*cue Montell Jordan and dancing like it's 1999*(Sorry...I couldn't resist!)As a lifelong reader, one of the unspoken things I wonder about is how an author comes up with the story that they do.  Why did they choose the plot they did, imbue the characters with those traits, or build the world with those constructs?  Above all, how did they make all those elements come together in such a poetic and captivating manner?Now, as the author of my own books, I get asked the very same questions when I do readings and appearances.  How did I come up with the landscapes of the faeid realm?  Did I do any research to create the mythology of the sacred relics?  Why do my characters simultaneously annoy and endear themselves to the readers?  How long does it take for me to come up with a storyline?  Is there some method to writing a story that is the "right" way?This is how I usually answer these questions.  I draw inspiration from the most beautiful and unique natural formations.  No, I do not research in a formal way, although they share themes with a lot of Greek, Roman, and Arthurian myths.  The characters elicit strong emotions because they are multifaceted, just like real people.  The length of time for a storyline varies because of the ever changing layers of plot, even when I have the big picture down.As for the last question, the answer is more complex.  Perhaps not every author out there would agree, but in my case, I wholeheartedly agree with the famed and immensely talented Neil Gaiman.  I don't think there is just one way to write a story; you have to find that little spark which ignites the flames of your creativity.  I know plenty of writers who start with the story, choosing to write the beginning, the middle, or the end first and extrapolating from there.  Other authors are fascinated with constructing the world first, allowing the characters and plot to develop naturally from what they imagine.There is also the group of authors (to which I belong) who focus their energies on developing the main characters as their initial step.  For me, there is a rather simple reason why I start my stories by first creating my characters.  Theirs are the eyes through which you see the world and whose actions drive the plot forward.  It is their mistakes that make you want to scream at the book; their triumphs you celebrate with a silly dance around the room.  A story, no matter how well written, does not engage you if the characters are flat and boring.  We as readers live to connect with the protagonists, secretly root for the antagonists, and fall in love with the underdog.  When you ask about my favorite books, the ones that come to mind are always the ones with distinctive characters.As a psychiatrist, my job is to observe and document the various aspects of human nature, so it's not a stretch to say that it is another big factor in why I choose to begin my process with characters.  I am in awe of how even the smallest experiences can affect your perspective on society and your life choices.  Watching people grow into themselves and the ways in which they go about this task are some of the most interesting parts of being human.  As such, I put a lot of effort into showing the evolution of my protagonists as the plot develops, giving you insight into why they end up where they do.  I want you to laugh when they being silly, cry when they are in pain, and urge them to get back up and keep moving when they fall apart.  To me, this is what keeps me reading.  To me, this is what a great story is all about.So, if I am forced to give you a simple answer to the question of whether or not there is a "right" method to writing, here it is.  No, there is no "right" way to write - there are many "right" ways to write.  Just like there are many ice cream flavors, car brands, clothing lines, and of course, types of books, you have to find the one method that speaks to you.  Forcing yourself to do something just because this famous author or that successful writer does it that way is limiting your creativity.As the lovely coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures series Kami Garcia said to me when I met her at SDCC this year - "write the story that you want to write, not the one you think (someone else) wants."Your story is unique.  Your background and life experiences will color your voice in a way that will distinguish you from the rest of the pack.  Be proud of you, speak your truth, and above all, keep writing!