What defines you? What Makes You Special? What Makes us Alike?
Who are you? In 100 Words or Less? In Ten Words or Less
Who is Melissa Sugar?
This is not an original idea and it did not originate with me. I come across blogs and blips and face book pages and loads of questionnaires all the time that say things like," Can you describe yourself in ten words... or twenty words... or fifty words.
The blogger most known for this little exercise is Kristen Lamb. If you don't know who she is, Kristen Lamb is the author of We Are Not Alone: The Writers Guide To Social Media and Are You There Blog It's Me, Writer. Both books are easy reads and the author has a humorous and unique way of explaining social media for writers.
Lamb is also know for her informative and resourceful Warrior Writers Website and her writing group, My WANA (We Are Not Alone), but she is probably best known for creating a program designed to help writers navigate the sometimes choppy waters of Social Media by constructing a solid platform geared toward branding ourselves as authors.
I have read both of her books and the information is invaluable. Kristen also offers on-line writing and business classes for writers. I have been looking into them and one of her methods that continually stands out in her books, classes, website and on a plethora of blogs I have read is to list one hunderd (100) words that best describe you.
We all wear many hats and show many different faces to different people. I wear a mommy hat, wife hat, employee, employer, lawyer, writer, blogger, friend....
I also have many different faces. I show a different mommy face to my younger kids than to my older kids and a different face when I am happy or proud than I do when I am disappointed or upset. I show a different mommy face to the friends of my kids than I show to teachers or other parents. You see where this is going?
So try this exercise: Tell us who you are in 100 (or less) words or short phrases. You can use words that show who you are by the activities you enjoy, personality traits, pet peeves, hobbies, food, beverage.... you have unlimited choices.
Here's me:
Mom, wife, lawyer, writer, blogger, sister, daughter, creative, planner, friend, loyal, flawed, pink, competitive, outgoing, forgiving, smart-ass, impatient, outdoorsy, water, beach, sand, ocean, waves, pina colada, wine, mystery, suspense, tardy, authentic, genuine, nighttime person, love to sleep in, running, swimming, tanning, reading, sisterhood, family, shopping, vacation, cranky, moody, sarcastic, humor, optimistic, inquisitive, romance, holding hands, hugs, kissing, travel, adventurous, yoga, pilates, meditation, mantra, chaos, unorganized , want to be organized, smart, strong, determined, persistent, supportive, giving, smart phone, flip flops, stilettos, barefoot, gardening, justice, morals, naps, rain, optimistic, drama hater, anti-bully, tender, emotional, relax, diet coke, mexican food, margaritas, martinis, gambling, poker, football, saints, New Orleans, black jack, risk taker, impulsive, nurturer, quirky, thrill seeker.
Here is the blog post that got me started on this: Jenny Hanson
Myndi Shafer took the 100 words or less a giant step further and defined herself in 10 words or less. This is when it gets hard. Myndi was taking one of Kristen Lamb's classes when she posted her ten words or less. It is not a new post, but a fun one to read if you have not already.
If you are interested in taking a class. Lamb offers webinars beginning in October. Check out the different levels offered for Blogging To Build An Author Brand
Now, whittle that list down to ten (10) words for an idea about how to brand yourself. The instructions for then ten word list say to leave off the obvious, you know like: writer, mom, wife, reader etc. and dig into the real you that is not obvious to the world.
1. Brave
2. Skeptical
3. Forgiving
4. Protective
5. Loyal
6. Quirky
7. Impulsive
8. Inquisitive
9. Beachy
10. Fitness
Wow, that was a lot harder than I thought it would be.
Can you define yourself in ten words or less? I would love to read your ten words in the comment section.
I am still giving away one copy of Jennifer Hiller's Freak, to a random commenter from each post until I get to ten. The first few were purchased and delivered. I will catch up with the last three notified (last week). You will receive your books this week.