A Rosen by Any Other Name by JC Rosen
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Photo by Joao Alves[/caption]
What really is in a name? Some authors tussle with this question. To use a pseudonym or not to use… okay, enough Shakespeare references. The real question comes down to what name the writer wants associated with his or her writing. In some cases, using a different name just makes sense.
Why use one?
There are plenty more reasons to use a pen name, but I want to be clear about something: I’m not trying to sell you on the idea of having one. They can be a pain to maintain. Some people go so far as to act out an entirely different personality to go along with the pen name. That doesn’t work for me. I am who I am. You’re getting the genuine article when you get JC Rosen. I encourage those of you considering a pen name to be yourself along with it. It must be tiring to keep track of who you are all the time.
If you’re thinking about using a pen name, there are a few points to consider. For example, I suggest keeping it professional. Don’t worry about making your name outstanding, either. Your writing should be what impresses readers, not your name. You don’t want anyone to know you’re the writer of that genre? Perhaps you should switch genres rather than your name.
I’m happy I use a pen name. I’m comfortable with it. I don’t feel I have Divided Identity Disorder, as some people think goes along with pseudonyms. I haven’t left my sense of myself as my children’s mother or my life outside writing behind by using it. If anything, my pen name helps me focus when it’s writing time. I settle in, embracing writing and learning more about how to do it well. My pen name is, among other things, an important tool in my writing toolbox. When it comes down to it, isn’t finding the right tools the whole point?
Using a pen name is a personal choice. Regardless of your decision, your name doesn’t change who you are. Be proud of who you are and let your words flow.
Photo by Joao Alves[/caption]“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
– Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2), Shakespeare
What really is in a name? Some authors tussle with this question. To use a pseudonym or not to use… okay, enough Shakespeare references. The real question comes down to what name the writer wants associated with his or her writing. In some cases, using a different name just makes sense.
Why use one?
- You write in more than one genre. It can be difficult to cross genres. Agents and publishers in that case may prefer you use different names for each genre. Using them helps to build separate readerships, thereby keeping the confusion for readers to a minimum.
- Your chosen genre and your name don’t coexist well. It’s tough to be a romance novelist with the name Gary Cannon or a military thrillers author under the name Honey Lillard. You may be more successful in garnering an audience if you consider a pen name.
- Your career and your genre don’t coexist well. Sad but true, some professions and genres just don’t mix. Imagine Fifty Shades written by your youngster’s school principal. You may not have difficulty with that, but other parents might. A pen name helps keep your day job and your writing life separate.
- You have the same name as an existing author. If your name’s Nora Roberts or Tom Clancy, you should probably consider a pen name or a different configuration of your name. Perhaps you’ll stand out better as N. Amber Roberts or Thomas J. Clancy – or as a different name entirely.
- You genuinely dislike your given name. If you are a raging success and you hate your name, you probably don’t want to see it on all the publicity materials and marquees. This is a great opportunity to reinvent yourself in a way by creating a new name. Keep this in mind if your given name is a pain to spell or pronounce. Readers in this case might have trouble finding you.
- You want the privacy a pen name affords. Sure, your agent, editor and publisher need to know your given name so you can get paid. Your next door neighbor doesn’t need to know your pen name, though. It may simply be a desire to separate your family life from your writing life.
There are plenty more reasons to use a pen name, but I want to be clear about something: I’m not trying to sell you on the idea of having one. They can be a pain to maintain. Some people go so far as to act out an entirely different personality to go along with the pen name. That doesn’t work for me. I am who I am. You’re getting the genuine article when you get JC Rosen. I encourage those of you considering a pen name to be yourself along with it. It must be tiring to keep track of who you are all the time.
If you’re thinking about using a pen name, there are a few points to consider. For example, I suggest keeping it professional. Don’t worry about making your name outstanding, either. Your writing should be what impresses readers, not your name. You don’t want anyone to know you’re the writer of that genre? Perhaps you should switch genres rather than your name.
I’m happy I use a pen name. I’m comfortable with it. I don’t feel I have Divided Identity Disorder, as some people think goes along with pseudonyms. I haven’t left my sense of myself as my children’s mother or my life outside writing behind by using it. If anything, my pen name helps me focus when it’s writing time. I settle in, embracing writing and learning more about how to do it well. My pen name is, among other things, an important tool in my writing toolbox. When it comes down to it, isn’t finding the right tools the whole point?
Using a pen name is a personal choice. Regardless of your decision, your name doesn’t change who you are. Be proud of who you are and let your words flow.
