Branding: A Deeper Look At Me

Here I am?
Do you know me?
If not we it's nice to meet you.

For this post I looked at me and asked those who know me a few questions.

I'm going to start with my tagline. But first I'm going to admit something. Back in 2009 when I first found out I was getting published I wasn't ready. I thought I'm going to write first and figure out the rest when I need to. WRONG! I wish I had at least dipped my toes into the promotion and business end of things.

Okay back to taglines. Here's a few I like, and links to some great authors websites:
 
Brandy Walker Passionate, Breathtaking Romance. http://brandywalker.net/

Tilly Greene Scorching romances full of twists, turns and ties. http://tillygreene.com/

Nina S. Gooden Love That Breaks Bonds! http://www.ninasgooden.com/

Lissa Matthews Where the men are NAUGHTY http://lissamatthews.com/

Shannon Stacey fun contemporary romances and more http://shannonstacey.com/

Jaci Burton Passion On The Edge http://jaciburton.com/

Okay, now here's mine:

Rita Sawyer Giving You It All. Romance. Passion. Laughter. www.RitaSawyer.com

Now we're going to go over those questions I talked about.
First, does my tagline encompass all my books?
The consensus here was yes, which is a relief. I hope all my books have romance and passion, but the laughter is key. If you're not having fun doing whatever you're doing why do it? That's not to say I don't enjoy tugging at people's heart strings. I just like my stories to have a good balance of ups and downs.

Okay next up is the logo I use on my self-pubbed books.
 
I know what you're thinking. What's the difference? Nothing in the text, but that was my point. In this case I wanted to say the same thing, but hopefully in a more eye catching way.



Since this goes in the back of my books I still had to ask myself How is this going to help me with promotion? After some friendly discussion with a little help I came up something I could put on my promo items.

I know it's the same thing. BUT different. This I could use. And boy did I. Book 3 in my Heiresses In Aprons Series is Martinis, Manicure & Mud Pies. My promotion guru and favorite daughter (she's my only daughter) designed these mini business cards,

 and we put the logo on the back. Then we punched a hole in the bottom and attached them to these mini-martini glasses filled with candy covered chocolates and a gumball olive, or candy fruit slice.

I think they came out great. I like to try and do something original and little special for events. I'm always on the look out.

What does any of this have to do with my brand? That's what I'm trying to figure out. I think I'm getting closer.

I would love to really go with the humor angle a little more. I've even sat on a few humor panels at, Authors After Dark, a romance readers conference I go to every year. The problem here is I don't set out to be funny. It's kind of something that just happens. Honestly it was one of my publishers who first decided my novella A Damsel Without A Dress was a romantic comedy, not a straight contemporary romance.

It was readers who told me my Heiresses series has a chick lit feel. I was totally thrilled with that. Book 1 Shit Kickers & Stilettos hit the chick lit bestseller list at ARe

That's enough thinking for now. I'm going to shut off the business side of my brain and write.

Authors After Dark Featured Author Interview: Brandy Walker

AAD Featured Author Interview: Brandy Walker

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Brandy Walker!

Is this your first year attending AAD?

No but it is my first year coming as an author and a featured author at that!

 

What brings you back to AAD?

A lot of things bring me back. A chance to hang out with my friends, see a new city and meet new people. I always have a great time at AAD. There are a tons of parties, panels and people. This year, for me, it is all about the readers and getting to know them.

Do you have a book coming out before AAD you want the attendees to know about?

Fingers crossed I will have the next Tiger Nip book, FINDING MORE, completed and ready for the masses. I’m attempting to get it written while doing a military move. WA to VA. Its long and grueling. House hunting, unpacking, finding all of my goodies.

 

 

If you were to suggest one of your books to the AAD attendees, which book would it be?

If you haven’t read me, then CRAVING MORE. If you have but you’ve only read my paranormal then I suggest checking out my contemporary romance CAUGHT IN THE MOMENT. My husband is Airborne qualified and has been since the early days of his Army career (he’s been in for just about 21 years now). I had that brilliant idea to set up a contemporary world involving skydiving. The first book introduces you to the Chute Shack and gang.

Tell us about the party you’re hosting at AAD!

I’m joining the always fabulous Melissa Schroeder Open Bar. If you’ve been to AAD before then you know the open bar I’m talking about. The one where you get drinks and a chance to hang out with other readers and the hostess with the mostest. This year Mel invited other authors to join her and I’m one of them. I’ve heard word that Tilly Greene will be one of the hostesses as well.

 

What panels will you be on at AAD?

Panels….let me think. I’m doing the Sports panel and will be talking about my Freefall series. I’m also doing the Cover Art panel. Before I started writing I was doing personal assistant work for Melissa Schroeder, Heather Long and Lissa Matthews. I started working up promo and doing covers. My biggest client being Mel. You may have seen some of my work; The Santinis, the Semper Fi Marines, the Sinfully Supernatural box set, to name a few. I’ve also done all of my self-published books.

 

If an adoring fan wanted to buy you a drink at the bar, what’s your poison?

Jack & Coke. It is my drink of choice. My poison. My most favorite ever. If it was a shot though then I love Buttery Nipples.

 

SWAG. We all love SWAG! What cool stuff are you bringing?

Remember that move I talked about earlier….I’m hoping I’ll have time to order a few things before the conference. Right now I have Tiger Nip trading card packs and pens.

 

We’re all excited about the book signing. What books will you have on hand to sign and sell?

As of right now I’ll have Craving More, Claiming More, and the con only book Dallas & Kacie. I hope to have my first two Freefall books there as well.

Where can readers find you?

I’m all over the place and not just in my daily life.

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Want to attend Author's After Dark and meet Brandy, plus lots of other amazing authors? Register today!!