tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post3420400712917366893..comments2024-03-24T16:50:00.727-05:00Comments on Maria Zannini blogspot: Who Do We Write For?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-57751582187948388832011-02-22T20:07:13.737-06:002011-02-22T20:07:13.737-06:00You're right, I've never thought of any of...You're right, I've never thought of any of that! I haven't even begun to think about branding. For a business major who studied marketing, it's way easier to think of how to brand something else than brand myself. Thanks for the insight.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-39086227625551316502011-02-22T19:09:11.820-06:002011-02-22T19:09:11.820-06:00Terrio: Ah, but look at what you can take away wit...Terrio: Ah, but look at what you can take away with. Notice the font she uses for her name. The clean white background of her web site. She writes about you and me and the neighbor lady down the street. Her brand is easy going, playful, comfortable. These are all traits you can incorporate in your brand.<br /><br />PS That banner for her new book is brilliant. It exemplifies her style.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-19191767346570308752011-02-22T18:58:51.696-06:002011-02-22T18:58:51.696-06:00The writer closest to my style - and I don't d...The writer closest to my style - and I don't dare put myself on her level - is Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Kind of hard to compete with. :)Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-72963535026027093192011-02-22T11:28:18.175-06:002011-02-22T11:28:18.175-06:00Jackie: Thank you! I'm glad I can tickle the c...Jackie: Thank you! I'm glad I can tickle the curiosity gene in you. And yes, I can tell by following your blog that your tastes run in a vast range. I think that's what makes you such a good book blogger. You're well-versed in many different genres and I haven't noticed the least bit of prejudice of one over another.<br /><br />***<br />Terrio: A good brand evolves, and I'm still too new at this to say that this is it, but it's certainly close.<br /><br />Ref: mainstream<br />Absolutely. In a way, you have an even more difficult challenge than those of us who write to subgenres. If it were me, I'd pick out two or three 'big' authors who are similar to your style and see what they're doing to distinguish themselves. Sometimes we can glean clues of what to do--and what not to do.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-34454975364741658652011-02-22T10:56:56.324-06:002011-02-22T10:56:56.324-06:00I applaud you for seeing your work so clearly. I k...I applaud you for seeing your work so clearly. I know that goes a long way to making the work better, building your own confidence, and narrowing your promotional efforts.<br /><br />My work is very mainstream, which you'd think would be a positive because that's a large audience. But I don't see it that way. In my mind, it means I must stand out even more, but with something very subtle. And I must compete with the big dogs who have the mainstream locked down as autobuy authors. <br /><br />The only person I can really write for is me. But as a long time romance reader, that's not a bad target. I've been reading romance since the mid 80s and figure as long as I write stories I love, then others like me are bound to love them too.<br /><br />As for marketing, I'm choosing not to think about it. :)<br /><br />Love the cover!Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-78839679679266085102011-02-22T10:17:19.372-06:002011-02-22T10:17:19.372-06:00Adventurous reader all the way, want to stretch my...Adventurous reader all the way, want to stretch myself and try out new genres which is why blogging has been such a pleasant outlet as it has allowed me to "find" authors and their work that otherwise would have missed out on..<br /><br />You do have "brand" I enjoy reading Maria, my curiosity for all things unusual is fully satisfied with your books!<br />I just prefer the real thing to the digital format... LOLJackiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02181111718630957098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-47824089323224008002011-02-22T09:36:53.392-06:002011-02-22T09:36:53.392-06:00Cate: You have a treasure trove in your back list....Cate: You have a treasure trove in your back list. In your case, I wonder given the volume of work that you shouldn't be looking at more than one brand.<br /><br />It would be interesting to parse and see what you have to work with.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-13310098395245477832011-02-22T08:45:04.061-06:002011-02-22T08:45:04.061-06:00Great post. I've been struggling to identify a...Great post. I've been struggling to identify a brand for the same reasons as Marianne, though my stories aren't always romantic. I simply love great stories. I'm an adventurous writer as well as reader, but how that translates to marketing myself, I have no clue. (sigh)Cate Mastershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01371792447604980848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-6658103673778216502011-02-22T08:37:42.434-06:002011-02-22T08:37:42.434-06:00Ellie: LOL. Most of us have a fair idea. It's ...Ellie: LOL. Most of us have a fair idea. It's putting it into words that's hard.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-67856719900633362732011-02-22T05:47:08.620-06:002011-02-22T05:47:08.620-06:00As a writer I can see I should be able to answer t...As a writer I can see I should be able to answer the question 'Who do I write for?' Excuse me awhile, I have to slope off to my bookshelves and determine who my target group is!<br /><br />As a reader I used to stay in comfortable and familiar but now, as a reader and a writer, I'm pushing myself out of that zone. I'm bored with the familiar!Ellie Garratthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03731071128348213067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-11640172557680816762011-02-21T18:19:43.888-06:002011-02-21T18:19:43.888-06:00Kaye: We had some great participation today! I lea...Kaye: We had some great participation today! I learned a lot myself.<br /><br />Ref: branding<br />I don't know that our brands are ever really a done-deal. It evolves with us. As our writing matures, so does the brand. <br /><br />And speaking of techie stuff, that's what appeals to me about your brand. I know what I'm getting when I reach your sites. You're someone who is very much in command of her research without a hint of dryness. It's accessible science melded into very provocative stories.<br /><br />You really know your brand. Kudos!Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-4430536544272912782011-02-21T18:13:11.380-06:002011-02-21T18:13:11.380-06:00Charlie: Oh, boy. Don't get me started on Wash...Charlie: Oh, boy. Don't get me started on Wash. I was ready to pull the tonsils out of those writers with tweezers.<br /><br />I was so upset. That was totally uncalled for.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-13152390745900293512011-02-21T18:08:10.127-06:002011-02-21T18:08:10.127-06:00Great post and fantastic comments, Maria! Thanks f...Great post and fantastic comments, Maria! Thanks for sharing and opening our eyes to some great thoughts here. Branding is not so easy sometimes and it took me a while to find mine as well-- and I'm still kind of experimenting. I do write SFR for sure, with erotic elements, and I do a lot of science and SF research for my stories. I love the techie aspact in my work. It's just what I do.Kaye Manrohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03639814610213100626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-85894424972053985082011-02-21T18:02:59.058-06:002011-02-21T18:02:59.058-06:00I much prefer HEA or HFN (happy for now) endings. ...I much prefer HEA or HFN (happy for now) endings. If I’m reading outside the romance related genres then I seek out satisfactory endings: ones that feel right for the story, treat the characters (and the reader’s love of them) with respect, and leave the reader with something positive or hopeful to cling to. I can’t stand when an author kills treasured characters for the shock value or for a cheap tug on the reader’s emotions. As an example, in Serenity no one minds that Book dies because it is integral to the plot. I believe the reason everyone despises the fact that Wash dies goes beyond the fact that he is a loved character—the death has very little meaning and that is what makes it feel wrong for the story IMHO.<br /><br />Not every story should end happily, but I despise a book that makes me want to curl into a ball and cry at the end. I will generally avoid bittersweet endings unless there is some non pleasure reason I’m reading.Charlienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-68707493625739951772011-02-21T17:19:16.156-06:002011-02-21T17:19:16.156-06:00Charlie: Ref: RomSus
That's your brand levera...Charlie: Ref: RomSus<br /><br />That's your brand leverage right there. I can easily see that thread weaved into your brand.<br /><br />Ref: reading<br />So are non-HEAs a turn off for you? I don't mind bittersweet endings (actually, I prefer them) but if I suspect a non HEA in the offing, I usually stop reading.Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-50795358312327334522011-02-21T17:08:00.235-06:002011-02-21T17:08:00.235-06:00Clarissa: When we get right down to it, it's a...Clarissa: When we get right down to it, it's all about sharing with like minds. We gravitate to those people who enjoy the same kind of writing we do.<br /><br />***<br />Marianne: I like that. 'Hopeless Romantic' That's a PERFECT brand for you. And I think your blog and even your Facebook avatar reflects that. You've been at this longer than I have and I think you've always understood who you're writing for. Well done, Mariannne.<br /><br />***<br />Melissa: You shameless girl, you! Damn straight you have it easier. LOL. All you have to do is change out the accessories (and the men). :wink:Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-20188268746960367122011-02-21T17:05:12.973-06:002011-02-21T17:05:12.973-06:00As a reader, I do love my HEAs. I am very careful ...As a reader, I do love my HEAs. I am very careful when straying away from known HEA genres. Within those confines I like to explore all sorts of settings, stories, and ideas.<br /><br />As a writer I stick more to SFR and PNR and underneath that is a strong RomSus foundation.Charlienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-4162668454756589502011-02-21T17:00:12.609-06:002011-02-21T17:00:12.609-06:00Great blog. I think for me it's a little easie...Great blog. I think for me it's a little easier to know who I write for since I write category romance. Our stories are defined by the line, but there are a wide range of character types you can use. My readers know what to expect from a Harlequin Romance, but my job is to keep it fresh and add a little twist when I can.Melissa McClonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16715664439441831529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-35694519152307428862011-02-21T16:54:34.684-06:002011-02-21T16:54:34.684-06:00Dang good question... for certain, I write for the...Dang good question... for certain, I write for the hopeless (hopeful?) romantic. But beyond that, I seem to be a little eclectic (serious stuff, comedy stuff, contemporary stuff, historical stuff, full length stuff, short stuff, and so on) <br /><br />Hmmmm....Marianne Arkinshttp://www.reading-writing.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-1872568523957950242011-02-21T16:41:09.991-06:002011-02-21T16:41:09.991-06:00As a writer, I write for both my readers and for m...As a writer, I write for both my readers and for me. But, like you, I know who they are and what they like to read. As a reader, I like to venture outside my comfort zone but then I like to take rest back in the zone every once and awhile.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12160669603997465454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-26121215519714984022011-02-21T13:36:21.559-06:002011-02-21T13:36:21.559-06:00Renee: I'd probably be safe to assume that mos...Renee: I'd probably be safe to assume that most writers write for themselves first. After all, we are our own first readers. I suppose there are those who write to trend or market, but it usually shows. As you mentioned, the passion would be missing.<br /><br /><br />Misha: What I said to Renee above applies here too. We all write for ourselves first. If we're lucky, we'll strike a chord that touches many readers as well.<br /><br /><br />Jennifer: LOL! I love to read Regencies, but if you wanna see ugly that would be me trying to write one. :o) I know exactly what you mean. Best that we write to our strengths, and read those we can't emulate. Thank God for variety!Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-599758854491218372011-02-21T13:24:41.161-06:002011-02-21T13:24:41.161-06:00I definitely write your sweet sappy love stories w...I definitely write your sweet sappy love stories with your beta men. I love to read alpha heroes but when I tried to write one it turned ugly. LOLJennifer Shirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16970585847385511795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-10948717018517901652011-02-21T13:22:57.993-06:002011-02-21T13:22:57.993-06:00Cathy: You're halfway there. As I mentioned in...Cathy: You're halfway there. As I mentioned in the post, it came to me gradually. There was no Eureka moment, but rather an 'ah, there you are'. It's a comforting feeling to know where you fit in.<br /><br />***<br /><br />Barbara: Ref: And slightly unusual looking.<br /><br />With pens. Lots and lots of pens. :grin:Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-22296832353200481012011-02-21T13:01:38.015-06:002011-02-21T13:01:38.015-06:00Hmm... I actually write for me first. My life was ...Hmm... I actually write for me first. My life was threatened to be defined by the opinions of others. Something that I refuse to allow. <br /><br />On the other hand. I think people who like darker characters with their own set of rules, people who enjoy the thought that characters reap what they sow and people that enjoy an immense story arc will enjoy what I am writing. <br /><br />:-)Misha Gerrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06364173848456424521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3023439581304993308.post-55106357694207295562011-02-21T12:47:11.846-06:002011-02-21T12:47:11.846-06:00Thanks for the mention, Maria. I'm glad I insp...Thanks for the mention, Maria. I'm glad I inspired some questions. As a writer, I'm unpublished, so I write mostly for myself at the moment. But I do envision my readers as I create my characters and plots. I write for readers who like to think and question and who enjoy a laugh now and then even if the subject matter is dark. I also write for readers who are narrow minded. That seems nuts, but I do. I write to force a sliver of an idea into their cramped brain. Whether they do anything with that sliver doesn't matter. I just want to get in there.<br /><br />As a reader I'll read anything. I don't look for a specific theme or idea. I look for writers who I feel care about the craft and enjoy writing. It shows quite often when a writer is simply writing to earn a paycheck. That writing lacks passion. If I enjoy the voice of the author, if it shows that the writer is as obsessed as I am, then I'm a fan for life.Renee Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14142341397085289166noreply@blogger.com