Today, we’d like to introduce you to Lenox Stafford.
Hi Lenox, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a liar, creator, and someone who gets you to tell rich stories about your business. Did I get your attention? Perfect!
That means I’m doing my job. It’s fun being an innovative storyteller because I create all types of stories for a living and build worlds people can escape to or perhaps from!
Under my brand, I have published the I See Posts! Mystery series for middle-grade kids, created Maestro’s Madness, a children’s cartoon series, and released a short fiction story for adults. Stay tuned because I’m releasing my first YA novel, Let the Beat Drop, for teens this summer.
Where do I find my inspiration? Easy to put myself into the mix of things. That’s the cheat code. After leaving my job in a NYC press office, I relocated to London, England, to stretch my writing skills, and then I moved back home to ATL.
So, what do I do when I’m not writing? I’m offering my editing services, The Finer Words in Life, to small businesses, independent authors, publishing houses, and corporations. No matter the material, my goal is to get my clients to tell rich and opulent stories.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
No way!!!! Originally, I preferred the traditional publishing route, where I would submit query letters and synopsis about my books to literary agents. After waiting months for feedback, I usually end up with rejection letters.
Plus, at that time, self-publishing was seen as taboo. Attending literary conferences amplified this message even more as multiple experts warned authors not to explore the alternative. As a result, I figured it was safer for me to stick with professional representation. I didn’t change my mind until 2020 when I tuned in to a podcast that spoke on the benefits of self-publishing your books, with the key points centered on maintaining ownership and going directly to your audience instead of waiting on other people.
That’s when I decided to at least give it a try. As a self-published author and creator, I’m learning many things, but it is highly time-consuming. I need a team and more time to write! When you run your own business, finding time to write is hard because you’re wearing so many hats. I prefer to delegate so I can focus on what I enjoy the most: creating.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I’m a writer, storyteller, author, cartoon creator, and editor. My whole mission as a writer is to inspire my audience to take risks, connect with different cultures, and realize they can handle tough things. Regarding the business side, I joined a business club that helped me capitalize on other skills that I have.
As much as I love editing other people’s work, I realized that I could also use this as a vehicle to continue building my business and, this time, charge for it. I came up with The Finer Words in Life because I am on a mission to get my clients to tell enriching stories on which they build legacies.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Yes, you left out if I have any words of inspiration or advice to your readers.
Just do it! You have what it takes, and you will see your vision through. Just remember your why and keep going! Also, if you’re going to run a business, get curious about understanding and learning the financial side. Ain’t no feelings in numbers.
Enjoying the creation process is fine, but your business needs cash flow to operate and sustain. If you want to increase your financial growth mindset, I recommend listening to these three podcast shows: Earn Your Leisure, How I Built This, and So Money.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lenoxstafford.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: Lenox Stafford
- Youtube: Lenox Stafford
Image Credits
Vibrant Life Visuals, Luiz Henrique, Magic Media, and Canva.com
