Greg Chase
October Featured Indie Author
How did you first find out about Red Adept Editing?
My wife, Deanna Chase, had used your services and highly recommended that I do the same.
You’ve worked with Sarah and Kelly. What did you enjoy most about working with them?
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sarah on seven books now. As a new writer, facing a professional editor was probably one of my biggest sources of apprehension. Though I love writing, grammar and spelling have plagued me all my life. Opening that first Editor Notes file was a little scary, but Sarah always starts out her correspondence with what she liked about the manuscript. Then the notes that she scatters throughout her edits are like little pick-me-ups when the going gets tough. The encouragement means a lot.
I’ve only worked with Kelly on one book so far. I enjoyed the change of perspective from what I’d become accustomed to with Sarah. Kelly is more matter-of-fact.
Working with both editors and the various proofreaders has been a very smooth process.
Who is your favorite author? How did his or her style influence yours?
That’s kind of a tough one. I’ve read just about everything Richard Bach ever wrote, many of them multiple times. I love his metaphysical take on life and how he frames his stories around those ideas. I have to confess, though, that adding in all that philosophy into my books hasn’t worked as well as I’d have liked. His work defies genres. I respect that, but in the current market, it’s not the easiest way to sell books.
Growing up, I read a lot of science fiction: Heinlein, Herbert, Vonnegut, and countless others. Again, though, those classics told very philosophical stories. I’m still trying to learn how they mixed in the ideas with the action so seamlessly.
My tastes in reading material have always been eclectic. If I were to define a common thread among the authors I respond to, I’d have to say it was hearing a unique voice in their writing. That’s what I’m striving for in my work.
You’ve written in a few different genres. Do you see yourself trying any others?
I’m still searching for my best fit. Science fiction was a lot of fun and let me try to build worlds similar to what I used to read growing up. In some ways, the imagery those authors created inspired me to become an artist. I find a lot of crossover between the visual arts and writing.
I put out one contemporary fiction erotica book. There’s an underlying story with that one about an artist who doesn’t see the freedom of obscurity until he loses it. The book doesn’t really fit easily into a defined genre, so was kind of a passion project for me.
And currently I’m working in the paranormal mystery field under the pen name G.A. Chase. The first two books in the paranormal series are out. Number three was published mid-September, and number four should be ready in early November. What I’m enjoying most about this series is using New Orleans as my setting.
I think I’d like to do some straight mysteries, but I have a few more books to write in my current series before getting distracted, again.
You have some great covers. Who does your cover work?
Janet Holmes is doing my current paranormal mystery covers.
Jeff Brown worked on my science fiction series.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
We have two shih tzu dogs, Duncan and Puck. Sometimes I think most of what we do is to give those spoiled dudes a life I wish I had. On any typical day, they get a good deal of attention.
When we do get out, we love exploring New Orleans. The food, music, architecture, and culture all really stimulate my creativity. I don’t get out enough. Often, I have to wait until a friend comes to town to really see the city with a fresh perspective.
Before I made the switch to writing, I was a glass artist. I haven’t been out to the torch since I started banging away on the computer, but I keep up with what’s going on in the field. I have a friend that’s building a studio here in New Orleans who’s been after me to teach a class or two.
What’s your favorite dish that you can only find in New Orleans?
Haha. Wow. I guess if I had to pick, I’d say crawfish etouffe, though I haven’t had it in some time.
A chef who was well known before Katrina set up a small shop at the end of our block. His menu changes based on what he feels like making. Since Deanna and I are both writers and don’t like the distraction of cooking, we eat at Chef Pete’s a lot. You can follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Appetite-Repair-Shop-1421508064788756/
What advice would you give to a new author?
All the struggles, setbacks, and soul-crushing doubt will make for great backstory once you’re successful. Keep writing.
Where can readers find you?
Amazon profile page: www.amazon.com/Greg-Chase
Website: www.gregchaseauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Greg-Chase-Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GregAChase
