What a week it’s been in the romance writing world! In case you missed it, there is a huge uproar over #cockygate, or the trademark of the word “cocky” in a romance series.

Background: Faleena Hopkins, the author of several books that have the word “Cocky” in the title, recently received an official trademark of the word “cocky” in a romance series in both regular and stylized (meaning in a specific font) form from the US Trademark and Patent Office. You can view her filings here and here.

Ms. Hopkins’ stylized trademark of the word “cocky.”

Ms. Hopkins has threatened other writers whose book titles also contain the word “cocky” with a lawsuit if they don’t change their titles. She’s also reported some authors to Amazon, telling the Zon that the authors were in violation of her copyright. Amazon took down the offending books at once. Romance Writers of…

Faleena,

This is not a hate letter.

This is not a public shaming, or a “stoning.”

Now that that’s out of the way, we can move on. So, who the fuck am I, and why the hell am I writing you a letter? In short, I’m Cassie Sharp. I am an indie author. I do not write romance. I feel like I need to make that clear, so you aren’t thinking this is a plea for you to do anything. I will not personally be affected by your TM of the word “cocky.” I write mystery/suspense/thrillers, so unless I want to title a book, The Cocky Detective Who Almost Doesn’t Catch the Psychopath, and somehow categorize it in a romance genre, your TM isn’t going to deter the titling of any current or future works of mine.

Because I’m an author, I’ve been following this madness closely. In my mind, the thought…

This was a game we played last evening at our Ladies Fellowship. Dannie, our flower expert, even had a bit of trouble. Go through it first before you cheat and look at the answers at the bottom. #9 has 2 possible answers; #10 was a stupid one (only because it tricked everyone there); #11 no one ever heard of.

1. I am a brand of milk.
2. I am part of the eye.
3. I’m a bovine accident.
4. I like to be remembered.
5. I’m a very nice man.
6. I look like I’ve been in a fight.
7. Everything’s better with me on it.
8. You use me to kiss.
9. I like to roar!
10. If you find me, please pick me up.
11. I’m loaded with pins and needles.
12. I’m a noted rambler.

ANSWERS:
Carnation
Iris
Cowslip
Forget-me-not
Sweet William
Black-eyed Susan
Blue…