🔍 The Psychology Behind the Page 🔍

As an author, I'm fascinated by the complexities of the human mind. In each newsletter, I'll share insights into the psychological themes that inspire my writing.

This month: "The Illusion of Control - How far would you go to maintain it?"

The Architecture of Control

 The Illusion of Control is a fascinating psychological phenomenon that lies at the heart of many of our deepest fears and most compelling narratives. As humans, we have an innate desire to feel in control of our lives, our environments, and even the people around us. But what happens when that control starts to slip? 

In my novels, I often explore characters who are grappling with this very issue. Take Dr Emma-Jane Glass from Doctor Glass, her world was controlled by extreme planning and organisation until her abduction. In psychological suspense, we often see characters pushed to their limits, forced to confront the reality that true control is largely an illusion. It's in these moments of realization that we see their true nature emerge – sometimes with terrifying consequences. Have you ever found yourself going to extreme lengths to maintain a sense of control? How did it make you feel? And more importantly, what did you do when you realized that control was slipping away? Remember, in the world of psychological suspense, it's often not the loss of control that's most frightening – it's what we're capable of doing to keep it.

"Emma-Jane's bones feel like rusty hinges as she climbs the stairs to the bathroom.

Once inside, she stretches her arms and back, trying to loosen the tightness in her muscles and tendons. It's like corrosion; the sitting, the sedentary hours and days. A tin can left out in the rain. Left for too long she will rust shut, and then she will break.

Snap."

Emma-Jane loses control of her own body and autonomy during her captivity.

If you want to find out what happens, click here.