I'm cleaning my house. Yup, slowly, sometimes with help, and somewhat unwillingly. I mean, there are so many things I'd rather do: write, read, watch a Quantum Leap rerun. I'm cleaning in-between driving my son places. He's got summer school, lego camp, and dive team practice.
Yesterday, plastered against the wall behind a stack of books I finally sorted (I'm actually giving away the books I've read because, really, who needs 2 million books stacked against walls, hidden in closets, overflowing from book cases -uUh, so far, I've decided I can part with six (one of which I accidentally bought twice - Heather Graham puts them out faster than I can read), I found a tote bag that a bunch of authors had sponsored.
Since my name is on it, I sat on my bed (pushing aside a few dozen dusty books) and read the names. Then, I really looked at the brands and started thinking.
Yesterday, plastered against the wall behind a stack of books I finally sorted (I'm actually giving away the books I've read because, really, who needs 2 million books stacked against walls, hidden in closets, overflowing from book cases -uUh, so far, I've decided I can part with six (one of which I accidentally bought twice - Heather Graham puts them out faster than I can read), I found a tote bag that a bunch of authors had sponsored.
Since my name is on it, I sat on my bed (pushing aside a few dozen dusty books) and read the names. Then, I really looked at the brands and started thinking.
So all your Harlequin Heartwarmers (That's the name of the girl band we will someday form. Practicing, of course, at Muriel's house), I'm thinking you didn't even know that I had a brand. I do. It's The Three R's: Risk, Redemption, and Romance can all be found in a book by Pamela Tracy.
I got to looking at the other brands and smiled. We authors do like to have fun. Here they are
1. Heartstopping Romance
2. Mystery with a Twist
3. Romance with a Kick
4. Norway is the New Scotland
5. Romance Meets Humor
6. Real Characters - Skewed Realities
7. Sexy, Snarky, Sensuous
8. Romance with a Dose of Humor
9. Deadlines and Diamond
Not every other had a brand. Some just had their names. Others just put what they wrote, like Contemporary romance.
I didn't figure out a brand until I'd been writing for about eight years. Then, websites became a must and I needed something catchy. My true love is suspense (I'm crossing my fingers that Adrienne likes the suspense I sent her). That's how I came up with my brand. I needed it for my website. The great thing, too, is I use it at booksignings.
So, what do you think of the brands so far. Of the nine above, I'm intrigued by Real Characters - Skewed Realities.
And, how about the rest of your Heartwarmers, what is your brand? Do share!
Oh great, thanks Pam! You mean I have to come up with something else??? lol. This writer business is way too much work-insert threat here where I claim to never write another word-I'll try to think of something:):)
ReplyDeleteJust kidding, great post. The idea of having a brand is great. I'm redoing my website before my November release so I'll have to come up with something before then.
LOL, hey, at least I gave you a bunch of examples.
DeletePam - I love the 3 Rs! I haven't even thought about having a brand. Mine would probably be more 'Kisses, Chaos, and Christmas.' (I did dozens of Christmas books for American.) Or, maybe, 'Love, Laughter, and Living Large.' I'm going to start cleaning house, too, so we all have room to rehearse our music!
ReplyDeleteHi Muriel,
DeleteI'm going to take a look for your Christmas ones:) I love holiday romances!
LOL, Muriel, I like the first one. As for the second one, as a plus size woman, I'd be looking for your books because I'd think, "Finally, a heroine my size!"
DeleteOh, you're all so clever. I've worked hard to brand my name and put it on all of the things I buy as give-aways. I use my little Fox logo that my daughter's roommate in college did up for me with the Roz Fox under his running feet. But now like Jennifer I'll have to dream up a brand. I just had to send in a bunch of possible book titles. Thanks a bunch Pam for giving me another project. I liked the Deadlines and Diamonds, but most of the others are good. So is your's Pamela. Have a good day running Mike around in this oppressive heat.
ReplyDeleteIt's hot! 108! I wear my suit to his dive team and I get in the water and then I read. I'm reading a Jude Devriou (can never spell her last name) right now.
ReplyDeleteHow about: A foxy romance and more
This is so much fun!! I love everyone's brands. I can't resist this one - 'Romances that Rock' although that doesn't sound very Heartwarming - I'll have to keep thinking!
ReplyDeleteI think it works. Or Rocking Romance!
DeleteYou'd need to get a stamp with someone rocking out. Then, add the brand under. That would be too cool.
DeleteOur brand is at the top of our web page --
ReplyDeleteMen with dust on their boots and the women who love them.
Works for our Heartwarming too....
http://www.aimeeanddavidthurlo.com
Cool. I need to get a visual for mine.
DeleteSomething about that is really intriguing! What is it? Wondering how the dust got there?
ReplyDeleteWorking men... But in New Mexico - he'd have to be a magician not to get dust on his boots! LOL
DeleteMy brand is Faith and Fun All In One. I use it at my website, blog and tag line on email. It may be cheesy, but it's me. LOL
ReplyDeleteI like it, and because it rhymes, it's easy to remember.
DeleteNot cheesy at all.
DeleteOh, these are so clever I love them all. I love Aimee's and Tara's. Concise and yet they say it all. Back to put on my thinking cap. Like Karen, I'm not sure what I write is foxy and she must not think rocking is how she would describe her work. Hm.
ReplyDeleteWow, these are great. I've been struggling to find my brand for years, but it seems to keep changing on me. Probably something with romance and food since even Laura said I have too many eating scenes LOL.
ReplyDeleteAnd Pamela, kudos on the Quantum Leap reference. That's one of my favorite shows of all time. I always wanted Sam Beckett to leap into my life :)
LOL, I Tvoed it and now every chance I get I watch, but I never get to watch a whole show: 20 minutes here, ten there. It's almost one I'll let my eight year old watch but not quite.
ReplyDeleteI loved that show too! Used to watch re-runs with my dad all the time. Yay Sam Beckett!!
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