Gina Writes

Writers face all the usual dilemmas of life, including what to wear out in public. Despite the fact that we’re in the book business, I’ve yet to see a “dress for success” book for writers. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for many years. My daily uniform consists of jeans, cotton tees, and sneakers most of the year, and shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops in the summer. I don’t exactly own a corporate wardrobe and I’m not sure one would work for a signing anyway.

At signings, writers want to look successful, yet approachable. Approachable being the key word. Many readers and casual bookstore browsers appear afraid to approach us. Maybe they’re afraid of getting the old hard sell. And I do know some writers who could give used car salesmen a run for their money. I’m not one of them. Yes, I’d love it if you bought my book. But I’m also happy to talk with readers, book lovers, and people in general. Writers love to talk about writing. I’m happy to tackle other topics, too, like say, the weather. So feel free to stop by.

Writers also want to look fashionable, and there’s a certain pressure to look creative. Add in that every genre of writing has its expected look. Shouldn’t a romance author look, well, a bit romantic? Thriller writers should be hard-edged and dressed in black leather jackets, right? A Western writer should probably wear boots and a cowboy hat.

I write humorous romantic suspense about fantasy spies. My heroines dress for camp in anything from seductive Bond Girl to camo. The heroine in my upcoming December release has the sporty look down pat. She’s an executive for a sportswear company. Where does that leave me? Here’s my latest attempt at going spy–the trench coat dress.

My Attempt at Spy Fashion--The Trench Coat Dress

I wore this to my most recent signing, a group signing. And then I noticed that many of the other writers were wearing, and looking very good in, jeans.

What! I could have worn jeans?

And no one even noticed the spy theme I had going on. So what do you think? How do you expect writers to look? Bookish? Chic?