Merchandising for Writers: The Nimbus 2000, Bella's Ring, Mockingjay Pin

Harry Potter Broomstick Bookmarks sold at this site

Confession time: How many of you own fiction fan trinkets? 

Arwen's necklace?

Sold here

Bella Cullen's wedding ring?

Sold here

Katniss' Mockingjay pin?

Sold here

I bet I'll get more of you on this one:

Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans?

Sold here (buyer beware of vomit flavored ones)

So when our own Michelle McLean posted on her blog about having a locket created to resemble the one she dreamed up in her regency mystery/romance - well, first I swooned over the prettiness:

Sold here by creator Bonny Anderson

And then I got to thinking about how awesome it is when something you create from the depths of your imagination becomes tangible. It must be totally surreal and beautiful. Sure, on the one hand, Harry Potter merchandising is kind of insane because of its sheer scope. And the people who bought snowy owls, well, good for them. BUT think of JK Rowling and how much fun it must have been when Jelly Belly candy company actually formulated grass-flavored jellybeans. Never been done before. Straight out of her fantasy world. So cool, right?

There's a reason people flock to the merchandise that reminds them of their favorite books and characters. It's that coolness factor in fiction - wanting to BE the character, just for a few choice moments. Bella's engagement. Harry's most victorious Quidditch game. Katniss... well, I never wanted to be her, but maybe that moment when she's in the cave with Peeta. Or shooting an arrow into the gamemakers. Yeah, I'd buy her bow and arrow set. Or cookies made with love by Peeta, if that were possible. :) 

So here's the thing we can take away as writers from what we've seen in book and TV merchandising...

Write something cool or pretty or unique into your story. Don't think of it as a gimmick. It's the spirit in which you add it that matters. Make it something meaningful to your world, your characters. 

Maybe your main character is averse to guns and all kinds of violence, but he does carry around a sonic screwdriver and use his wits to get out of tough spots.

Sold at BBC

It's not a gimmick. It's character development and plot mechanism. But it sure makes for excellent fan merchandise. Heck, I'm considering a sonic screwdriver purchase. They sell sonic screwdriver pens, too!

What do you think? Would you buy, have you ever bought, fan merchandise? Why or why not?

And think for a moment: Is there something in your current manuscript that could bring your character to life for fans? Evie's pink bedazzled taser, Batman's utility belt, Edward's Volvo... 

The possibilities are endless.