Which sounds best??

P.C Greene · Apr 4, 2007

I want your views on what name would be best for me to use for my work

Christopher Mcgurn
Christopher P. Mcgurn
CP. Mcgurn
Paul Mcgurn

Which you think sounds best?

alleycat · Apr 4, 2007

Christopher Mcgurn or Paul Mcgurn.

Bmwhtly · Apr 4, 2007

It may just be me, but I don't think it makes a blind bit of difference.

Ol' Fashioned Girl · Apr 4, 2007

I like Paul... but why the lower case 'g' in Mcgurn? Paul McGurn.

Birol · Apr 4, 2007

Er... What's it matter?

(Of course, you've just given me my latest tangent.)

Birol · Apr 4, 2007

Pen Names

A new thread tangent, courtesy of Christopher Mcgurn.

Have you ever used a pen name? Would you ever? Under what circumstances? Why or why not would you choose to use a pseudonym?

JJ Cooper · Apr 4, 2007

Yes. Yes. Always. It's a secret.

JJ (or is it)

Birol · Apr 4, 2007

KTC said:
(I was unable to cash the cheques, which may seem like a downside...but it was poetry...not a lot of money involved.)

You didn't let the publisher know your legal name?

pink lily · Apr 4, 2007

I've used a pseudonym when writing in a tone that was more edgy and scathing than my usual tone, saying things that I didn't quite agree with 100%.

maestrowork · Apr 4, 2007

I've used a couple of pseudonyms before. Mostly when I write outside my genres... I submitted a horror piece using a pen name, but when I got the contract, I changed my mind and decided to use my real name.

Although I don't write erotica (yet), I presume I will use a pen name if I do. Just so I don't get stalkers.

(back away, Scarlet -- I say, back away.)

Merry · Apr 4, 2007

I haven't used any pseudonyms yet, but I will be because I write in different genres and some of those I'll keep separate e.g. erotica vs YA - I wouldn't have the same name on the books for those categories.

jodiodi · Apr 4, 2007

I'm not published in fiction yet, but I plan to use a pseudonym. I just don't like my name being used in any fashion except to give me money.

Anonymisty · Apr 4, 2007

I hope I never have to. I'm too fond of my own name (yeah, I'm that narcissistic). But I know that circumstances might make a pen name necessary, so I've tucked away a couple that I like, for safekeeping.

maestrowork · Apr 4, 2007

A related question: How do your family and parents, etc. feel about you using a pen name and not your real name, especially your last name?

Reminds me of the Pulitzer-winning novel (now a movie) "Namesake." What's in a name? How important is it? Do you feel something is missing, such as pride, if you don't use your real name? Or do you think it's just another thing to call yourself, as long as it serves a purpose?

annie.rushden · Apr 4, 2007

This is a pseudonym. Because Claire and I must hide until her transition is complete, I cannot use my real name when I write anything connected to her transgender status.

My dilemma is this - I want to write for papers and/or magazines to get some pub credits, but I don't know if I should establish as the pseudonym or my real name. Quite a pickle.

maestrowork · Apr 4, 2007

Anonymisty said:
I hope I never have to. I'm too fond of my own name (yeah, I'm that narcissistic).

This is funny coming from someone named "Anoynymisty."

jodiodi · Apr 4, 2007

I like CP McGurn.

annie.rushden · Apr 4, 2007

CP McGurn makes me think you're a corporal and forgot your L.

I second Alleycat's vote.

PeeDee · Apr 4, 2007

Sign with each of them fifty to a hundred times, see which one your shoulder tolerates best when you're done.

Maryn · Apr 4, 2007

Consider what will fit and in how large a font on the front of a mass market paperback when you make the big-time.

You may want to lose "Christopher" now, before name recognition is a factor, simply because while it's a fine name, it limits how largely your name can be splashed across the front of your novel.

I find C.P. (with periods) Mcgurn (really, no capitalization on the G?) more memorable than Paul Mcgurn.

Don't forget that you also have the option of inventing a name unrelated to your real name, kind of like Maryn Bittner.

[not] Maryn

PeeDee · Apr 4, 2007

I used the name Robert Goldberg for a sci-fi story that failed to get published anyway, but the name still amuses me no end.

PeeDee · Apr 4, 2007

I've been told a few times that because I have a last name like "Tzinski," I will need a pen name or no one will remember me.

I figure, I live in a world where Joe Straczynski does okay. I can get by with mine.

maestrowork · Apr 4, 2007

That's just silly, Kevin. And served you right.

Maryn · Apr 4, 2007

FWIW, Ray, it's wise to use a pen name for erotica.

I haven't had an out-and-out stalker, but some of my edgier material sold online has prompted people to divulge some genuinely sick fantasies via email. (What, they think I'm a kindred soul and will appreciate their interest in that?) You'll be glad your erotica audience hasn't got a clue how to find you unless your limit yourself to plain vanilla, no sprinkles or sauce.

Maryn, five ice creams, five toppings

maestrowork · Apr 4, 2007

Kev, tell you what, your pen name can have all the glory. Send me the money.

Which sounds best??

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