Use of pen name

I guess part of it depends on the reason you chose to use a pen name.

I write under a pen name, and I wouldn't want to reveal my real name - that's the reason I got a pen name to begin with, LOL! But sometimes you have to. A local paper was doing a feature article on me, and they insisted that my real name is mentioned right at the beginning.

That's like me too! I want to use my pen name because it sounds better, but I'm perfectly okay with people knowing I wrote it...does that make sense?

Laura Lond said:

I write under a pen name, and I wouldn't want to reveal my real name - that's the reason I got a pen name to begin with, LOL! But sometimes you have to. A local paper was doing a feature article on me, and they insisted that my real name is mentioned right at the beginning.

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Then I wouldn't allow the article, myself.

But then, I purposefully chose a pen name so I could keep my RL and writing identities separate.

A note: having your real name associated with your writing can hurt a RL job hunt, because a lot of people still assume that writing brings big bucks more often than it actually does.

I wouldn't mind too much saying my real name. For the day I get published I have a pen name picked out. I use it all the time. It's kind of fun having an alter-ego.

I would have a pen name only because my real last name is kind of a tongue twister, and I want fans to know and say my name like it's their own lol.

If you feel comfortable using a pen then go for it. If you like using your real sometimes go for that. What new papaer was it? your hometown?

I would only use my real name if the paper was my hometown, and I could be recongized. A paper from a different city I would tell to go f*** themselves, personally. Why doi they care who I am, when it is suppose to be all about your novel?

My real name is unique enough to use. I'm just shy about using it and I don't want any books that I write to distract from professional life. I've had a pen name picked out for years.

COOLORANGEFREEZE said:

Thanks for the response. I've kept the pen name but I also divulge my "regular" name on the author site.

The reason I use a pen name is mainly marketing. I believe a catchy name can help sell books and ebooks.

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I think you're handling things well. (And, as shallow as it seems, I think you're right about the "catchy name" thing, too.) I'd continue doing what you're doing.

I use a pen name because I find it easier to do online stuff under a different personality. Not sure why really. Just easier to play a character than myself

So if I was to ever get signed I think I'd continue to use my pen name.

I wouldn't reveal my actual name unless I really had to

Jb