I love my WIP. I really do. I’m not sure why I like this story so much. Honestly, I sit here and try to figure out why I like it. I love Gerard, my hero. I just find him so charming. And there are a lot of firsts for me in this story–my first secondary romance, my first story with no external conflict, my first younger hero.
But one thing remains constant–”My brand”.
I learned about author branding in Reno. I had always thought author branding was a logo, or a tagline. “Author of Sensual Romance” That was my brand. “Erotic Romance Author”. That was my brand. My red site with gold accents. That was my brand. But that’s not what it is at all. 
By saying “Erotic Romance Author” I’m promoting the genre, not me.
What is my brand? I had no idea. I thought it was having a certain heat level in my books. But that’s not it. According to what I learned in Reno, my “brand” is the one common thread you can expect to find in all of my stories. I wasn’t sure what that was until the absolutely fabulous Kate Duffy pointed it out to me. All of my stories are about trust. My heroes and heroines struggle with lusting for and loving a partner they’re not sure they can trust, for whatever reason.
Do you know what your author brand is? And looking at the stories that you like to read, what is the brand in those?
I have less than no clue. My books can be so different…. no idea what a common thread might be :shock:. Maybe I’m brandless :doh:.
on October 15th, 2005 at 6:56 am
I’m not 100% certain either, but I’ve noticed lately that my plots tend to center around classism,female independence(gaining it in a historical era),and high stakes–in the romance,the plot,etc–mixed into quiet moments.
on October 15th, 2005 at 3:06 am
It’s a fascinating concept, branding, and still one I’m trying to get to grips with. That’s why I’m looking to you for tips, Sylvia!
on October 15th, 2005 at 2:28 am
Well, I’m not 100% certain, but I do find I have a theme often. Friends make the best lovers. In Chocolate Kisses :choco: Marcus and Nicole are best friends who give into desire. In Making Him Want It, Kat and Jamal have a deep relationship even though they’d never met in person. So, maybe my brand has something to do with people who find the sensual fulfillment and love from relationships they already care about.
Trust is a powerful brand, Syl. Can’t wait to read more of yours.
on October 15th, 2005 at 12:23 am