Pen names?

midenianscholar · Aug 17, 2009

I'm sure wondering what people here think about pennames.

I have thought about using one just because I'm idealistic, and I'd like people to judge my book for my book's merits/faults rather than my merits/faults. Not that the news of who I really am wouldn't get out anyway.... (This is all assuming I get published, heh. Dreamer.)

So I was just curious: Have you considered using a penname, or do you use one? Why/Why not?

Wayne K · Aug 17, 2009

My pen name is Sue Dunham.

Darzian · Aug 18, 2009

Actually, this topic was discussed several times already. You can use the search function to find the threads that discuss pen names.

midenianscholar · Aug 18, 2009

Darzian said:
Actually, this topic was discussed several times already. You can use the search function to find the threads that discuss pen names.

Oops! Sorry. Newbie and all...

katiemac · Aug 18, 2009

There should also be some links to this in the FAQ Sticky in Novels, in case a search doesn't pull anything up for you. That function can be a bit tricky.

dpaterso · Aug 18, 2009

I wondered what a "penname" was. Pen name, two words (important if you're searching for it). Used to be hyphenated, but that's kinda fallen out of usage.

Down at the bottom of the screen you'll see a Google search box. Click on the "www.absolutewrite.com" radio button and type in your search parameters. This avoids the limitation with the board's search software that gives you an error when you try to search for words < 4 letters.

-Derek

Rolling Thunder · Aug 18, 2009

Only crazy people name their pens.

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Okay. I call mine 'Bob'.

Thomas_Anderson · Aug 18, 2009

Actually, if you want to search it, best to use "pseudonym".

Wayne K · Aug 18, 2009

Or Sue Dunham.

Ms Hollands · Aug 18, 2009

I discovered how *not* to chat with people using your pen name. I used mine for the first time last week. Not only did I refer to myself by my real name, but I showed them a card with my real name on it, then the barman came over and used my name about eight times in a short conversation. Finally, one of the lovely, genuine, friendly couple I'd been talking to asked me if my name wasn't really April. I felt like a total fraud and like I'd betrayed them.

Now I'm wondering if I can carry off a pen name at all. :Shrug:

Pen names?

midenianscholar

Wayne K

Darzian

To-to-to-ron-to

midenianscholar

katiemac

Five by Five

dpaterso

Also in our Discord and IRC chat channels

Rolling Thunder

Thomas_Anderson

Wayne K

Ms Hollands

Cow lover