Does Our Brand Convey Who We Really Are?

Two of my favorite, feel-good television shows are The Andy Griffith Show and The Waltons. They remind me of small-town America where I grew up. I love the nostalgia, simplicity, and homespun values, yet there’s also the delicious taste of bittersweet.

For example—Sheriff Andy Taylor raised little Opie without a mama, but Aunt Bee stood in the gap and made us believe all was right with their little world. Still…why couldn’t Andy and Helen just marry so we could taste the happily ever after instead of just imagining it? We knew they loved each other. *sigh*

In The Waltons, especially, hardships were often underscored by lessons learned, truths conveyed, and love demonstrated. Obviously, John Boy and I were kindred spirits. To this day, I believe I’m a long lost sister of the Walton clan.

I grew up in the safety and warmth of an affectionate home. We were a traditional family.

We loved hard, played hard, and yes—we pleaded our points with passion. Meal times were sacred, church was a given, and respect was expected. We delighted in the Lord and we revered Him.

And, of course, my sister and I understood there were limits, boundaries, and rules. When we stretched, stepped over, or broke those, we well knew what would happen next. Because our parents loved us, they let us know in no uncertain terms, certain behavior wouldn’t be tolerated.

My upbringing influenced not only the tone of my writing, but also the stories I write.

As writers, when we think about our “brand” or how we want to be perceived we should consider:

 

• What motivates us? (What fuels our passion? Is it apparent in the stories we write?)

 

• What do our words say about us? (Does our writing flow naturally? Do we sound like us?)

 

• When others read our work, does our voice resonate? (Do we seem comfortable in our own skin?)

 

• Can our readers depend on us? (Are we authentic? Have we established familiarity without the bore factor?)

 

Who we are as writers isn’t tied to a T.V. show, play book, or paint-by-number set.

However, as authors, our interests, perceptions, and world views affect how and what we write. And while we shouldn’t be pigeon-holed by society’s expectations, it only stands to reason that we think about our sphere of influence.

Which leads me to another thought. Our strategy should be less about us and more about Him.

I found that my “brand” took on a life of its own when I yielded completely, unabashedly to Christ. I wasn’t worried about coming up with something that didn’t feel natural.

He took my strengths, weaknesses, and comfort zones, and challenged me in new ways, yes, but never asked me to be someone or something I’m not.

I write Heartfelt Homespun Fiction, but the essence of my brand—the essence of who I am—is the truth of God alive in me.

Everything else is secondary. From the scenic hills and hollows of the majestic Ozarks to the neighborly folks who live here—these are fun byproducts of my creative process and I merge all of it in my work.

Sometimes, brand isn’t hit-over-the-head overt. It may be as soft and subtle as a summer breeze with just the right ahhh. We expect something from a particular author and the author delivers.

Our brand is realized and cemented when we accept who we are, trust where He’s taking us, and believe we’ll be better for it.

 

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THOUGHTS TO SHARE

Can readers depend on your brand? (Four things to consider).

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Brand: The necessary component in a writing platform. Or is it?

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MORE FEEL GOOD

Why an Interesting Setting Enhances a Great Story

Five Ways to Rock Your Heartfelt, Homespun Anniversary (Ozarks Style)

How Doug Pitt Brought Life Full Circle for One Forever Family

Silver Dollar City and the Ozarks (A Little Slice of Heaven)

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What words do you associate with your brand?

How can writers assure their “brand” reflects who they truly are?

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Much Love and Many Blessings,