Date Published: 01-25-2025
Interview with Danielle Pitter
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Publishing my first book, Reality Check in 2022 was way different than publishing my second, Destinations in 2025. My process with Reality Check changed because I was so used to hiding my writing. I was so used to not sharing my thoughts through writing even though I knew I was good at it. And because I was so used to just blogging, publishing a book for public was way different. It wasn’t just me I was writing for; I was now writing for other people. It gave me a bigger purpose.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
I learned that language had power when during the We Need Diverse Books movement. Before that time, I was only comfortable with reading about only one experience. Now after reading so many other books on other people’s experiences, I learned how powerful language is.
What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
I don’t think I would give up anything else to become a better writer. Maybe sleep? Lol! I already don’t sleep enough because of insomnia so sleep is something I can pull back on.
Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
I’m a huge Swiftie aka Taylor Swift fan! Though if you really knew me, then that’s not really that surprising! I have 3 degrees: Master of Information that I just earned from Rutgers University this past May, Bachelor of Science in Communications from University of Phoenix in 2017, and Liberal Arts Early Childhood Education from Middlesex College in 2014.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I would get out of the house more. I grew up a very sheltered child with a single mom, my older sister, and my 2 (now 3) nieces. It took me a long time to experience some of the “firsts” that other people in my 30s have already done. And I still haven’t experienced everything! If I had gotten out of the house more and lived a bit more life, then that would have changed how I write. I would have more to write about other than my own personal thoughts.
What is the biggest surprise that you experienced after becoming a writer?
How much people actually like my work! I knew I was a good writer, but I didn’t believe it until I heard it from readers and other writers. Now that I’ve written 2 books now, it’s getting easier to actually believe in myself and my work and what I’m doing.
Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?
My most recent book is called Destinations, which is a poetry collection about many of my firsts, my first year of driving, being a first time author, and a closer look into relationships. It’s technically a continuation of my first book Reality Check, so you can read that and then Destinations. It’s a must-read because I share a lot of experiences that could relate to many people experiencing their firsts later in life. It’s not too late for you to do something for the first time.
Currently, she’s a writer on her own website, PoetryBooksYA.com. She also holds a Master of Information degree from Rutgers University. Additionally, she is a member of the New Jersey Library Association.
