Who Are You?

Who are you?

At the last RWA conference in Orlando, I picked up an interesting book on social media by Tyra Burton and Jana Oliver. The title is Socially Engaged. If you’re looking for a book to lead you through the complicated waters of social media, I highly recommend this one. It is written in a conversational tone, simple and direct, and understandable.

This blog today is about one of the first tips I gleaned from these authors. Know yourself, not the bland, every day you, but the you that sets you apart. Yes, this is about branding, but it’s a great exercise for anyone who leaves their house once in a while. Here’s the tip: Think of three words that describe you. Not words like “nice” and “kind.” Think of words that have impact in describing who you are.

I chose these three: Sensitive, witty, and social.

I believe these words describe me and fit in with the tag line I use in branding my author name. “Writing about big hearts in small towns.” Along with sensitive (and who hasn’t been sensitive to the tragedies in the world these days?) I am nostalgic  about the past and openhearted to the suffering of humans and animals. By witty, I don’t mean standup comic hilarious. I mean I try to see the quirky side to every story, and  if I find it, I’m quite likely to voice my discovery, good or bad. By social, I mean I like to go out. I can’t stay in my house for an entire day. My son once asked me how I can talk to complete strangers. I didn’t have an answer except to say, the stranger is behind me in line, we’re both waiting, so why not strike up a conversation?

I’m wondering how many like-minded people are out there. Do any of my words describe you? Great, let’s be friends. What one, two or three words are more apt to pinpoint the real you?

The point is this: Once you arrive at your three words, and if they are good, positive words, try to keep them in the back of your mind and let them help you through social media, life, relationships, and everything else. If your words are negative, work on finding positive ones. We’re all good people here. We’re readers and writers!

Cynthia

I'm in here somewhere because I'm social

I think there's something funny about a tree protecting a hydrant

I cried when a hurricane destroyed one of my favorite Florida towns.

Can't wait for my February release, the first of a trilogy, Cahills of the High Country.

Watch for Carter's story.HIGH COUNTRY COP, after you read this month's Heartwarmings.