Today we’d like to introduce you to Destenee Donohoo.
Hi Destenee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, most know my as Mrs. Who, but my name is Destenee Donohoo. I am a music educator and children’s book author. I am very much still in the beginning stages of everything! About 10 years ago I wrote my first children’s book, and I finally self published it in 2025. My ideas are not streamline and not everyone gets them. But I stand on the simple truth that music is in everything. Everywhere I look there is some kind of musical concept or idea that can be talked about. I taught elementary music in Pasadena for 2 years before I started my own music school. I love teaching, I love performances, and I love community. But all this time I still wanted to explore writing. My husband and I started travelling full time and I suddenly became a full time Door Dasher and Substitute Teacher. I had a lot of time to think and wander around my imagination while driving. I presented by manuscript to a publisher and they said it wasn’t a good fit for their brand. That rejection was enough for me to realize that my ideas were going to have to be self published. I went writing crazy and self published seven children’s books in 2025. No, I am not wildly successful. But one thing I hold to is this quote, “it takes ten years to be an overnight success”.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road up to this point has been more like endless stop and go traffic. It’s a waiting game and the biggest struggle is learning patience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Most of my work includes aspects of nature, music, and faith. I think this is what sets me apart from others in the children’s book industry and the music education world as well. I am most proud when I see my books being used and helping people of all ages. I am known for music education and piano lessons and I hope to be known for more. I want my books to reach Sunday school classrooms, general education classrooms, homeschool classrooms, and libraries all over the world.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
If you can find a mentor to help push you out of your comfort zone, that may very well be the best move you can make. Self motivation is not always reliable! Your mentor doesn’t have to be someone that does the same thing as you, but it just has to be someone who you can trust to tell you the truth.
Networking is like trying to make new friends as an adult. It’s asking another author out for a cup of coffee, setting a date at a library to read your book during the kids time, it’s sending direct messages to people you are inspired by on social media! It isn’t easy to put yourself out there but that is what is necessary to succeed.
Pricing:
- The cost of printing is more than you think.
- Don’t be afraid to charge what you are worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://books.by/donohoo-studios
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donohoostudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CqP8oiRRq/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Donohoomusicschool
- Other: https://www.donohoomusicschool.com/single-project
