Rachel Stafford Writes

HELLO all. I've decided to update my blog style. Watcha think, pretty sweet right? Well, maybe. But there are new things a'happenin! I've added a shopping cart to my sidebar ------> One can use this to buy paperback versions of my book(s) and possibly other merch in the future. I've also added quick links to my Facebook & GoodReads pages on the top navigation. There's a sketches and doodles page, which will kind of be a catch all for my Instagram feed, probably. And FINALLY, I've added a pretty important [to me] page. Da-dada-da! It's the Rural Road Tales page! I'm going to use this as a platform for a weekly sketch diary that involves my characters-- my family-- in a weekly comic style. I'm aiming for uploading every Sunday. My goal is relatable and funny... but  it's me so it'll probably just be awkward. Either way, I'm hoping it will brighten your day. I received my first new edition copy of The Greasy Opossum  and ...

Just when I think that I've finishing The Greasy Opossum, I realize that there are things I need to change. I wonder if all authors go through this? I just went through and re-edited and republished the entire paperback and ebook editions. They should be available within 24 hours on Amazon, but it's so frustrating. It's amazing what a little time and perspective can do to make you realize that your original work (that was edited and edited then edited some more) still needs WORK. Maybe it'll always be a constant work in progress. Who knows? Either way, it's 19:55 on 08/19/17 and hopefully within 24 hours, both the new paperback and ebook editions will be ready and available! WOOT. Here's a preview of the new cover for your viewing pleasure. Always Keep Adventuring! Rachel♥♥

I've been a little busy, lately! BUT that doesn't mean I've forgotten about finally starting those illustrations. I've gotten around to starting some rough sketches for Our Little House on the Great Big Hill . I've got a few ideas down, and I'm planning on working on some more as soon as possible. (Maybe I'll even start some serious line work tonight!!!) This book is going to be an examination into the ART of being 'grateful.' Being thankful for all that we DO have can be extremely trying sometimes. Especially if you work REALLY  hard and don't feel like you have much to show for it. Like I do. Sometimes, even if you have a fantastic job, and a great family, and budget your butt off... you still struggle to keep your head above water.  But what truly matters isn't a flashy house. One needs to find joy in what they do have, even if it's not exactly what they want.  Our family lives in a teeny, tiny trailer. It's ...

So... if you've read the Kindle version of my book, you've probably noticed the awful formatting. I'll admit, it was pretty terrible. I was not pleased at all, but I really didn't have many other options at the time. You see, my computers at home are pretty much all paperweights. I have four laptops and a desktop that did not work until just a few days ago. I've had to borrow computers to upload my work, and in doing so, I had no way to download the Kindle Kid's Book Creator program. Over the past weekend, I spent my time tinkering. I took apart one of my laptops and had to perform a semi-backdoor factory reset on the other. After a few hours of work, I finally  was able to get one of them to work properly! *cue insane dancing* Once I had one working again, I was actually able to get into really upping the format on my eBook. It's still not perfect, but it's a helluva lot better than it was before. I still have a LOT of work to do, but I'm al...

Hello and welcome! I'm back with new and exciting information just for you. I'm currently hosting TWO giveaways on Amazon for digital and physical copies of,  The Greasy Opossum . THREE lucky winners will receive a paperback copy by entering HERE . FOUR lucky winners will receive a Kindle copy by entering HERE .  I highly encourage you to share these links and pass the word. I'd really love to see one of my followers win! Please keep checking back for any future events, giveaways, and fun times! Always Keep Adventuring! Rachel ♥

As long as I can remember, I've loved fantasy. The first book series I remember being interested in was the Jewel Kingdom  series when I was in first grade. I was totally and completely obsessed, and spent all my parent's spare change on Scholastic book-order forms and book fairs. Later, in fourth grade, I was introduced to Harry Potter. What better time to be praying for your first owl than age eleven?! My disappointment upon not receiving said owl did not quench my thirst for new magical adventures, however. As I grew older, I developed such a deeply ingrained appreciation for the written word. There isn't a genre I don't like... But, fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, and adventure  always  draw me back in. Of course, that admiration extends to movies and TV as well. I can't help but be obsessed with Game of Thrones (book and show . )   My love of Harry Potter  runs so deeply that it's basically a part of my soul (ahem, horcrux?) The cancellation of Firefly ...

So, I've started my next book. And by started, I mean that I've nearly completed all the formatting and body text. BUT the illustrations haven't even been started. I'm sitting here looking at my sketch book, trying to pump myself up to get started and... nothing. Instead, I'm here just tapping away at the keyboard and would like to tell you a little about my upcoming book, "Our Little House on the Great Big Hill." Once again, this is a book for beginning readers, and will be a part of the Rural Road Tales series. This story is about valuing your home, no matter what it looks like. It may be old, it may need some fixing, but as long as it's full of love that's  what makes it home. A little background for you on the inspiration for this particular story: My husband, sons, and I live in a small single-wide mobile home that was built in 1994. It's nothing pretty to look at by any means, but it's livable. My husband and I started our f...

My name is Rachel Stafford. I am many things: a mother, a wife, an employee, an author, an illustrator, a book nerd... a little of everything I guess. First of all, I would like to welcome you to my new blog. As I'm writing this, I'm still not sure what all I will be adding here, but it's safe to say that there will probably be things like: art, sneak peeks of upcoming books, looks into how I do my illustrations, silly anecdotes about my children, etc. My first children's book, The Greasy Opossum , has been a long time in the making - even before I knew I was going to write it. My mom used to make up silly bedtime stories for my sister and me. When we were little, she made up this story about a opossum that was SO greasy that you had to use dish soap to get him all clean. It was so silly, and she'd add the funniest sound effects, which REALLY made it great for us. So, for Mother's Day this year, I decided that I would make her story come to life. Originally,...

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