Danielle Steel Admits She Feels 'Terrified' of Losing Her Touch With Each New Book Release

Despite being the bestselling author of over 200 books with 1 billion copies sold internationally, Danielle Steel still experiences nerves with each new publication.

In an interview posted on April 23, the author, who was promoting her latest novel 'Only the Brave', admitted that she still harbours some fears about her writing.

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She expressed feeling fortunate to have spent her life doing what she loves but never takes it for granted. She confessed, "Every time I send a book either to my editor or my publisher, I'm terrified they're going to hate it and I've lost my touch and I don't know what I'm doing. I'm amazed when they love it. I'm so grateful."

She also mentioned that the fear of how a book may be received can be a motivating force that drives her work further.

Danielle Steel mentioned that being driven by fear motivates her to always strive harder and work more diligently. However, she admitted to never feeling completely confident in her abilities, saying, "I don't have total confidence that, 'Oh, I can do this!' I don't know where it comes from; it's kind of a gift...It keeps me humble."

Throughout her career, Danielle Steel has authored over 210 books, which include 182 novels, four nonfiction works, and 18 children’s books, according to her website. She maintains a rigorous publishing schedule, releasing several books each year. She humorously attributes her prolific and enjoyable writing process to "probably insanity."

She expressed, "I just can't get away from it. I've always got a book cooking somewhere."

Her latest novel, 'Only the Brave', set to be released on April 30 by Delacorte Press, tells the story of Sophia Alexander, a nurse living in Germany during World War II who endeavours to save Jewish children.

Danielle Steel commented on her novel, noting the appeal lies in the character dynamics and themes that resonate with her interests. "The people and their relationships really speak to me. I find myself drawn to the elements in the story, such as the inclusion of nuns. I always enjoy writing about World War II—it really sang to me," she explained.

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Steel shared the lessons she hopes readers will take away from the book, which is also significant to her personally. She explained that the themes of the book reflect insights that spontaneously come to her, capturing what she aims to communicate through her writing. Key messages include perseverance, courage, and self-belief—universal messages that everyone needs to hear.