Hi Hope. Hugs to you from me. Smiling. I start with an idea. For example, the scene at the club in 'Last days of sunlight' was inspired by the video for Despacito with Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. I imagined the female lead was a vampire. She was supposed to find a victim and feed. And then, I don't know how or why, Vin Diesel showed up, cast as a demon. The demon in fact. The story changed on me and I just went with it.
Actually writing the last few words spooked me. The stuff about the fallen angel? I almost deleted it. Too much.
But I left it because it shaped the future of the story when (or if) I decide to follow it up. I'd say it's a bit of both, planning and discovery. I enjoy the unexpected turns the stories take, keeps me involved. Smiling.
Happy you enjoyed the final version of The Apartment. I must admit, I am obsessed with tweaking after posting. The final version will change sooner or later. Lol.
Hugs
J.