Chance is the pseudonym God uses when He does not want to sign His name. - by France, Anatole
Some authors who have used pseudonyms have regretted it. Some who haven't wish they had. This isn't a one answer fits all decision. Carmela Ciuraru's Huffington Post article, 9 Reasons You Should Use a Pseudonym, reveals some fascinating bits of literary history and why various authors chose wisely to use pseudonyms. She expounds further in her Salon article, and of course even further in her book, Nom de Plume.
So while I was pondering this, I decided to toss around a few reasons you might want to consider, which include:
Is your name to similar to another published author, person or character, meaning there would be confusion?
Is your name so difficult to spell or pronounce that you fear it would create problems for people trying to find your books?
Would you like to create a privacy barrier so that you are not easy to find in this time of Google Earth and vanishing privacy?
Do you want to separate different writing personas--for example, do you write erotica and YA fiction?
Do you simply want to write under another name, a name that you feel better reflects who you are or want to be as a writer?
None of these things means you absolutely have to use a pseudonym, but they are certainly worth consideration. If your name really is Mark Twain or Nancy Drew, brace yourself for a request from your publisher, however.
And secure the URL asap, so it will be ready when you need it.
What about you? Do you use one? Want to use one? Want to use your own name? Tell me about it.
Ms
Some authors who have used pseudonyms have regretted it. Some who haven't wish they had. This isn't a one answer fits all decision. Carmela Ciuraru's Huffington Post article, 9 Reasons You Should Use a Pseudonym, reveals some fascinating bits of literary history and why various authors chose wisely to use pseudonyms. She expounds further in her Salon article, and of course even further in her book, Nom de Plume.
So while I was pondering this, I decided to toss around a few reasons you might want to consider, which include:
Is your name to similar to another published author, person or character, meaning there would be confusion?
Is your name so difficult to spell or pronounce that you fear it would create problems for people trying to find your books?
Would you like to create a privacy barrier so that you are not easy to find in this time of Google Earth and vanishing privacy?
Do you want to separate different writing personas--for example, do you write erotica and YA fiction?
Do you simply want to write under another name, a name that you feel better reflects who you are or want to be as a writer?
None of these things means you absolutely have to use a pseudonym, but they are certainly worth consideration. If your name really is Mark Twain or Nancy Drew, brace yourself for a request from your publisher, however.
And secure the URL asap, so it will be ready when you need it.
What about you? Do you use one? Want to use one? Want to use your own name? Tell me about it.
Ms
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