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: Lissa Matthews

AAD Featured Author Interview: Lissa Matthews

 

Welcome Authors After Dark 2014 featured author Lissa Matthews!

 Is this your first year attending AAD?
No. This will be my third Authors After Dark event.

What brings you back to AAD?
Location. Location. Location. I live in Charlotte. I don’t attend many cons, two usually. And because this one is typically located somewhere in the South, or at least within driving distance and usually not too pricey, it’s a good one. There’s something for everyone.


So where will attendees be able to find you at AAD? Do you hang out in the bar? The lobby? Or are you the one who throws parties in their room?
This year, I’m not sure. I don’t hang out in the bar much and I’m not a party person. I go where I’m supposed to go when there’s something scheduled, but otherwise, I’m usually in the lobby or in a central area or...wherever there’s coffee...

If you were to suggest one of your books to the AAD attendees, which book would it be?
The favorite is usually a toss up between Simple Need and Pink Buttercream Frosting. Two of my early ebooks that seem to still be talked about a lot.

What panels will you be on at AAD?
I’ll be on the Blue Collar Heros panel. I was only able to wrangle a spot on one panel this year. The last time I was on 4, I think. So this will be a little different. I’ll have a lot more free time.

 

We’re all excited about the book signing. What books will you have on hand to sign and sell?
I’m still working this one out. Twisted Up should be on hand as well as The Cupcake Cowboy. I’m hoping to have Stick Shift and if all the stars align and the seas part and I get that fairy godmother I’ve been desperately needing, I may have The Sticky Cowgirl as well. This has been a very difficult summer and everything for me is coming down to the wire with too much to do and catch up on and not enough time to do it.

Where can readers find you?
Twitter: @lissamatthews
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlissamatthews
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LissaMatthewsfanpage
Pinterest: authorlissa
Website: lissamatthews.com