Breaking Out: Danielle Prescod
WD reconnected with former Breaking In author Danielle Prescod to discuss her latest release, The Rules of Fortune, and what she’s learned since releasing her debut novel.
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We first connected with Danielle Prescod during her debut novel's publication and featured her in our September/October 2022's Breaking In column. Now that her next publication hit the shelves on February 1, 2025, we're reconnecting with her.
What was the time frame for writing this latest book?
Well, from start to finish, the first draft took four months. And then another six months after that, it was all done.
Has your perspective on the publication process changed since your debut was published?
I think I am more patient with myself in the process, especially during the ideation and creation. My first book was a memoir, and it was easy for me to write that way because I had been writing personal narrative pieces for years. Writing fiction was a really different experience for me. Some days, the words would just not come. Some days, ideas were formless. In fiction, daydreaming is more of the work. Reading is more of the work, and it requires more patience on my part to let things come to me rather than try to find them and force them out.
What was the biggest surprise while getting this book ready for publication?
This book felt so much more personal than writing non-fiction. I felt so vulnerable, like people would read all of these things that I made up and question why things were in my head. I was more protective over these characters than I was over myself.
What do you feel you did really well with this novel?
I feel like I gave every character a specific voice. I really wanted them to feel distinct, and I am really proud of how they turned out.
Anything you would have done differently?
Yes, I don’t ever want to see four different timelines converging in my future. I have no idea what I was thinking.
Would you like to share some advice with our readers?
Being nice in Goodreads reviews is good karma.
What’s next for you?
I am working on my next two books!
Where can our audience find you online?
X, Instagram, Threads: @danielleprescod
TikTok: @danielleprescod7
Website: DaniellePrescod.com
Since obtaining her MFA in fiction, Moriah Richard has worked with over 100 authors to help them achieve their publication dreams. As the managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine, she spearheads the world-building column Building Better Worlds, a 2023 Eddie & Ozzie Award winner. She also runs the Flash Fiction February Challenge on the WD blog, encouraging writers to pen one microstory a day over the course of the month and share their work with other participants. As a reader, Moriah is most interested in horror, fantasy, and romance, although she will read just about anything with a great hook.
Learn more about Moriah on her personal website.
