Jeanne

You nailed it when you said that you need to think about what themes you want to write about and then design a brand around those themes. Like I’ve said above, your brand is your emotional promise to the reader about the kind of books you’ll deliver–doesn’t mean the genre (see my answers to the folks who write multiple genres) it means the emotional response you want the reader to feel.

Sounds like “wounded heroes saved by love” may be your brand–from your description of the themes that interest you.

This is a deeply personal question, so take time to really think about it. Why are you driven to take time away from friends and family to write? Why these characters? Why these stories? Where’s your passion in all of this?

From the answers you’ll find your brand–and perhaps learn more about how to bring that passion to life on the page. And that passion will translate to the reader–remember, it’s all about the reader!

Hope that helps,
CJ

As for blogging and/or social network sites–totally up to you. If they turn you off and you end up feeling uncomfortable, readers will feel that and perhaps leave with a negative rather than a positive impression of you and your work.

Marketing is the one place where you only want to put your best foot forward–so play to your strengths and always have fun!
CJ

I am just beginning my fiction writing career. While I have attempted to write several books I am finally finishing the first complete one. I should go into edits by October and begin query to agents in the winter.

Previous attempts are chalked up to learning the craft and generally resulted in poor conflict, plot problems and more.

I’ve always been good at characterization, building real three dimensional characters with strong individual voices. I also do a pretty good job of expressing the emotion. I have laugh out loud moments in my stories. I believe I have a clear voice that resonates through my work.

I write within the romance genre. My WIP is a paranormal/ manage’ triad. I have a suspense under the bed suffering from rewrites by committee and bad conflict/plot issues. LOVE the characters, dialog and humor. ehhh what can I say, I am a very organic writer and my characters talk to me.

I have thought about branding quite a bit without coming up with any successful answers for myself. I look for current themes in my work that I might build on. My sensuality level is Hot, romantica. I explore sexuality through a committed love relationship with graphic context and deep emotional elements.

I have been told that usually writers write the same type of book. What I am attempting to say is….while your setting, characters, plot etc all change essentially there is a core essence that all your books will be about.

Perhaps liken to theme. Broken heroes redeemed by heroine’s faith and love. Strong heroes rescue broken heroine renew her faith in forever love. etc etc.

I haven’t necessarily figured out what “theme” I write. I have a fledgling tag line for my WIP. It needs work. “Shapeshfiting twins awaken a Dragon Guardian’s powers to rule their hearts and their people.”

I appreciate any thoughts or advice you would have to help me find my brand.

As to all the social networking stuff. The URL link I’ve given is my blog. I probably don’t blog often enough there. I’ve actually been very busy writing. I don’t have a real web page. I do interact with other authors and readers on facebook. I tried myspace but don’t visit there very often anymore. I am also on twitter.

Jacqueline Seewald
THE DROWNING POOL, Five Star/Gale 2009