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Monday, June 1, 2015

Swag, swag, swaggity, swag...

I think I'm starting to lose my mind a little.  I actually feel that way quite often but right now it feels the most real.  Did that even make sense?

So I LOVE designing swag to give away to readers.  It's become like a hobby and I have to admit, I make some fun stuff.  There are mugs and tumblers, pens, magnets, bookmarks, pins, tote bags, Christmas ornaments, Christmas stockings, pocket journals, Kindle covers, thank you cards, chapstick, gum, key chains, candles...I mean...I've made a LOT.

With the upcoming Shaughnessy series, I really want to specialize the swag to go along with each book.  For example, in "Made for Us", Aidan is in construction.  So I would like to do swag that has a bit of a construction theme - tape measures, key chain flashlights, sticky note pads - that sort of thing. 


Then I started wondering if it was all too much.  Would anyone want construction-themed swag?  I mean, I know I enjoy a good sticky pad and I'm always searching for a tape measure that I can keep handy rather than taking my husband's, but...I don't know.  I know you can never go wrong with pens.  People LOVE a free pen.  I was up in NY visiting family and I had an uncle nearly tackle me to the ground to get a pen!


 I try to stick to a budget - because although I give it away, it's not free to make and ship.  Once in a while I'll splurge - like on the Kindle covers - but most of the time I really try to keep it to a minimum because by the time it's shipped to me and then I pack it up and ship it out to readers, it can get pricey.

 But they're so fun to design!!  When I'm bored or have writer's block - I design swag. 

So readers, do tell.  What do you like to get from authors other than books?  What would you like to have delivered to your door that would make you smile?  Are we trying too hard?  Is some of it ridiculous or a waste of time?  I would love to know!  Really, really, really would love to know!

Now if you'll excuse me, I think I have an idea for some shrinky-dink book charm jewelry that I'd like to investigate and see if I can make it myself.

Happy Reading!!









12 comments:

  1. Love the idea of tape measure, perfect for the kitchen or in my work bag. Never can have enough sticky pads.

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  2. I love the mug that I won last month.
    It's the perfect size and holds just the right amount of coffee! :)
    Sticky notes are always good to have and love the idea of measuring tape!

    I agree with your uncle-- pens always come in handy!!
    If you make bookmarks, let me know and I will bring them to my Barnes and Noble and put them in your books! :)

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  3. I like your idea of themed to the story.
    like the tape measure idea...lots of uses
    never have enough pens or note pads.
    bookmarks are ok for some but not useful with e-readers
    I have enjoyed the coffee cup I received a while back
    not sure that is a lot of help but really like the theme idea. Let yourself think out of the box.

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  4. I like your idea of themed to the story.
    like the tape measure idea...lots of uses
    never have enough pens or note pads.
    bookmarks are ok for some but not useful with e-readers
    I have enjoyed the coffee cup I received a while back
    not sure that is a lot of help but really like the theme idea. Let yourself think out of the box.

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  5. I love the idea of themed with the book. I love all swag. Anything signed is of course my favorite.

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  6. I love the idea of themed with the book. I love all swag. Anything signed is of course my favorite.

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  7. Themed swag is a great idea. I do like pens, clips, sticky pads, tote bag, mug, plus all of the other things that you have mentioned. Tape measure sounds good.

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  8. You have some great ideas for swag. I'm easy, I like all kinds of swag. (Tape measures are unique.) Really enjoyed your blogs about Dallas and the convention.

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  9. It's definitely the handy things that are nice. Pens, mugs, totes...my issue is actually using these items because if I had the option and a mansion I would put everything I got into glass cases. Lol :) I love authors and respect their hard work. My ultimate favorite thing to collect is the keychains because I hate searching in my purse for my keys and try to add as much as I can to make them easier to find. Yes, I'm weird.

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  10. I love swag items that are usable...mugs, totes, pens. I don't have much use for bookmarks, keychains, stickypads and I am picky about lipbalm so I never keep those items very long.

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  11. I missed all this. I am disabled and some days are good and some day's are bad. The first of this month was I bad couple of weeks.

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