Branding with Purpose

​To be a writer, one must simply write.
Good. Bad. Biased or not. It doesn’t matter.
One simply puts pen to paper to be a writer.
My writing journey began when I was in the 6th grade. While there have been extended seasons when I didn’t write anything, for whatever reason, I’m ALWAYS called back to it. There’s something about arranging 26 simple letters in such a way that you impact someone’s life … even if it’s just your own life. After my recent book signing with An Ugly Kind of Beautiful, ideas for new projects seemed to blossom. Currently, I have 2 projects that have been started … and one that is in the planning stages.
After receiving feedback from a few of my readers, I decided to create a brand for my writing.
What goes into a brand? What exactly is a brand?
A brand is simple and specific. Using colors, fonts, and a few design elements, one can artistically share their specific message … their purpose … their mission.
I believe that this “gift” of writing is from the LORD … so the purpose behind what I write, why I write, and to whom I write all played a major role in the actual branding.

THE WHAT. The purpose behind my desire to write is quite simple. Our words matter. John 1:1 tells us that Jesus is the Word. He created language. He is the Originator of words … words are powerful. They can either speak life or death, hope or despair. I long to speak life and hope over people.
No matter our individual background stories, our ability levels, our socioeconomic status … or whatever … we are ALL in the same position before a holy God … and He is able to transform any life.
No matter the topic …
No matter the genre.
The ultimate goal/purpose is the same. To point my readers to Jesus, the One who is hope and life … and to do it in such a way that isn’t self-righteous or arrogant.
THE WHO. My audience was chosen by the LORD Himself when He commanded His followers to go into all the world. Simply put, my audience is whoever reads what I write.
THE WHY. Darkness is real. Despair and depression are real. I fight these battles … almost daily. I write to let people know that they aren’t alone. Jesus has set/is setting me free, and I long to share His freedom with as many people as I possibly can.

THE BRAND … Our design is simple … Wait! OUR? Yes! Our! Because we are communal creatures … and I didn’t create this brand design alone.

• The blue/teal colors. I was diagnosed with c-PTSD in 2023. The awareness ribbon is often a blue/teal color. I chose this color scheme because people who struggle with mental health issues are often limited by labels and the stigma that surrounds that label. While the struggles are very real and provide very real challenges, they need not limit us. Far too often, these man-made labels completely hinder the one who bears them; however, true freedom is seeking to live out who we are in Christ … I am learning to let Jesus define me … NOT a man-made label. And I want that for every person.
• The butterfly. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that we are made new when Jesus saves us. Earlier this year, I watched butterflies emerge from their chrysalis … and it was fascinating! It, also, brought this particular Scripture to life for me. The butterfly looked NOTHING like the worm it once was. There, truly, is NEW LIFE when a butterfly emerges. A butterfly is also one of the Native symbols for HOPE … A simple creature reminding us that we can have hope and life … in Jesus Christ.
• “A small town author with a great big God” … It’s so true! And it’s my way to acknowledge the One who has called me to this. The LORD can use whomever He chooses … from any background … and I’m eternally thankful.

May the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world be honored by every word thought, spoken, or written. He alone is worthy!
Soli Deo Gloria!

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