Building an author brand that doesn’t feel like a costume: part two

In my last post, I talked about the mindset shift of moving away from a “professional costume” and toward a brand that feels like home. I shared how my history in energy medicine and my love for the “stars and soil” of my own life became the compass for my online author presence.

But how do you actually put that into practice? How do you move from a philosophy to a platform without losing your soul in the process?

Here is how I’ve been “dressing” my digital space to match the magic I’m writing about.

Claiming your space: the naming strategy

When I decided to lean into the “stars and soil” vibe, I realized my handles needed to reflect that same blend of grounded reality and celestial imagination.

I transitioned to @CarolDespeauxWrites and @CarolInkSlinger. Why? Because it’s direct, personal, and hints at the craft. It doesn’t feel like a business I’m running. It feels like a name I’m living. If you’re struggling with your handles, ask yourself: Does this sound like a company, or does it sound like a creator?

Creating visual “vibes” instead of just graphics

During my recent experience with #Questpit, I had to create an “Agent’s Guide”—a visual grid for my book. I could have used stock photos of generic “magic,” but I chose the “soil” of my own life instead.

I used the photo my son took of our local Olympic mountains and water. By using something personal, I’m not just making a graphic, I’m sharing a piece of my world. In Canva, I try to keep my colors consistent with those moody, natural tones that match my urban fantasy WIP.

Practical tip: Pick three colors that represent your “soil” (the grounded parts of your life) and two that represent your “stars” (the magic). Use them consistently across your blog and social media so your audience begins to recognize your “vibe” before they even read a word.

Sharing the magic, not the “product”

The biggest hurdle for the “invisible writer” is the fear of being salesy. My secret? Stop trying to sell a book and start sharing the magic.

Instead of posting “Buy my book” or “Here is my query,” I share:

• Moments of “daily magic” I find in my life whether I’m walking in nature or playing with my grandsons.
• Behind-the-scenes snippets of my protagonist’s energy-working roots.
• The raw “soil” moments of my recovery and how they fuel my writing.

When you share your process and your authentic self, the “marketing” happens naturally. You aren’t forcing a product on people, you’re inviting them into a world you’ve already built.

Final thoughts

Branding isn’t about being perfect—I’m far from perfect—but it’s about being present. It’s about taking the “stars” of your imagination and planting them firmly in the “soil” of your daily life.

It feels good to finally take off the costume. I hope you’ll join me in doing the same.

Exercises:

1. Have you experimented with your own “visual vibes” lately? Write down 3 to 5 colors that vibe with your WIP or who you are in your life.
2. Make a list of who you are, your interests, hobbies, what you’re passionate about.
3. Make a list of the areas in your life that intersect with or influence your WIP.
4. Make a list of some post ideas where these two intersect.

I’d love to see one thing you’ve come up with—drop a link or a comment below.