"setting myself a firm deadline: Finish a full draft of one novel by the end of April 2024" First of all, let me say that if your characters are so bad ass, as to "pimp slap" you, you'd better hurry up and get that book written, because I for one am dying to read it! LOL On the serious side Joy, fear is all a part of the process. May I recommend to you a book called: "The Courage to Write" by Ralph Keyes. It's phenomenal and I truly encourage every writer to read it, whatever their level. I sincerely believe it will help. Good luck :-)