What's Your Pie? · Publicity For Authors

What's Your Pie?

I used to enjoy watching The Food Network's show The Next Food Network Star. One season, they had a contestant who stood out from all the others, Rodney the Pie Man.

Rodney didn't stand out because he was the best cook. He stood out because he had a signature look, and he ALWAYS made pies.

If the challenge was to make a savory dish, Rodney made a savory pie.

If the challenge was to make an appetizer, Rodney made a pie appetizer.

If the challenge was to make a cocktail, Rodney made a pie-flavored cocktail.

Rodney had a hook. Pies. His hook made him memorable.

Rodney also stood out because he ALWAYS wore a hat and a cool shirt.

One day, I was shopping in Target in West Melbourne, Florida. It's a small town with a population of around 20,000 people, and it is adjacent to my hometown.

As I pushed my cart through the men's clothing department, guess who I saw?

Rodney the Pie Man.

The Food Network is in New York City. Rodney lives in Baltimore.

The last person I would ever expect to see shopping in West Melbourne was Rodney.

Do you know how I recognized him?

He was wearing a hat and a cool shirt.

We talked for a while. He was here visiting his son, and they were shopping for some school clothes.

I can't even remember the names of any of the other contestants or the winner. I wouldn't recognize any of them even if they knocked on my door.

But I recognized Rodney immediately.

As a writer, what is YOUR pie?

What makes you stand out?

What do you want to be known for?