Should I change my image?

TikaaniM · May 10, 2013

Greetings, I'm back temporarily. I had a question/issue on image as a writer. So far, I have built a reputation as Tikaani Moon, in which I asked an agent and he said it was fine. Just that I have also created the image of the Invisible Wolf.

I am afraid that I am truly invisible to people. I guess I always had an issue with my existence, and always required of going that extra mile to be acknowledged. This was before I became who I am, and don't know why people tend to neither dislike nor like me. Tikaani Moon suits the books I write better than my real name and image. I have also done research and found out a pen name would be best for me because of the type of books I write. I am a very private person and just wish not to be known. I wish to keep the unique pen name, Tikaani Moon, but not sure if I should completely start over with my image as a writer since I have also included Invisible Wolf.

I'm completely aware it's not good being invisible for a writer and for marketing purposes. Any advice/tips on building a good reputation, getting people to take you seriously, people to want to read your books, and get people to acknowledge your existence? However, I still will be an anonymous writer, writing under a pen name. . . How do you build your author image?

AutumnKQ · May 10, 2013

Be a real person when you talk with people and readers online, and write good books that people will want to read and share with their friends.

It's pretty hard to stay anonymous now, with the internet and everything.

TikaaniM · May 10, 2013

AutumnKQ said:
Be a real person when you talk with people and readers online, and write good books that people will want to read and share with their friends.

It's pretty hard to stay anonymous now, with the internet and everything.

I think it's best if I remain anonymous though. An agent told me that writing under a pen name and being unknown may boost marketing sales. This image I created fits more with the books I write than me.

little_e · May 11, 2013

Personally, I'd just pick something and stick with it. If you've got two names you've been using, then you might want to consolidate to just one. But if you're using different names in different genres, that could work for you.

Just because you're anonymous/under a pen name doesn't make you invisible, it just makes it (possibly) harder for readers to connect your books to your physical address. You can still go online and blog about your books under your pseudonym, tour the country marketing your books, sign copies with your pseudonym, etc. Unless you're writing something which you think could get you death threats, in which case, well, self-preservation might kick in.

Bufty · May 11, 2013

I honestly don't understand the issue here.

How do you know any writer is using their real name, either on the book or in blogs or interviews or whatever?

You don't.

TomW22 · May 11, 2013

I too am a bit baffled by what the problem really is. Building a reputation as a writer is about being a good writer! What you call yourself is secondary. Personally I'd take a name that sounds like it could be a person's name more seriously than someone writing under a name like Invisible Wolf. Tikaani Moon is also very distinctive and unique. Invisible Wolf sounds a bit off-the-shelf and cliched. So I'd recommend Tikanni - you'll be remembered more that way.

But at the end of the day it's really about what you write.

ellio · May 11, 2013

Bufty said:
I honestly don't understand the issue here.

How do you know any writer is using their real name, either on the book or in blogs or interviews or whatever?

You don't.

There is a difference between using a different name and being anonymous though.

Many writers use pen names, far less have completely unknown identities.

Being anonymous in this day and age seems like an unrealistic goal with the internet and what have you. Those who wanted to know who you are would be able to find out.

Jamesaritchie · May 11, 2013

There's nothing at all wrong with being an invisible writer. I like it, and go out of my way to make it happen. It should be the books that matter, not the writer. I don't want fame, and I sure don't need acknowledgment. It's about the books, not about me.

Bufty · May 11, 2013

I think two things are being mixed up here.

Good writing sells itself through word of mouth.

If a writer wants to remain in the background and anonymous that's his choice.

If he wishes to run a blog but retain his privacy that's also his choice.

Anonymity is available to all who want it on the internet.

rainsmom · May 11, 2013

I agree with Tom on the name choice. As far as anonymity, how far are you taking that, out of curiosity? Will you have a writing persona who does marketing, answers emails, etc, or are you thinking that you will hand of books and then be totally off the grid beyond that? If the latter, you may find you don't have much of an audience.

Susan Coffin · May 11, 2013

I'm also not sure what the issue is. Many people write under pen names because they don't want to be recognized for their books. If you think it's best to stay anonymous, then do so. If not, then use your real name.

u.v.ray · May 11, 2013

Some people just use a pseudonym for practical reasons, their real name being Denzil Clutterbuck or something.

But as has already been said, practical considerations aside, your reputation is founded on your work.

You appear to be talking more about public image than reputation. That is created through character -- which can be honed and manipulated to a degree. Hollywood celebrities have whole marketing departments that help them construct a public persona; a face for the world to see and believe.

Andy Warhol all but codified the cold, detached, mysterious persona you appear to be looking to create.

If it's celebrity you're after, you're in the wrong business.

If it's genuine obscurity you're looking for, you're in the wrong business. Unless, that is, you genuinely don't want to sell books in any substantial numbers.

Other than this, I really don't understand what you're asking.

TikaaniM · May 11, 2013

TomW22 said:
I too am a bit baffled by what the problem really is. Building a reputation as a writer is about being a good writer! What you call yourself is secondary. Personally I'd take a name that sounds like it could be a person's name more seriously than someone writing under a name like Invisible Wolf. Tikaani Moon is also very distinctive and unique. Invisible Wolf sounds a bit off-the-shelf and cliched. So I'd recommend Tikanni - you'll be remembered more that way.

But at the end of the day it's really about what you write.

I won't actually use Invisible Wolf for a pen name. That's just another nickname, or the image of a wolf I have chosen. The problem really is just how to build a reputation and to keep people interested.

Beachgirl · May 11, 2013

TikaaniM said:
The problem really is just how to build a reputation and to keep people interested.

You build a reputation by writing good books. You keep people interested by writing more good books.

TikaaniM · May 11, 2013

u.v.ray said:
Some people just use a pseudonym for practical reasons, their real name being Denzil Clutterbuck or something.

But as has already been said, practical considerations aside, your reputation is founded on your work.

You appear to be talking more about public image than reputation. That is created through character -- which can be honed and manipulated to a degree. Hollywood celebrities have whole marketing departments that help them construct a public persona; a face for the world to see and believe.

Andy Warhol all but codified the cold, detached, mysterious persona you appear to be looking to create.

If it's celebrity you're after, you're in the wrong business.

If it's genuine obscurity you're looking for, you're in the wrong business. Unless, that is, you genuinely don't want to sell books in any substantial numbers.

Other than this, I really don't understand what you're asking.

Perhaps it'll get a lot better once people actually read my work. I was asking how to gain and keep an audience for an aspiring writer. I intend to keep the image of mysterious and dark because I writer dark books. No obscurity but would like to fit the type of books I write.

I just want to have a solid image for the writer of the books.

TikaaniM · May 11, 2013

little_e said:
Personally, I'd just pick something and stick with it. If you've got two names you've been using, then you might want to consolidate to just one. But if you're using different names in different genres, that could work for you.

Just because you're anonymous/under a pen name doesn't make you invisible, it just makes it (possibly) harder for readers to connect your books to your physical address. You can still go online and blog about your books under your pseudonym, tour the country marketing your books, sign copies with your pseudonym, etc. Unless you're writing something which you think could get you death threats, in which case, well, self-preservation might kick in.

Thank you. I am using different names for my novels, mangas and scripts I write. Not Invisible Wolf, that is just more of a screen name included for Tikaani Moon. I agree with sticking with it. Some things I write people may not agree with, and it's unlike who I am really. I am also christian, and known to be christian so the dark things I write wouldn't suit this life. Although I am not doing this to please others.

No pen names doesn't make you invisible.

TikaaniM · May 11, 2013

Beachgirl said:
You build a reputation by writing good books. You keep people interested by writing more good books.

I guess so. Just have to see that I indeed am a good writer. I in fact have many good books. Thank you.

TikaaniM · May 11, 2013

rainsmom said:
I agree with Tom on the name choice. As far as anonymity, how far are you taking that, out of curiosity? Will you have a writing persona who does marketing, answers emails, etc, or are you thinking that you will hand of books and then be totally off the grid beyond that? If the latter, you may find you don't have much of an audience.

I perhaps will, but not really I don't think. I just market in any possible way without being noticed I am the writer. My mother who is actually a marketing director will also assist me without people knowing that I am the writer. It depends on how and how well it's being marketed.

TikaaniM · May 11, 2013

ellio said:
There is a difference between using a different name and being anonymous though.

Many writers use pen names, far less have completely unknown identities.

Being anonymous in this day and age seems like an unrealistic goal with the internet and what have you. Those who wanted to know who you are would be able to find out.

Well there's a hand full of people who already know, but they know me personally. Even so, I'll do whatever it takes to not be founded out.

lolchemist · May 11, 2013

Have you seen the new meme going around about the wolf named "Moon Moon?"

TikaaniM · May 11, 2013

lolchemist said:
Have you seen the new meme going around about the wolf named "Moon Moon?"

Now I have.

colealpaugh · May 11, 2013

Tikaani Clutterbuck.

You're welcome!

Polenth · May 11, 2013

I have an unusual name (it's my real name, but most assume it's a penname) and use my mushroom avatar everywhere. It hasn't been a barrier to being remembered. If anything, using a consistent and distinctive image is easier for people to remember than an ever-changing headshot. So if you haven't nailed down a consistent avatar to use, that's a first step. Make sure it's one you can live with for years, can be made square and looks good at small sizes (around 100 pixels square). Then use that everywhere.

It doesn't have to be something that sums up all your writing. A lot of what I write is more serious than a sparklie blue mushroom. Some of it's horror. I can be bouncy about glitter and cupcakes on Twitter and write a horror story. People understand that, and they expect it to an extent. No one is only one thing.

seun · May 12, 2013

TikaaniM said:
I am afraid that I am truly invisible to people.

Is that you, Griffin?

Bufty · May 12, 2013

Nice one, Seun. :snoopy:

But how does one change an image one hasn't got in the first place? :Shrug:

Should I change my image?

TikaaniM

AutumnKQ

TikaaniM

little_e

Trust: that most precious coin.

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

TomW22

ellio

a hardback life on an ebook budget

Jamesaritchie

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

rainsmom

Feeling like an old timer

Susan Coffin

Tell it like it Is

u.v.ray

greatest writer of his generation

TikaaniM

Beachgirl

Not easily managed

TikaaniM

TikaaniM

TikaaniM

TikaaniM

TikaaniM

lolchemist

Shooting stars.

TikaaniM

colealpaugh

"Bear trumps Elephants!"

Polenth

Mushroom

seun

Horror Man

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?