Historical Romance

Historical Romance with an Inspirational Touch

Friday, July 31, 2009

It is All in the Name

So many of you have such cool names for your blog. They define you as a person, a writer, mother, father or interest. When I set up my blog I simply used my pen name, which is actually my maiden name so there was no imagination used there. The reason I decided to write using my maiden name was simply because it is less common. I married a Williams. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with my husband's last name, I preferred to have a more unique name on the cover of my books. Besides, when I actually make it to a bookshelf (notice I didn't say "if"), "D" is a lot closer to the beginning of the alphabet than "W". When looking for a book and not sure what I want, I tend to start at the beginning and a lot of stores stock by authors last name. Therein lies my logic.

While I like my name, I think it is too boring for the title of my blog. But, I am not sure what I should use. What defines me?

Well, I am: A Christian, Wife to a wonderful man for the past 23 years, Mother of three fantastic and talented children, Daughter, Sister, Author - historical fiction (inspirational and sweet), Paralegal (during the day), Teacher (Sunday School), Lead a Christ Care Group, Chair either makeup or costumes on various community theater shows, Love romance novels.

So, how do I come up with a title for my blog out of all of that?

As I began this blog to connect with other writers and readers, I decided to focus on the romance. When I hit a deadend I asked my critique group and Michelle came up with the prefect title (hope it isn't used). My favorite eras span from the American Revolution through the Regency Period. I do read outside of those times, but I write within them. And, since I believe love is timeless, I've decided to rename my blog to "Timeless Romance".

What do you think? Have you ever wanted to go back and change a beginning months after you started something?

16 comments:

  1. Yes I have wanted to change things. I am never satisfied with the status quo.

    I too am amazed at some of the blog names people come up with. My choice was just a spur of the moment thing. Weather Vane. My blog was going to be a personal journey that kind of flowed wherever my thoughts were on any particular day - sort of like blowing in the wind. Hence the name weather vane.

    I think you did an excellent job picking a new blog name. I like it.

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  2. I like your new blog name. Very nice. ;-)
    My last name is Nelson, maiden is Schwirtz. I could either go with the one so common I'm lost in the shuffle, or go with the one no one can pronounce. LOL

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  3. I had the same dilemma. I was "Stephanie's Blog" until last night when my boyfriend finally talked me into "Steph in the City." He came up with that a while ago because people said my blog was very Sex and the City-ish when I was first dating him. Unfortunately, a local columnist uses that name for her column...but he thought of it not knowing that!

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  4. well my blog is named Letters from Lin...not too original although I did change my name from Linda to Lin. Guess that's okay, actually anything goes in being creative. Although titles are important, content is more important. I like your new title but can't remember your old title. My maiden name is Vernon so my married name starts earlier in the alphabet but I've decided to start using both names as that really defines me. Thanks for an interesting blog, enjoyed getting to know you better.

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  5. Yes, I always want to change stuff. The more I learn, read, and grow I feel the need for change. But so far as the "blog" I'm still a novice with techie things. My dear freinds help pull me along.

    But your words give me something to think about. Hmmmmm. A new name.....

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  6. Great post, Amy! And great new name, though I still think my suggestion was funnier :P LOL! Your new title may "smell" just as sweet as the old one (SOMEBODY had to make the Shakespeare reference!), but I'm positive from a marketing standpoint, it's going to be a far superior choice :)

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  7. Amy, I debated too about what to call mine and then decided to call it what I did and who I am. I love your new name--it tells the reader what kind of writing you do. It could look really good on a tag line too.
    Never thought about the alphabet thing. I'm doomed but then when I read the newspaper, I start from the back:)

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  8. I like the thought you're putting into all of this. I think titles for anything are important. The title of my blog, The Innocent Flower, comes from Macbeth, which ties into my online name Lady Glamis (the wife of Macbeth). Why all that? Because my husband is a Shakespearean actor and his favorite character is Macbeth. So my titles tie into my personal life as well. It's something I'm very proud of.

    Although I'd never publish a book under Lady Glamis, haha. But for an online presence it suits me for now.

    I really like the title you came up with. It's timeless! I sure hope it's not taken so you can make it all your own. Thanks for sharing this!

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  9. Rae, I think Weather Vane is perfect for what you described. And, the title intrigued me to read what your blog was about.

    Jessica, DeTrempe is prononunce wrong a lot too, though probably not nearly as much as Schwirtz.

    Stephanie, I like Steph in the City. It is an attention grabber and why not play off something so well known :)

    Lin, since you can't remember the name of my old blog, shows how boring it was - LOL. But you are right about content. I've gone to some who have catchy titles but the content is simply not for me. Not that there was anything wrong with them, I am not saying that. It just wasn't where my interests were.

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  10. Karen, I am not sure you need to change your title. I love your blog. Your certainly gave me something to think about today.

    Jerrica, I am ignoring your suggestion, but love ya anyway :).

    Terri, I never considered it for a tag line as well. Thanks for the suggestion.

    Lady Glamis, I love how you came up with your title.

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  11. I love the new name! I think you make a great point about a name being important. When I first started my blog, it had a different name. And not a very good one. I think I had a total of three comments back then and no followers. In June, I changed it, and now I get lots of comments, and I actually have followers. Is it because of the name change? I don't know, but one would have to wonder.

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  12. Awww, shucks Amy, thanks for those kind words. I enjoy your blog and would love to read one of your books. That's on my "to-do" list.

    Blessings

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  13. Amy: I had to click on your photo today to find you; i was looking for your name on my blog roll!
    I like the names, both yours and the blog's.

    Yes, I want to change many things I start. We all like variety, and sometimes you don't know a thing isn't comfortable for you until you've worn it a few days or weeks.

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  14. I think it is a great name although I must admit that it almost scared me away. (as a man) haha. Anyway after reading your material, I have to say that I like your blog and will return. Thank you so much for visiting my blog.

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  15. Jeanette,
    Sorry you had to search, but I am glad you wanted to look for me :).

    Greg,
    Glad the name didn't scare you away. Thanks for the compliment and stopping by.

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  16. I can't tell you how many things I've wanted to change after I began. But when it comes to business, branding is the name of the came. And what better way to brand yourself than by using your name on everything?

    Each of my two businesses have my last name in the title. My personal writing blog title is my name. On the other hand, my Author Exchange Blog (titled the same) describes what it is. I envy people for their creativity but, being the practical person I am, I go for what's simple and obvious - at least with titling. I'd rather stick with something simple rather than changing it in search of creativity or cleverness (both traits I lack!) and losing some of my followers.

    Just my two cents' worth...

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