Fear. From childhood it is instilled in all to fear monsters, ghosts, and other terrors within the realm of the unknown. As adults, we easily forget about the boogeyman who lurked under our bed or in the shadows of a dark corner. Our grown-up fears take on an even more disturbing twist that frequently mingles with reality.
What happens when the things we really fear—the things we can’t bare to lose—invade our lives? The truest form of the human condition is exposed. Whether rational, or irrational, survival—at any cost—becomes paramount, morals be damned. The Lives We Fear is a compilation of short stories that examines these chilling and very plausible scenarios: what does one do when the people one loves are endangered? When life spirals from beyond one’s control? Or, even when one’s humanity is in jeopardy?
From lost loves, to lost friends, wolves in sheep’s clothing, and even getting caught amidst seemingly innocent mistakes, these stories examine just what keeps us up at night and what preoccupies our nightmares when we finally sleep, because it’s not always our own demise that forces us to shiver.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born on October 14, 1993, Dan Otsuki grew up an only child. As his early life found him a good 
thirty minutes or more away from kindergarten and preschool friends, Dan found solace in action figures and Legos, making up his own narrative of their lives and adventures. Starting in high school, and inspired by authors like Stephen King and media like The Twilight Zone, the Mass Effect video game series, and a plethora of horror films, Dan began to pursue his passion for writing. Since attending the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington—where Dan currently lives as he works on his undergraduate degree—Dan has found a passion for religious studies in addition to English and creative writing. He currently works at Diversions Cafe on the Puget Sound campus, and spends much of his free time engrossed with all kinds of movies with his close friends.
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EXCERPT:
“That being said, the way I see it, we have three options.
“One,” said Zane, holding out his pinky, “we all leave together and carry as many supplies as we can, however we can. Unfortunately, this means we’d likely have to leave a lot of shit behind, and it also means we’d more or less need to rely on scavenging the rest of the way. Not to mention, I don’t like the idea of being out in the open at night…or at all, really.”
Lara nodded. “Yeah. Not really down for walking.”
“Nor am I.” Next, Zane held out his ring finger. “Second, which would be my vote, one of us—likely me for many, many reasons—goes out and tries to find some semblance of supplies at a gas station or, even better, a mechanic’s place. Said person, me, brings these supplies back and we try to figure out something we can do until we hit the Rockies.
“And, lastly,” he said, now adding his middle finger, “we wait here and hope some random Good Samaritan drives by and either fixes our car or offers us a ride. Considering most of the people we’ve met are looking to rob us rather than help us, I don’t have a lot of faith in this plan. Of course, we could—” Zane’s mouth dropped.
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GIVEAWAY:
The author is giving away e-copies of THE LIVES WE FEAR to four (4) winners of the Rafflecopter.
Thank you for hosting Dan on your blog!