Pen Names
I’ve been toying with the idea of a pen name for years and want your input. I’ve noticed that most published writers in the CBA use their real names and seem to give out sensitive information about their kids and where they live right on the book jacket. I’m just curious as to why? Maybe I’m a little more paranoid cautious, but a pen name seems like it’d keep away many unwanted problems.
So what do you published and nonpublished writers think? What do you use and why? And why do you think more writers don’t use pen names? It seems like in this day and age, that would be the practice and not the exception.
Since I’m not published I feel I still have a choice and want to make the best one for me and my family. So let me know what you’re thinking!
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As a non-writer here:
I think many that use their real name want the recognition for their work.
Be careful on what you disclose.
Pen name not a bad consideration.
October 22nd, 2006 at 8:06 pmI love pen names. LOVE THEM. I’m always coming up with really goofy ones for myself - Charlotte FitzGibbons. Oneida Vanderpoof. You know. THAT kind. If you feel like writing under a pen name would be more artistically freeing for you, then why not?
October 22nd, 2006 at 8:37 pmMy first agent highly cautioned me against a pen name. He said I’d want to establish myself under my own name. Having your real name and maintaining privacy aren’t mutually exclusive.
Since I live in France, I don’t have to worry about kooks stalking me, so perhaps I have an advantage.
October 23rd, 2006 at 1:33 amIn my teen years, when I dreamed of being a writer, I imagined a pen name, but now I think I’d publish under my own name. With all the thought about “blog privacy” and what to release and not to release, I do think about the real life published authors who use their real names, and disclose their cities.
I guess each person has to do what she feels best about.
October 23rd, 2006 at 6:46 amI don’t know anyone who has a pen name, but I suppose it could lend you some freedom.
October 23rd, 2006 at 9:06 amMy theory - even if you have a pen name, someone intent on discovering information about you will. And having a pen name, while fun, could limit other things, like speaking engagements and things like that.
October 23rd, 2006 at 11:25 amThanks for all your thoughts and keep them coming.
I know two ACFWers that chose pen names and I’m wondering why it would be so difficult to promote your pen name if no one knows who you are anyway?
Why would it limit speaking engagements?
And what are your thoughts about using initials like C.S Lewis etc…
October 23rd, 2006 at 12:06 pmI always wondered about this too. If you don’t make your pen name legal and incorporate (or something like that, not sure about the legal terminology) then next to the copyright inside the book is your real name anyways. I always look next to the copyright to see if that’s the author’s real name, unless they’ve legally changed things then sometimes the name inside is different. As for me, I think I want a pen name because my real name is so dorky.
October 24th, 2006 at 11:25 am