I've found that the story definitely develops on its own. I have ideas, but the story developing on its own is ALWAYS superior to my idea from the beginning. I also love when I know a character even better than I thought, and little pieces come together like magic. Sometimes I put a plot twist or a setting in a story for one reason only to realize that it greatly enhances character development for the reader. It's fun when that happens!!

Smiles,

Amy