So what do you guys think of Pen Names?
Lately I've been contemplating whether or not I should use a pen name or not. I know, I know cart before the horse and all that but unfortunately (or fortunately which ever way you look at it) that is how my brain works.
In the end, I think I came to the realization that the only reason I would choose to use a pen name would be for my kids' sake. For whatever reason - good, bad or indifferent - I wouldn't want my kids to be intruded upon because of my literary life.
So for you authors out there - how did you decide what to put on your by line? Do you use your real name or a pen name? What made you decide?
10 comments:
I wouldn't use a pen name. But then, I don't feel my writing would be intrusive on my kids, regardless of what I write. They know me quite well; the good, the bad and the ugly.
The only time I would consider using a pen name is if I were to write something totally unlike what my current readers are accustomed to.
I use my real name. I think it's just easier that way. I don't really envision myself becoming famous and my literary life intruding on my daughter's life. But hey, if it ever happens, I'll deal with it then. ;)
Totsymae - I see your point. The pieces I write wouldn't evoke bad attention, at least I hope they won't. My worry was more along the lines of my kids (who are little) having to deal with "Did your mom write..." "Or I saw this book..."
Kelly - I'm with you. I don't think I will ever get to that point of craziness but I can't help but think "what if?"
I think your "I'll wait and see" approach is the best thing to do.
I have thought about this question, but I have decided to stick with my own name. Actually, I grew up as Ann, but I've always hated the name so when I started to write I changed it to Annie. That's the extent of my wildness. If I had a pen name it would have to be something like Lolita DePalma Sierra Deville, but that could scare even me from writing.
Annie - well I've got to say that is one original hypothetical pen name! But I have to say that I rather like Annie so good choice.
No pen name has ever reached out and grabbed me, so even though I write smutty stuff... Reality is, people always find out about it anyway. See my post about The Outing of Judy Mays for a story of a recent "outing," - and how little people cared.
Then again, I don't have children at home, so it's something I don't have to consider. I could end up with some weird stalker, I guess, but occasionally I've had that without being a famous writer. I'm with Totsymae in that, if I switched genres, perhaps a pen name would help to not confuse readers, but not something I'm worried about today.
I struggled with this at first but then I decided to use my real full name. What I was sure of was the fact that I wanted to fully own what I write. But then again I haven't really written anything controversial so this is quite easy for me to answer.
Beverly - Yeah I'd have no idea what I'd use for a pen name if I did use one! haha. However, I write paranormal romance so I wasn’t really thinking about being controversial when I asked my question. Although that does make a good point.
Having kids, I want to shelter them from as much as possible, and who knows; nothing might ever happen with my books but I can’t help the “what-if’s”.
Joy - :D that is a good point. I can completely see if from your perspective. From mine though, it really has nothing to do with hiding from my writing. I write paranormals so I doubt anyone would consider it controversial. It had to do with keeping my kids from being pestered.
Post a Comment