Meet Tamara Rose Blodgett!

What made you choose Red Adept Editing?

I’d been using a freelance editor before Red Adept. When my catalog began to expand to a volume that would have been too challenging for a single editor, I began to seek an editing house that could handle the workload. After asking some other indies, Red Adept’s name kept cropping up as the go-to professional choice for indie authors. Now I’ve been using RA for nearly two years and had not one hiccup with the volume I toss their way. In 2014, RA handled 14 titles for me without nary a problem. I’d say their follow through is top-notch.

You generally purchase the One-Pass Edit, and you’ve worked with several of our editors. Stefanie has been your line editor for your most recent novels. What did you enjoy about working with her?

First, and though it’s not critical to the process, Stefanie digs my work. That means the extra advantage for me as an author is she “hears” my “voice” in the narrative. She smooths syntax without squashing my prose and other elements that make my work unique (she banishes my homophones!). I appreciate a deft touch that really makes my work shine, without making it sound homogenized or generic. I’d estimate my edit insertion rate is nearly 100%.

 You have several series in a few genres. Tell us about each of your series.

All the series listed are considered dark fiction and many have been edited by RA.

DEATH: is a dark dystopian seven-book paranormal romance about a group of coming-of-age young adults that find themselves in hot water with “big brother,” and an uncertain near-future where paranormal talents aren’t the gifts they seemed.

 BLOOD: is a six-book dark paranormal romance about a species of human beings who possess coveted genetics by several supernatural groups such as vampires, werewolves, and the fae.

 REFLECTION: is a dark urban PNR fantasy about a group of elite warriors who police thirteen worlds and use their innate “reflective” abilities to transport from world to world.

 SAVAGE: is a seven-book dark PNR sci-fi series about a group of abandoned people from nineteenth-century America surviving in bio-spheres only to discover their days are numbered in the safety they’ve known for over a century, and certain danger awaits Outside, where a mutant species roams.

 TOKEN: is a nine-volume serial of dark romantic suspense collection dealing with a young woman faced with a horrific end and the billionaire who’s convinced he doesn’t need anyone but himself.

DRUID: is a nine-volume serial of dark PNR where vampire warriors seek females of Druid descent to perpetuate their dwindling race.

What future books are in the works right now?

I’m currently writing In Broken Love, a romantic suspense follow-up to my NYT bestseller, A Terrible Love, while also over mid-way finished with a super-secret book (which RA will be editing this October!). For TRB, I’ll begin Blood #6 while writing the next episodes for Savage and my Alpha Claim novelette serial.

Which genre do you enjoy writing most?

The easiest genre would be dark romantic suspense. The words and storyline are very powerful. The characters rule me more than usual. I like being “taken over” during writing, so that is the peak reward for me as an artist of words.

What part of self-publishing do you enjoy the most?

Getting my stories to my readers with a timely, polished novel feels very rewarding. It is the best part. Sometimes the work of edits, proofing, and the other laborious necessities that go into the production of a title is challenging, but the end result is so worth it.

You have some great covers. Who does your cover work? Feel free to put in a link.

Thank you!

Phat Puppy Art is responsible for the bulk of my cover art, and I’ve been very pleased with the quality and artistic flare Claudia offers.

I also have a freelance cover artist. He’s low-key, and doesn’t have a site yet—but he’s oh-so talented.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I have lots of hobbies. Aside from reading into the wee hours, I love to garden and work with my hands. I do quite a bit of old house restoration, and some weekends you can find me stripping moldings/furniture in preparation for a sand and re-stain. I also like making photo charms and basic jewelry. Recently, Hubs has gotten me all involved in Harley cruising. I’m not one for idle time and usually get involved in something physical.

What advice would you give to a new author?

My best advice: get your work professionally edited. I heard that a lot when I first began writing in 2007, but like so many, I didn’t feel like I could afford it. Wish I’d done it anyway. Later, RA edited all my first works for me, and I don’t regret one penny spent. It’s an investment in my work—my art. It’s a way to respect my readers. It’s everything, actually. Save for it if you must. Second: buy great cover art. A (very) few authors can manage the graphics quite nicely, but they’re the exception and not the rule. Third: never stop writing. It’s the one constant. Nothing gets published until it’s written. It’s an absolute truth.

Author’s note: I’d like to thank Lynn for graciously spotlighting my thoughts today. I’m eternally grateful for her as an editor and a human being.

Where can readers find you?