My background is in writing. No, it’s in brand advertising. No, it’s in making costumes for my barbies. Wait, what? What is your background really in, ever? Is it in what you’ve spent the most time doing, what you are most passionate about, or what you started to do first? If any of those are true at the same time, then that leaves me in a conundrum of sorts.

As an unpublished author, my writing background is limited to my own computer or blog. It’s exclusive of any notable publications or works that have been available to read outside of my own circle. When I write my bio or design my website, I am, essentially, creating a business from my clandestine thoughts.

Even as one goes through the motions and builds a logo or website, the categories offered to said individuals rarely include ‘author’. Blogger, yes. Publisher, for sure. But author? Such a title is regularly omitted from drop down menus and check box options.

Once again, we must fend for ourselves.

To be an author is to be a creator in its most fundamental sense. And that leaves us with creating more than just stories. It leaves us with creating our most essential selves - our brand. And an author brand is deeply personal.

I’ve built my website, my logo, my blog, my offerings, my imagery, my colours, my words. As it starts to take shape, it starts to feel less like that clandestine manifestation and more real, exciting and terrifyingly so. How wondrous!