Author Pen Names & Why I Chose to Use one

Individuality

I’m choosing to write under a pen name, and I’ll tell you for why - not that you asked. Firstly, my actual name is taken. Somebody else (several people actually) has had the audacity to have a book published under my name in all its forms. My maiden name is also the name of an author as is my mother’s maiden name and various other combinations. While I’m sure its fine to have two authors who have the same name, I’d rather have a name all to myself. It’s just easier for people to find me, should they want to, and generally less confusing. I don’t want to spend my time telling people, no I’m the author of Getting Away, not the one who wrote The Art of Making Pancakes on a Naturist Retreat (although that does sound like a hoot of a book).

Selected Privacy

Secondly, I’m not sure that I want everyone I am acquainted with knowing about me and my writing career. That probably sounds weird, as more people means more sales right? But there are some, like that friend who I met once at a salsa class and thought it was a good idea to become Facebook buddies (at the time), who I don't really want knowing all about my business. Oh and just a quick 'Hi' to you, Julie, if you’ve managed to claw your way through my filter.

For Fun

Thirdly, I thought it might be fun. It’s like having an alter ego, a whole author puppet I can do with what I will. She can join groups and forums incognito and ask stupid questions without reprisal. I can let my readers know as much or as little as I want about her, I am the puppet-master, mwoh ha ha ha!

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