My Writing Process

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 even a song I’ve listened to. I tend to focus on the concept of the story first, then everything else.

I also bounce around between projects.

A lot.

My process most likely won’t work for everyone, but it works for me.

I don’t write what I think will sell; I write what I enjoy.

If an idea keeps pulling me back in, if I can’t stop thinking about it, if writing it still excites me after the initial spark wears off, then I know it’s worth pursuing.

I try to outline when I can, but I’m not a super rigid writer. Most of my books actually aren’t chapter books. My first published book was a children’s book, and my poetry collection was the first project where I really worked in sections and structured things differently.

So far, I have written four books total:

one successfully self-published children’s book that became a two-time award-winning finalist,

my poetry collection releasing next month,

I’m currently working with an illustrator on my second children’s book,

and lastly, the sequel to Goodnight, Wiggles. However, I do not plan to do anything with it at this very moment.

At the end of the day, I write what feels right to me.

I write stories that keep me curious.

The ones that entertain me.

The ones I can’t stop thinking about.

Because if a project sucks me in enough to make me obsessed, then chances are…it’s a winner.

—Destany