Length and Control

While I do not have problems attaining lucidity on a regular basis, I have a lot of trouble having long lucid dreams and controlling them as many others do in this forum.

Is there a point where you pass this obstacle? I've had a few long lucid dreams (20+ minutes i would estimate) but it only happened when I went along with what seemed to be the plot of the dream.

I notice that you can get excited in a lucid dream and still not wake up. However, my biggest enemy is the fear of waking up and when I think about this I imediately begin to lose clarity (everything fades away or turns white). Spinning works but sometimes takes me out of lucidity or brings about a false awakening which I can't detect.

I would love suggestions on how to make these longer.

what I can suggest you is to think (in the dream) not about how long it goes or if you might wake up or anything, but always keep doing something.
I experienced that when, in a lucid dream, I stop doing anything, I start to wake up.

Instead, try to always do something, run around, explore new areas (spin to change dreamscape), and do something planned (lucid goals?).
In my longest lucid dream I always flew or ran around and tried hundreds of different things in many different locations and it lasted really very long.

Hope I could help you
Thorim

Thorims reply is pretty good. My tip is to know that you're dreaming but not think about it. Find the balance, also pay attention to your dream instead of your thoughts. That's the only thing I can say, and for as far I know it works 100% but it's tricky to get this. I've had a lot problems with the length and control too. It's easier said then done ;).