How do Writers Deal with Fear?

First, isn't this a gorgeous column?  Can you imagine seeing this from cloud to ground?  So utterly awesome, like the finger of God, Himself!

I dream in tornadoes.  No really, I do.  Now my friends would laugh and assume that it's just another facet of my storm watching, but it's not.  (And I'm SO very tired of storms - omygosh, did I actually say that?)

But I do dream up some of the fiercest storms when I find myself in a situation I can't control.  It makes perfect sense!  Who can control a tornado?

When I'm frustrated or stressed or nervous, and especially when I'm in a waiting situation where I'm thoroughly at the mercy of other people, I'll dream in shades of gray, hiding under the floorboards and grabbing my kids.  I'll even wake up in a sweat and remember every stinkin' detail of the dream.  They are practically the only nightmares I ever have!  (I usually dream REALLY good!) 

But unlike tornadoes, I don't need to hide or flee from the difficult situations.  Persevering through them, with or without my tornado dreams, will only make me stronger - at least it has in the past.  I hope that experience continues with this venture. 

With that in mind, I send off queries today.  Dare I hope?  Part of me doesn't think I should.  It has been hammered into my head what a slim chance I have of being accepted without connections or a publishing history. 

Yet I know it happens to some folks, and besides, I'm a glass-half-full type of gal.  I choose to hope and rely on the Father that has taken me along this path so far.  I've done my homework, revised 3 times at least, hand-picked the people I hope to impress, and bathed the whole situation in prayer for awhile. 

It's time to send these out, and then put it out of my mind.  He's had it in His hand all along.  What makes this step any different?

What makes you afraid and how do you deal with it?