This summer my husband and I bought a new car. The dealer who sold us our new car could have sold ice to Old Man Winter. He was that personable. And he was clever. Very clever.
Within minutes of introducing himself, he told a short humorous story about the nickname his nephew gave him and why. As a result of that story, we had a way to remember his name. Plus, by sharing an inside family joke, he made us feel like family.
Part of me wanted to say, "I know what you just did." But I refrained from bursting his bubble.
As a result of his sales tactics, I've been thinking about how I can introduce my name to readers in such a way they won't forget my name when they're at the bookstore.
So - here is what I came up with. Imagine dinner bells are ringing, and it is time to go inside to eat your favorite pizza.
Lisa rhymes with Pizza Wells rhymes with Bells.
Pizza Bells / Lisa Wells
Pizza Bells / Lisa Wells
Pizza Bells / Lisa Wells
What is a way readers can remember your name?
What a clever thing for you to do, Lisa. I can't think of anything for Barbara but for Bettis--well, maybe 'bet us, we'll get' your book?
ReplyDeleteIt's cool to be served by people who are personable, vs those grouchy people! Tee-hee... loved the way you told the story! Good job!
ReplyDeleteI'm drawing a complete blank! What an interesting thing to think about, though.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting idea!I've got a different scenario - do so much branding that visitors to your website or social media platform write to you "Dear Karmic Ally". I wonder if they have an inkling of my real name? :)
ReplyDeleteWell, first if they read your witty style they will remember your name. :) As for my own readers, you pose a good question. To this point I've focused on helping them remember the name of the series. Looks like I have some thinking to do!
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ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your article, can't think of good rhymes for my name. I just tell people it is like Marvin only girlish!
DeleteGreat idea! I will have to think about mine, too. VJ Schultz--not related to the Peanuts comic strip creator? Ah, it needs work. Yours is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, Lisa. I won't forget your name! My first name has always been associate with Batman. My last name is a bit more difficult. In Michigan, we have Stroh's ice cream, so I try to steer people to think of the ice cream. Well, Robin and Stroh's ice cream don't rhyme, but word association does wonders, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteVery clever, Lisa. My name has never been a problem as everyone has always just called me the woman with two first names. I figure if they get at least one of them right, we're doing well.
ReplyDeleteThat is a quandary. I am debating whether or not to use my last name or my middle name. My last name is so hard for people to pronounce. But, on the other hand if they have a hard time with it, maybe they will remember it?
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of your comments. You have shared some interesting ideas on how to make your name memorable.
ReplyDeleteHaha. What a fun post. Cute way to remember your name , Lisa.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of anything that rhymes with Beth except death and I don't want that!!! Carter would be perfect if I sold cars rather than books. Hmm...
My name is Liz Bigger - I usually say like 'Bigger' not 'Smaller'...I have never tried to come up with something for my first name...should work on that !
ReplyDeleteFrom Sharon O'Day: I was raised in Brazil where it was really difficult for people to pronounce "Sharon." While not as humorous as your memory jogger, my Brazilian landlord came to see me right after a new hotel opened in Rio that belonged to an American hotel chain. He said, "Why didn't you TELL me your name was Sheraton?"
ReplyDeleteNice suggestion. It is indeed quite important for your name to be remembered by your readers since that is a good way for them to keep reading what you write. Have you thought about what font to use to emphasize your name on the book?
ReplyDeleteI was here.
ReplyDeletegloriawalshver@yahoo.com