Indie Author Destiny Amor’ on Her Flourishing Writing Journey

As a writer, I know the importance of creating connections with other writers, and I’m always happy when the universe aligns like-minded individuals in my direction. It was a pleasure chatting with indie best-selling author Destiny Amor’ about her definition of success, and the highs and lows that come with it.

***Destiny Amor’, Bestselling Indie Author***

What did you want to be as a child?

DO: “I wanted to be a choreographer! I love everything there is about dance. Unfortunately, I have an extreme case of stage freight, so I wanted to be the genius behind the screens creating all the magic. I pictured myself choreographing videos for Chris Brown, Janet Jackson, Teyana Taylor, Ciara, etc. Obviously that dream didn’t come true, but I still dance at home ha-ha.”

What motivated you to start your journey as an indie bestselling author?

DO: “I’ve been a reader since I was a preteen, and it has become my therapy. There were many times that I would read a book and say to myself, “I would’ve ended it this way… or they should’ve added more to this part!” One day, I was lying in my bed, and I came up with a storyline that I knew would make an amazing book. Instead of writing the book myself, I thought about writing an author instead and was going to tell them, “Hey you should write a book about this!” But then I began to second guess it. I was thinking like what if they don’t write it like I see it in my head or what if they add some stuff that I didn’t want in it. That’s when I decided to stop being a punk and try it out for myself. The rest was history!”

What was the best piece of business advice you were given when you were starting out?

DO: “I remember when I first started out, an author messaged me and told me…stay consistent. Support other authors because you will need the support in return especially being Indie. Interact with your readers. You need them! Don’t get caught up in the drama (There will be lots of it). Don’t share your storyline (People be on the come up). My girl gave me all the jewels and she told no lies!”

Tell us 3 interesting fun facts that a lot of people may not know about you!

I have an insane obsession with documentaries and articles about serial killers. I love reading or hearing about how they were brought up and things they went through as children. It fascinates me to know how they all are alike in some way. It also helps me look for certain characteristics in people I know. I side eye everyone now!

I have a huge fear of large bodies of water! The term for it is called Thalassophobia. There is literally nothing anyone can say to me to convince me that there isn’t SOMETHING underneath me no matter what type of water I’m in! Shark, octopus, megalodon, crocodile, SOMETHING!

I love being a mommy! I have three bonus daughters that live with me full time and two of my own. In total, I have five kids and I love it here.

What are your favorite books and movies?

Books: “It Is What It Is, A Hood Love Story” By Ivory B , “Torn” By Keisha Ervin, “Mina’s Joint” By Keisha Ervin, & “Forbidden Ties To A New York Menace” By Cyn

Movies: The Underworld Series, The Divergent Series & anything Marvel!!

What does success mean to you? What are the highs and lows you have experienced from it so far?

DO: “Success to me means creating generational wealth for my children. Growing up, I’ve watched my parents struggle to make ends meet and vowed to do everything in my power to make sure my kids never have to witness it. The biggest low that I’ve experienced while chasing success was dealing with my health issues and trying to be a consistent author. I suffer from chronic migraines and there are times where I can’t even get out of bed. Any type of light or sound worsens my condition so then, I’m forced to take a break from writing. Because I’m so new in this industry, I can’t afford to go M.I.A. I have to constantly drop a book so that I can stay relevant in this industry. Therefore, when I miss a few months and then finally release a new book, I don’t receive as much support as I did prior to being on a break. The highs that I’ve experienced are seeing how many people actually love my work. Despite being in this industry less than two years, I’ve received so much love and support. I literally put my all into my storytelling and the feedback I receive is so worth it whether it’s good or bad.”

In moments of adversity or when you’re in a rut, how do you build yourself back up?

DO: ‘I simply remind myself of the endgame. I plan to one day retire from my day job and solely write books for a living. In order to do so, I have to remain consistent and stay focused. Life is going to happen, that’s inevitable. It’s how you overcome adversity is what defines you.”

Name a woman (or women), past or present, whom you admire or look up to.

Uganda McKinney… My mother!
My mommy was the best woman that ever graced this earth. She was strong, beautiful, and a genuinely kindhearted person. Growing up in Chicago, IL, she faced so many challenges, but she persevered. She always pushed my siblings and I to be the best versions of ourselves. She never gave up no matter how hard life would get. She was the best mother I could’ve asked for and I know that I am making her proud in heaven!

Tommie Brooks… My grandmother!
My granny is the reason I am an author and even started reading in the first place. Me and my granny have our own little book club. It’s literally just us two in the club ha-ha! She had a huge hand in helping raise me and has always been there whenever I needed her. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, she is one of the strongest women I have ever met. She is also my biggest critic. She reads every one of my books and makes sure to call me with her feedback. My granny is my best friend.”

What is your personal and professional motto that you live by?

DO: “My personal motto is “Things could always be worse.” I’ve learned to stop stressing over the small things. Things could always be worse! My professional motto is “Vision without action is a daydream!” I think that one is self-explanatory!”

Name your greatest accomplishments so far in your writing journey.

DO: “My greatest accomplishments so far are having five best sellers, remaining Indie even when things got rough, and stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve never been prouder of myself. Writing a book is easy! Telling a story is another thing! People become so consumed with the charts and where they land when all I want to do is build my catalog with some good stories. Whether I hit number one, top ten, or even top 100, I’m happy because I released a book! I know that one day I will be up there with all the greats! Just wait on it! My time is coming, and I cannot wait!”

About Destiny Amor’

My name is Destiny Amor’. I was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I currently work full-time as a medical assistant and write in my spare time. I’m hoping to one day make writing books my full-time career. My mother passed away in July of 2017 and my life went downhill after that. I stopped caring about living altogether. I depleted my savings and just wanted to drink my days away. After my son helped me realize that I wasn’t okay I went and got some help. I would spend my time reading books to cope with my hurt. Reading helped stimulate my imagination; it took me away from my reality and into someone else’s. I can open a book and block out everything and everyone around me. It’s like a balm to my soul and I hope that one day my books can do the same for others.