade 6
Who’s Afraid of Cats? (Fearless February Day 3)
Ailurophobia. The fear of cats. Far less common than the fear of dogs, and far more difficult to comprehend. Because, seriously, most cats sleep all day and run away when you come near them. Plus they're only a foot high. How scary is that? Scary Cat Fact #1: Cat scratch fever isn't just a bad song.… Continue reading Who’s Afraid of Cats? (Fearless February Day 3)
Who’s Afraid of Public Speaking? (Fearless February Day 2)
Glossophobia. The fear of speaking in public. Also called "speech anxiety," this is the most common phobia in North America. Three out of four people suffer from it -- and we suspect there's something wrong with that fourth guy. I mean, honestly, what kind of person isn't afraid to stand up and deliver a speech?… Continue reading Who’s Afraid of Public Speaking? (Fearless February Day 2)
Who’s Afraid of Dogs? (Fearless February Day 1)
Cynophobia. The fear of dogs. It's not quite as common as the fear of snakes or spiders or bees, but Cynophobia comes pretty close, and it's a lot more debilitating for suburban schoolchildren. Your neighbours aren't walking their tarantulas down the street while you're making your way home from school, are they? When you visit… Continue reading Who’s Afraid of Dogs? (Fearless February Day 1)
Fearless February
Dave Davidson, the persuasive hero of my soon-to-be-released middle-grade comedy, 28 Tricks for a Fearless Grade 6, will be taking over this blog for the next month. Dave is a self-proclaimed "fear-slayer" who helps his friends through the scariest moments of grade 6, with sage and not-so-sage advice. Afraid of dancing at the school dance? Dave has tricks to fix… Continue reading Fearless February
Catherine Austen 