Photo Credit: Kay Gaensler/Creative Commons
Two of my favorite, feel-good television shows are The Andy Griffith Show and The Waltons. They remind me of the hometown where I grew up. There’s a sense of nostalgia, simplicity, and homespun values, yet there’s also a delicious taste of bitter and sweet.
In The Waltons, especially, hardships were often underscored by lessons learned, truths conveyed, and love demonstrated.
I grew up in the safety and warmth of an affectionate home. We were a traditional family. We loved hard and played hard. 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.
As writers, when we think about our “brand” or how we want to be perceived, I think we need to consider what matters:
- 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 folks 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 ought to 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 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 hills and hollows of the old Ozark hills to the neighborly folks who live here–that’s just a fun byproduct of the creative process.
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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What words do you associate with your brand?
How can writers assure that their “brand” reflects who they truly are?
Photo Credit: Kay Gaensler/Creative Commons
Blessings Always,
Comments 8
Love this, especially, Cindy: “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.” Amen!
When I think about my brand, I probably think romance and comedy and truth. At least, I hope so. 🙂
Author
Melissa, I always smile when I think of you. Clean humor and comedy round out a good, ol’ dose of truth nicely! Sounds like you’ve achieved a great balance.
Hope. I definitely want readers to associate that guarantee with whatever I write. Fiction/nonfiction/blogs.
Side branding (is that even a word? I just coined it lol) humor, suspense, romance. 🙂
Author
Jess, love it! “Side Branding” sounds like a winner to me! I associate all of the above with you. And “Hope,” most definitely!
Happy writing, friend!
Sharing God through the detailed beauty of His creation, with a side of fun.
Author
Patti, I enjoy seeing all the wonderful nature photos you post at your eye-fetching site! You make them come alive through your vivid imagery, and I definitely think “fun” when I think of you!
What an epiphany, Cynthia–that when you make it more about Christ than you, you start to realize those strengths He gave you that you can infuse into your brand. Oh, dearie me…my brand. “Living Beyond the Vows”–all my books are based around married characters. How do their marriages tick? Why do they stay together? That sort of thing. And though I love that people think of me when they hear about Viking stuff, I’m launching into a contemp suspense series set in the Appalachians. Trying to bring that modern Mountain Mama vibe to my books. But the one consistent thing is REALISTIC married characters. AGH. Obviously I’m not too succinct yet.
Author
Heather, your tagline is intriguing. “Living Beyond the Vows” certainly piques my interest! And though I do think “Vikings” when I see your name, I have no doubt that your suspense series set in the Appalachians will be page-turners. Can’t wait to learn more!