who uses an pen name and why did you decide to use it? Im thinking about it, especially for some short stories...what are your thoughts on pen names?
Pen names...
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I will be choosing a pseudonym because I need to keep my work and writing life separate. I am glad you started this thread. I'm curious as to how others went about choosing one.
I use my maiden name b/c my last name is.....ugh. Plus I don't want people to easily track my kids when I am famous.
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there've been some other threads on pennames here that you might find helpful:
Pen Names...
There's another one called 'wierd pen names' that I can't track down right now as well.
Pen Names...
There's another one called 'wierd pen names' that I can't track down right now as well.
I was leaning towards using a pen name because I want to write both genre and mainstream fiction. I discussed it with my agent and ultimately she advised we should submit under my own name.
I use the pen name C. L. Richardson. It's my real name and I think it sounds good. The reason I used initials for the first and middle name is because I'm a woman and I've heard that male authors sell better. With C. L. Richardson, the potential reader doesn't know right away whether I'm male or female.
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The initial trick doesn't help some of us, though. I've got two surnames (unhyphenated), and I seriously doubt anyone will think A. Flower Horne is a man's name. If I decide to andogynise my name, I'll probably go with a masculine nickname like Lee or Al.
Thanks LeeFlower. The other thread was helpful. I will most likely write under my own first name and my mother's maiden name.
moblues
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I may have to if I ever get published because there is a writer with the exact same name already published in my genre. He even has the same middle name.
I've thought of a good pen name if I need it. I hope I actually have to worry about it someday.
Mike
I've thought of a good pen name if I need it. I hope I actually have to worry about it someday.
Mike
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moblues, you could also go for the middle name trick. If he sells his stuff as Michael Smith, for instance, you could be M. Johnathan Smith. Like J. Michael Strazinsky, but easier to spell. .
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I used "Melody Tiamat" for the first three books of a series co-written with two other authors. The reasoning was that one unknown name on a cover is less likely to be ignored than three.
The name itself is a pun. "Melody" because the MC is a musician and "Tiamat," the first dragon, because dragons figure prominently.
The name itself is a pun. "Melody" because the MC is a musician and "Tiamat," the first dragon, because dragons figure prominently.
moblues
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That's a great suggestion. Thanks. I think it would look good on paper, and sound good as well.LeeFlower said:moblues, you could also go for the middle name trick. If he sells his stuff as Michael Smith, for instance, you could be M. Johnathan Smith. Like J. Michael Strazinsky, but easier to spell.
Mike
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It will all be copyrighted under your real name, just FYI.
I use a pen and my copyright notations, should anyone read the small print, reveals the real deal.
I use a pen and my copyright notations, should anyone read the small print, reveals the real deal.
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If/When I get published I'll use a pen name. I don't like my real name, it sounds long and kind of pretentious, plus I'm not entirely sure I want the whole world to know who I am when I write (and by whole world I mean my family).
Le Bec said:
My sentiments exactly. That is the reason I am thinking about it. Doesnt matter, though, until I can write something worth reading.
Quote: I know several authors whose copyrights are under their pen names.
Really? How do the legalities work, then? I was told at the time it needed to go like that for legal, Library of Congress, and general paperwork purposes, and at the time, I didn't question it, but now I'm curious...how would that all work? I'm not a paperwork person.
Really? How do the legalities work, then? I was told at the time it needed to go like that for legal, Library of Congress, and general paperwork purposes, and at the time, I didn't question it, but now I'm curious...how would that all work? I'm not a paperwork person.
pseudonyms
I have several things registered under pseudonyms. Your work doesn't have to be copyrighted under your legal name, but the terms of copyright are different.
This form the U. S. Copyright Office: http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl101.html
cree said:Quote: I know several authors whose copyrights are under their pen names.
Really? How do the legalities work, then? I was told at the time it needed to go like that for legal, Library of Congress, and general paperwork purposes, and at the time, I didn't question it, but now I'm curious...how would that all work? I'm not a paperwork person.
I have several things registered under pseudonyms. Your work doesn't have to be copyrighted under your legal name, but the terms of copyright are different.
This form the U. S. Copyright Office: http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl101.html
LeeFlower said:moblues, you could also go for the middle name trick. If he sells his stuff as Michael Smith, for instance, you could be M. Johnathan Smith. Like J. Michael Strazinsky, but easier to spell.
Don't pick on Joe Straczynski's last name, damn it, it's all the inspiration I have for not writing under a pen name. If he can do all right by himself without any major misspellings, then Pete Tzinski can probably get by do.
In answer to the original question, I'll just write under my real name, across all genres and mediums, across good stories or bad. I have no reason to do otherwise. Plus, if I went to a book signing and I'm not paying attention and someone shouts, "Oy! Storm Constantine! I love your books," what are the odds I'll equate that name with being me?
(THat guy's name drives me nuts. His pen name is frikkin' Storm Constantine. Come one. And if that's his real name, I would use a pen name like Joe Walsh or something._
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