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Release dates tend to be both exciting and anxiety-ridden for authors. There is something beautiful about finally sharing your work with the world, but there is also fear in it. You never truly know how your work will be received once it leaves your hands. Something I have learned recently, though, is that creating becomes far less frightening when you stop writing for validation and start writing for yourself—and for the people who might see pieces of themselves reflected in

The Crow's Song To hear the crow’s song is to hear the sound of souls who’ve passed. To hear the crow’s song is to feel an echo of relief. To hear the crow’s song is a loved one’s tale being told in passing. —Destany

It’s been a hot minute since I sat down to write. Well, to write anything that I can post here on my blog, at least. I have been busy the last few months, figuring out what life is like here at baseline. But also, with a promotion at work. I am now a Team Manager II, which takes up the bulk of my time as I learn to navigate this new role. I will say it is a lot more than I expected, but so much more rewarding. Writing has been slower than I would like, but today I felt the ne

Enter Mojo Gypsy: High Octane Saloon The scent of fresh-lit cigars and beer, accompanied by the cacophony of bikes revving their engines, is where we find ourselves before Mojo Gypsy takes the stage. The crowd slowly begins to gather as the band assembles their instruments. Jim, the bass player, steps to the mic and begins a sound check. "Check one, check one. Ed, check one. Check one, Ed. Check, check." The crowd murmurs. A few people laugh under their breath. A drunk woman

Golden brown toast neatly arranged on a vibrant yellow plate set against a rich green background. I had a conversation with my therapist yesterday morning, telling her that I felt like plain, dry toast. She was ecstatic, bouncing with joy, because it means the treatment plan is working. Now it’s time to explore other ways to bring hope and happiness back into the mix without being on the very high end of the spectrum. Being bipolar, I am used to being a little out there after

If you are looking for a photographer for anything, I highly recommend Ring photography. Brittany is a local Maine photographer who specializes in warmer-toned photos; her specialties include families, portraits, elopements, and lifestyle sessions. She edits her photographs and uses her eye for color and tools like pantyhose to achieve a warm, authentic, rustic look, depending on the kind of photo session. It’s a cool trick that softens the lens and creates a dreamy glow, a

Slow, rainy mornings bring me such joy. They give me space to really think and let my mind wander through the vast expanses of creativity. This morning, though, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I got here. I never imagined becoming a parent, let alone a children’s book author and poet. Honestly, when I first started thinking about writing back in high school, I imagined becoming a boys’ love author. I was obsessed with YAOI and fully convinced I’d grow up writing romance an

A person thoughtfully writes in a journal by the window, capturing moments and reflections in the soft light. I realize I write a lot about my projects, but never really about my writing process. I often find projects in random moments; some end up in the graveyard, and others are published and completed. How I get there, though, is the fun part. I will be honest: I’m not a plotter. Most stories I have written and finished stem from a small idea, vibe, conversation, line, or

It’s not every day an author gets the opportunity to share their work with the public, let alone share some of their most intimate thoughts alongside it. Somehow, I’m managing to do both at the same time. I’d joke and say it’s the manic side of me, but realistically, there’s probably some truth to that. Being Bipolar II and a writer is a diabolical combination—one I’m still hoping works in my favor. With that said, I am incredibly excited to finally share the cover for my deb

Elegant wedding dresses on display at Bridal Reflections boutique on Fifth Avenue, NYC, with a coffee table nearby featuring a box of tissues and a Mark Zunino book. There is something surreal about selecting your wedding dress on Fifth Avenue in New York City. I recently had the opportunity to shop at Bridal Reflections on Fifth Ave, and while my experience wasn’t magical, it was realistic and the best I could have imagined for myself. A few things to keep in mind: I am me

I am not my thoughts. My thoughts are not me. I am a chronic overthinker. The need is as great as the wind through the trees. Analyzing everything, everywhere, all the time. I am stuck in my mind, trying to find my way out. A maze with migrating walls, Thoughts abutting every turn… still no exit. —Destany

A cozy nighttime workspace with a laptop illuminated by a desk lamp, ready for late-night productivity. When do you find yourself most inspired to write? Are you a morning writer? Are you a night owl like me? I’d love to know. Personally, I do my best writing in the darkest part of the evening, when everyone is asleep. There are no distractions other than the TV, and I have easy access to anything on the internet. Sadly, against my better judgment—and my therapist's recommen

A cheerful woman in glasses and a cozy sweatshirt smiles warmly, exuding a sense of comfort and happiness. The other day, I went to my local dispensary, and while speaking with the attendant, they asked how I was doing since I just started working again. They asked if leave was helpful at all. I said it was beneficial. I finally got the official diagnosis. I am bipolar. She paused, kind of shocked, and then said, “Congratulations, you’re extra spicy.” Sometimes I wonder if I

Destany Stevens shares a joyful moment with her daughter, engaging playfully with her book "Goodnight, Wiggles" through a lively high-five. When I decided to publish Goodnight, Wiggles, I thought the hardest part would be writing the book. That was adorable of me. Turns out, writing the book was the easy part. The real challenge came after. Publishing. Marketing. Learning how to talk about something I created without feeling awkward. Figuring out how to believe in my own work

A woman relaxes on her bed, journaling with a notebook while using her laptop, creating a cozy and productive atmosphere. Writing has always been more than creativity for me. It is one of the ways I process emotions, manage overthinking, and protect my mental health. I write it out so it stops living loudly inside of me. That’s my response when people ask why I write. I do it so it stops screaming. Once I write it down, it feels like a weight has been lifted. Then comes the e

A pair of hands gently holds an open book, inviting a moment of quiet reflection and contemplation. I think about this every time I start a new project—and especially as I near the end of one. This time, it’s the latter. As I begin to wrap up my poetry manuscript, Perfect Reflection , I find myself stuck. What is my budget? What is it worth? The answer, honestly, depends on you and your project. I’ll be completely transparent. As an author, I edit most of my own work. That’s

My writing exists across different spaces—from children's literature to more confrontational, adult themes. This is one of those pieces. Read it fully—sit with it. —Destany

Grey sky, grey shutters, grey cottages, and grey houses. Grey bells, grey grass, and grey branches. Grey trees around the park, surrounded by grey people on a grey day. A poem by Destany Stevens A rustic park bench sits by a tree, adorned with a purple bag, a can of lemonade, and a journal with a pen, set against the backdrop of quaint buildings in a peaceful park.

An untitled poem Memory is but a wisp within the misty tendrils of destiny. I am ever bound to the curse of the mind. Death. She calls me with her all-consuming embrace. She is always distant yet never far. Some days I yearn for her visit. Like a lost friend I welcome her with open arms. — Destany Stevens

A snow-covered pine, standing quietly beneath the weight. Photograph by Destany Stevens. My favorite video game is Kingdom Hearts. The storyline, the meaning behind it, the art, the characters, everything. But the quotes are what hit the most. “I’ve been having these weird thoughts lately, like, is any of this for real or not?” —Sora, Opening of Kingdom Hearts I have never felt so close to a game as I have these past few weeks. From navigating my mental health and facing a po