Chanda Stafford

January Featured Author

What made you choose Red Adept Editing?

I heard about Red Adept on a podcast several years ago. At that time, they were branching out into publishing, and I actually signed with Lynn and published a book through them, First. During that experience, I saw firsthand how accurate, engaging, and professional the editors are, so when it came time to find editors for my self-published work, I immediately thought of RAE. I’ve had three books edited by them so far, and it’s been a great experience each time.

You’ve worked with several different editors. What did you enjoy most about working with them?

I’ve worked with several editors through RAE, both with line editing and proofreading, and I’ve enjoyed the experience both times. They’re affordable, which is important for some authors, and I’ve always felt like I’ve gotten more than I paid for. For example, in both of the projects I’ve had proofread, the editors have left notes in the margin of both the parts they enjoyed and anything else that stuck out to them. Lynn also offers to scan your book when you’re finished, looking or mismatched or missing quotation marks, and I don’t know about other authors, but I always miss a few of those somehow.

What inspired you to start a writing career?

I’ve always loved writing. Even in elementary school, I would attempt to craft stories, mostly about dogs, and try to hone my craft. Writing is in my blood; it’s a part of who I am.

Do you have a favorite place or time of day to write?

I have two small kids, and I teach middle school, so I write whenever I get the chance. Lately, I’ve started dictating first drafts, and because I have a commute to work every day, it’s helped tremendously in getting those first drafts written.

Do you like to plan before you write? Or do you prefer to start and see where the story goes?

I have to plan, primarily because I always tend to paint myself in a corner, if you will, if I try to write a book without plotting. It’s like driving across the country without a map: I’m okay in my hometown, but I’ll get lost as soon as I leave the city limits.

You have some great covers. Who does your cover work?

I work with a variety of great cover artists. I’ve used Cover Me, Darling for a couple covers, Pink Ink Designs, and Cover Quill. When looking for a cover artist, I try to find professionals who have experience in the genre I’m working with and have quality, incredible-looking covers.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I’m a teacher by day, and I have two young children with whom I share my evenings. I love spending time with my boys and our menagerie of animals. I also love going to antique auctions, paranormal investigating, and collecting strange and unusual artifacts (like my Bigfoot caller).

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever been given?

It’s probably the same old adage that everyone says but no one wants to hear. If you want to be a writer, you’ve got to keep going. Even when it’s tough, even when you don’t have any time, and even when there’s a million things you need to do instead, if you want to be a writer, sit down and write and don’t give up.

Where can readers find you?

Amazon profile page: www.amazon.com/Chanda-Stafford

Website:  http://www.chandastafford.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chandawekwertstafford

Twitter: @chanda_stafford