Power to the Pen (name)
Chance perched on the railing, holding court to three of the hotties. They hovered close, clearly interested in her advice.
Haleigh stood next to Terrio, watching from a distance. “What is that all about?”
“Did you know Chance worked as a bookstore clerk for 25 years?” Terrio tilted her head.
“She’s mentioned it before. Hey, aren’t those the three that are writing?” Hal grinned. “They getting advice?”
“Yup. On choosing a penname.”
“She’s an expert on that?”
“Think about it…” Terrio leaned close. “Who sells to the public?”
Haleigh looked up at the sails, billowing gently in the wind, considering. Then she sauntered over to listen to Chance.
“Nah, that sounds nice, but how it be spelled?” the bartender asked the gorgeous blond hunk on the left.
He sputtered a moment, then sighed.
“Ya see?” Chance looked up as Hal neared. “See? This be why I’m pleased me given name be one easy ta spell and near the beginnin’ a’ the alphabet. Now, ya needs ta go about yer duties and I need ta fully open the bar. I also got some pontificatin’ ta do.”
She shooed the three hunks away, sighing as she watched them hurry away. “That be a loverly sight…” Walking to the bar, she wiped down the polished surface, leaned over, resting her chin on her hands, elbows forming a triangle as they rested on the bar. She eyed Hal, who’d followed her. “It be a simple thing…”
I am lucky, my last name is easy. It has been misspelled and mispronounced, but for the most part, it’s easy. And when I get the great call (from my lips to the ears of all the gods and goddesses, please!) I won’t have any qualms about publishing under my given name. Granted, I have no reputation to protect, no professional status to maintain, no relatives I’m worried about embarrassing (I’d actually enjoy bothering those that might be bothered ‘bout it!). But I’m nearing my 50th birthday, have no kids, no professional career and certainly no reputation! To protect, that is.
I’m lucky that way. What I’m writing…paranormal/romantic/adventure with an erotic touch to it. (I think that sums it up…) might offend some, but f*ck ‘em. If I end up being glared at…well, nothing I won’t survive.
But I understand the need for others to protect themselves, their family, their careers, etc., by using a pen name. I don’t know the legal mumbo jumbo about doing this. But I do know about selling books direct to the public. So, this is my advice from 25 years of stocking the shelves at assorted bookstores and selling to the public.
Make sure it’s easy to spell. Yeah, you’re writing some loverly French historical. It’s full of French phrases, ya gots the accent down. It’s perfect. But choosing a name that only the French, or those fresh from high school French, will be able to spell, is not a good idea. Same with a Celtic historical. (Ever notice how many nouns there are in Gaelic?)
*brrrrrr!
Yes, a bookstore clerk can always look up how an author’s name is spelled for the public. But how many of us resent needing to find a clerk for help when we are looking for something specific? We WANT to be able to find it ourselves. Make it easy on your public, make it easy to spell. This will also help when it comes to internet searches.
Watch the length. Book spines are only so long. The more letters to your name, the smaller the font. Harder to read, especially sideways on the shelf. And if they pretty it up with a real romantic appearing font? Letters can get visually lost. (I know the marketing people are aware of all of this, but things slip by sometimes.) Make it easy.
Now, choosing a name that will help you out. I like the beginning of the alphabet. I’m lucky, I get to work with a ‘B’. Why is this a good idea? Well, when I’m browsing for books, nothing particular in mind…though I usually have a few authors I’m scouting for… I start at the ‘As’ and scan the titles as I go along. And I pluck, peruse, pick as I go along. I’m often over my budget by the ‘Qs’.
Unless you’re writing YA, consider that most customers begin at the beginning. Young adults, being contrary beings, like to start at the end.
Another thing to keep in mind. If there is a best selling author who writes in your genre, someone who, when you think of your audience, you think… “If they like her, they’ll like me…” Be sneaky. Create a penname to get you close to her on the shelf. Not too close, you don’t want to look blatantly obvious. (No Kathy Harris, Sin. No matter how much you like Kim Harrison.)
Examine the shelves of your favorite bookstore. Look at where certain letters of the alphabet rest. Where is eye level? Give or take a bit. What letter of the alphabet is wa-a-a-a-a-ay over-represented? What letter simply seems to disappear? (hint, between H and J.) Yes, bookstores do change up their shelving, but generally the larger stores have a pretty stock allowance of how many shelves a particular section gets. Anything goes with the smaller guys.
Avoid Mac, Mc, O, De, D’. Because a lot of bookstore clerks are twits and they won’t know where to put your books when it comes to keeping to the rules of shelving. I’ve found Judi McCoy’s books all over the Ms… (That’s her name and it’s beautiful, but if you’re choosing a name, think about it.)
The same goes for double names. I once worked at a store where one of my fellow clerks, a pretty young man who dressed nicely, put Edgar Rice Burroughs under the ‘Rs’. He didn’t have a clue. The same can be a problem with hyphenated names. Yes, there are rules when the name is hyphenated, but the pretty young man likely wouldn’t have known those if the name had been hyphenated. A lot of clerks don’t.
(I don’t either, off the cuff. But I know they exist and could find them.)
Something that has been pointed out to me by my dear mentor… Consider having more than one pen name ready. You start out great! Your books sell! Weeeeee! Then they don’t. Sigh. You need another name for the new series you want to start. A name that won’t carry the disappointment of the last few books that bombed. Or, you want to change genre. Have a second or third or more ready.
So, consider some of these things when deciding on a name for you books. We have no control over the color of the covers, the font used, or even where they decide to place you in the genres. But your name is yours. Choose wisely, oh grasshopper. In these days of so many leisure time choices, make it easy to find you and to choose you!
Any questions? I will try my best to offer opinion and suggestions, both silly and serious. What about frustrations? Any suffered at a bookstore, knowing you wanted someone particular, but cursing at not knowing how to spell it, or where it was shelved? Internet agony over how something is spelled? (Where is that blasted author’s website? Was it two ‘Ds’ or one?) Are you using a penname? Care to share it and let me test it with my bookseller eye. And why a penname? I know I’m always curious about that.
Books by the Crew
88 comments:
As a person who processes a lot of applicants, I have to concur about hyphenated names. I loathe them. In fact, if you come in with a hyphenated name, I will not hyphenate it--I only have so much room on the folder and your name: Josephina Smotherfield-Hoppingelder isn't going to fit on my modest folder and you're a TWIT if you think it's necessary to have to hypenate your name. No one else could possibly be confused and thought to have your name. Actually I think you're a twit you bothered hyphenating at all if you married someone named "Hoppingelder"--KEEP your name. Lord almighty.
However, since my pen name breaks rules and will no doubt be mispelled, assuming I'll one day get to use it: Sophie Sinclaire (I mean, who puts an e on the end of Sinclair? What about people who think it's St. Clair?)--but I think I'll chance it. Besides once they find the website for the dominatrix, they'll probably think they're headed in the right direction.
Mac, Mc, O, De, D’. Because a lot of bookstore clerks are twits and they won’t know where to put your books when it comes to keeping to the rules of shelving.
LOL. I've come across this, before. Very irritating. I'm beginning to think clerks need to go back to basic English.
I like my pen name, yes it's kind of long, but it's only one letter longer than my real name. So, I'm keeping it.
Great post!
I concur. As a person who goes through a lot of patients in a day, I see a lot of crazy names. And if you don't use your first name and prefer to use your middle, don't think it's going on a chart. I have news for you. Your insurance company refers to you as your legal name. I'm going to refer to you in your legal name. Get used to it.
I have a long first name, so it's always been shortened. I've been Chris almost my entire life. It's only fitting that I have a short pen name. Helps me remember how to spell it too. lol.
I think pen names are all about trying to find the name you think if you had to roam around would suit your writing persona. Besides, I've heard if you plug my penname in, you get some dirty action. Only fitting to be my pen name.
I've never really given much thought to who I'd be shelved beside if I get there. Riley. Hm. Who would be beside me?
I suppose it doesn't matter much. I'm going to be the person everyone wants their books to be beside on the shelf.
Sin, I forget there are other people out there with my name. ;)
Way to go on the positive thinking! You go, girl!!!
Yeah, the hyphenated names were a nightmare at the bookstores. And the double names...like Garcia Marquez Gabriel... Lovely name, great author, but man...ends up all over the shelves!
Now, when I married. I dropped my legal middle name and put in my maiden name. And I made it legal. The name I want to publish under is a little long, but it's mine. And I honor my dad with the middle initial of O.
And I know some bloody clerk is going to screw it up!
I'm right fond on the name Sophie. And I doubt the
'e' on the end of Sinclaire will be a problem. It's the beginning of names that cause a challenge to the clerkdoms. There are a lot of St. this and St. that...but a lot depends on the genre you publish in. Mysteries love St. this, St. that.
You write western romances? Not so much!
And I like the alliteration, Hel!
Sin, I personally think you oughter publish under Sinsister...but that's my personal giggle. Nicki Riley is good. Short, easy to remember...
One thing I was talking to a bunch of Aspiring Authors about was the tall letters paired with the number of letters with tails. (No, this is not the actual printing terms. I don't remember the actual terms. But it refers to q, g, j, p, y ... spines are only so thick...how they gonna fit your name on the spine with the talls and the tails?
Experiment with graphic programs and you'll see what I mean.
Geez, Sin. That lecture about talls and tails wasn't in reference to you... I just got going and wasn't thinking...
What are you all doing up so late anyway!? ;)
Thanks for the encouragment, Renee! I wrote this blog weeks and weeks ago. But I'm a guest on a bulletin board for next year's aspiring authors for the RT conference, taught by Judi McCoy ... and several were asking about pen names and nailing down domaine names...got me thinking I should publish this and see if I could lure a few over to the ship...
I may be a little late this morning, and I invited a bunch of the Aspiring Authors to visit, so play nice!
Good advice Chance. But you may be missing the X-Factor.
There is a high tech company in the UK that was spun off from a government organisation and spent a fortune on choosing a name. They came up with 'QinetiQ'. Gives you a feel of science, dynamism, solving difficult problems, easy to remember .. at least for boffins, and so on.
Maybe similar ideas apply to pen names.
I rather like 'Prof Quantum Phase' for myself.
As a fantasy/Sci Fi reader, would you be tempted to look inside the cover if you saw that?
Once you have the reader inside the cover, then its up to you to weave the capture spells!
Great blog! As a reader, I appreciate names that clueless clerks can easily shelve. It's like a treasure hunt sometimes trying to find an author's books, especially in the big book stores. I never know where they might end up!
Btw, I like both Sophie Sinclaire and Nicki Riley. They trip lightly off the tongue and are pleasing to the ear. I wouldn't have any trouble at all remembering them! :)
Working in a library with a computerized system, I feel sorry for the kids who have long hyphenated names and they mumble who they are...good intentions to honor both sides of the family on their parents' part, no doubt, but we achieved that by giving our kids family names with no hyphen as middle names.
My agent suggested I pick a pen name for my edgier Berkley stuff. Rowe is a family name (my son's middle name in fact) and my editor thought Maggie was "too cute" so I went with my given name, Margaret. So I'm kinda me but not me. I don't think I could be someone completely alien to my real name---Anastasia Wentworth, for example. My agent was also a bookseller, and she says to watch out for letters at the end of the alphabet, which inevitably are shelved below eye level. I'm getting to old to bend down. ;)
Good Morming crew! Ok, since I have the absolute plainest name in the universe, I am always trying out new ones. Funny thing is, I have yet to discover the "perfect" fit. My maiden names was Green, so great now I am plain Jane, who meets kermit the frog! Somehow, it doesnt sound very romatic, sexy or appealing. I would love a very English sophisticated name..... any ideas???
Excellent advice Chance! I didn't think of a lot of the things you mentioned when coming up with my pen name, but luckily, the I picked works for all your criteria *g*
I've actually stared at the shelves, at the exact spot where mine would be shelved (assuming its shelved in romance, it'll be nice and comfy near Nicole Jordan. Woo!) Jacobs is short and easy to spell/pronounce. Though I have been debating using a three-syllable last name instead of two.....
I've also wondered in a book store, finally succumbing to asking a clerk for help, looking for a Gabriel Marquez Martinez book. The other problem is names that look like another word - Karen Marie Moning, for instance. I always thought it was "morning" because that's what my eyes saw, but "morning" would be shelved further down so I never found it. (this could be an example of my idiocy more than anything else, but it's something to think about *g*)
Q - No doubt, an interesting name has it's draw. But I'm talking about the practical nature of it all. The being able to spell a name and so find the book on a shelf!
My DH has worked for hi-tech companies with funky spellings and yup, it helps draw attention to the company once it's known. But I needed to look up a phone number of one once...he'd left me without a contact number...and I went nuts trying to find it!
If you got the product to rise above that, you're a prince! JK Rowling could have been HR Puffinstuff and her books would have flown off the shelf!
I do like Prof Quantum Phase! Phase is easy ta find!
Thank you, PJ!
I know, and some of the big box bookstores have started using these new uber tall shelves... I swear, you need to be Michael Jordan to reach the top books. Makes me rethink the idea of going with an "A" name so you are at the beginning...
Let's hope they return to shelves we non-giants can reach easily!
Maggie - Yup! Your agent had a point! So, not too high on the shelf, not too low on the shelf... It's a real game to get this right!
Lady Jane, welcome back to the ship! Yes, Jane Green would be a bit simple...but then again, it would easy to shelf and easy to find. A regal English name needs to be as simple. Jane Pennywhistle might sound more sophisticated, but could be a bit long...
Besides, I thought we played around with names for your more scandalous stuff and came up with some good ones... You did write them down? ;)
Now I'm realizing my last name is going to be misspelled a lot. But at least if they shelf you by your middle initial, Chance, you'll end up by me. :)
I tossed around the pen-name idea, then figured I'd better stick with something I'll actually answer to when called. And Terri Osburn works for Contemporary. I changed it up a bit for an Erotic Romance I might publish. I only have one story in that genre right now and I'm not sure if I'll write another, but just in case, I smooshed my three names together, dropped some letters, and got Terilyn Burns.
And just to note, there's a good chance when you get your agent or editor, one or both will suggest you change your name. And they'll likely have say over what you go with. Just to keep that in mind.
I'm happy to know my name is short, easy to spell and understand, and has to tails. :)
And Sin - I use my real name in all official stuff like doctor visits and such. I don't even bother telling them the Terri part.
That was "NO tails." *sigh* This is the kind of day I'm having. LOL!
Forgot to say, I've checked and there aren't many well known authors whose last name starts with "O", so that's going against me. But, the "O" is usually somewhere in the middle of the shelves. That's a plus.
Hal! Nope, what you said makes perfect sense about Moning... It's just human nature for the eyes to attempt to make a word into something easily recognized. I've done the same thing!
For example, I must have read Lord of the Rings a bazillion times before I realized it was Aragorn not Aragon, Gandalf not Gandaf... (I always understood why I dropped the 'r' with Aragorn, never was sure about why I dropped the 'l'...) ;)
And you're just like most bookbuyers...we WANT to find the book ourselves and not get a clerk! I had a discussion with a clerk at Borders reg. their new stupidly tall shelves.
"You can always get a clerk to help you out."
"I don't want to get a clerk. I want to find it myself. They put up those nice ladders with signs that we aren't supposed to use them..."
"I know. I am sorry..."
I'd just given up on looking at several books that were totally out of my reach... The stores want you to use a clerk because they will put the book in your hand, and it's harder to say no once the book is in your hand. The sense of obligation is there when you've dragged a clerk away to get a book for you. They know this!
Which begs the question...then you want a clerk to have to find your book for a customer...?
Nope. We all buy books. Make it hard for us to do it on our own and we will just quit trying.
Yes, Amazon and the online searches make it easy, but not everyone is there yet!
And what you doing awake already? LOL!
I have no problem putting a book back that is in my hand. And I feel no obligation because you walked the same distance I did to get to this particular shelf. Lower the damn shelves already.
Bo'sun - I thought of going under my maiden name, as I like the roundness of the 'O' ... and I actually like it better than the DH's name!
If I wrote mystery, I'd likely go with my initials, or romantic suspense. Readers of RS seem to gravitate toward books with a bit more ambiguity when it comes to a name that specifies sex...
I do wish, when they change these rules about flying...your name must match your ID, etc, they'd leave enough room for my legal name! I keep worrying I'll get nailed one of these days for my passport and drivers license including the middle name and my ticket not! Because the airlines don't leave enough room!
So, it gets tricky when using a penname.
You think an editor would push an author to actually lose their legal name? We had a mini discussion about this on the BB a few days ago. If you had one hell of an interesting name, I could see it. But otherwise...?
You ever really hear about this done?
And I like Terilyn, though it sorta makes me think of a fierce dinasour with big claws that can tear... but I'm a big strange with words... LOL!
But that could work really well with erotica! ;) And then end it with Burns? What ya writin'??? BDSM?
*giggle
I'm a consciou...uh, how do you spell that word anyway?
I'm a dutiful blogger. I try to get up early on the days I blog!
Yes, I generally put a book back even if it has been handed to me...but studies show that...the technique works as often as not!
I'm a sucker. If a clerk has to climb up a ladder and get it for me, I buy it. There was a dress at a store one day that I had the clerk get down for me. I seriously navigated around the store to avoid her and then hid it on another rack so she wouldn't realize I didn't buy it. Which probably caused way more work for the clerks, and annoyed her much more than me not buying the damn dress......*sigh*
Chance - because I write RS/Thrillers, I specifically picked Cameron due to its gender ambiguity. In that genre, something cutesy and feminine, that would work perfectly in romance, would probably turn off any male readership.
I know you weren't talking about me. I'm usually up late, just not signed into the internet.
And if I put my name in all caps on the spine it won't matter if I have a tall and a tail. When I see you the first time, I'm going to pin on a devil's tail. Then I really will be tall with a tail. *grin*
Which would make Cherry, Carla, Lisa, Brenda, and Cindy exceptions to the rule. :)
I do love the name Cameron Jacobs. It just has power behind it or something.
I thought Burns worked pretty well for Erotic Romance. And no BDSM. Would be laughable if I tried. LOL!
Hal, Cameron suits you really well. It was a good pick on your part.
Hal! You're one of those?! I've found that dress and wondered... what the hell is that size 4 doing in the size 12s?
The same goes for unloved books. Ever been perusing the shelves and find a James in the 'R' section!?
It's why bookstores started putting empty tables at the end of sections to encourage people to just leave the book where they can easily reshelf it. I can't tell you how many hours a week a clerk will simply stand and scan a shelf to set things right!
thanks Sin! When Marn and I were at the New Jersey conference last week, I was talking to two woman, and one said to the other, "Cameron here had to listen to my pitch four times." And I almost said, "Who's Cameron?" LOL! I'm still trying to get used to it.
Excellent point Ter :) I've been digging through straight thrillers recently, to kind of try to figure out the difference between romantic suspense and straight thrillers, and I've noticed that almost all thrillers are written by men. And almost all RS are written by women. Besides that, there doesn't seem to be much difference (except the obvious difference of having a romantic subplot, of course)
And thanks! I'm always afraid it's too plain of a name, so I'm glad you like it *g*
Sin - A name that fits your genre would be a fun marketing gig!
Nicki is another one of those almost ambig...am... hell, non gender specific names that a lot of paranormal authors are gravitating towards. Trying to fool the guys into reading a female? Hell, whatever works!
Chance, *hanging head* yes, I'm one of those. I'm trying to just own up when I don't like something and put it back in it's proper place. Or just hand it to a clerk.
Bo'sun...uh...what rules? Which would make Cherry, Carla, Lisa, Brenda, and Cindy exceptions to the rule.
It is early for me!
Link tear with burns...oh, yeah! BDSM!
My real name is impossible; first and last names both unusual and vulnerable to mispronunciation. Also, my academic publications and poetry are published under that name. I'd like to keep the romance writing separate.
I'm going with Janga Brannon. Two authors suggested I use Janga since my online presence gives it some recognition. Plus I'm so used to being Janga in the romance community that it seems part of me. Brannon was my great-grandmother's maiden name, and I think it's euphonic. The name is different but fairly easy I think. Some people may pronounce Janga with a soft g--Jan-ja--but that won't be a shelving problem. All of this is assuming an eventuality that may never eventuate. :)
Hal - I forgive ya! Gives me a chance to look at those size 4s I'll never be able to wear!
I'd use the name that has recognition... but No, I won't be Chance Betita. Though I sorta like that? ;)
Janga does have a ring of authenticity to it! Brannon is friendly and right up there at the beginning of the alphabet...sounds good ta me!
I like Brannon a lot. It has a nice ring and is easy to pronounce, yet it's unique. nice pick!
Great post! Sorry I'm late - the day job had me running around putting out fires today.
I've been considering this myself. I have three names I've been thinking of. Two really, since the third I think is better fit to a historical romance writer - which I'm not.
The other two - I'm just not sure. A huge part of me wants my real name splashed across every cover becuase my blood, sweat and tears went into it and I should be proud! I'm writing contemporaries, and romantic suspense. For now at least!
so, just putting it out there - what do you think of:
Sabrina Heise (real name -worried people can't pronouce last name which rhymes with ICE)
Sabrina Shields (my mother's maiden name - I kinda feel it would be appropriate since she was my biggest writing supporter)
My third name - which personally I think best fit for historicals, would be: Sabrina James or Sabrina St. James
Any thoughts?
I pronounce "Heise" correctly in my head (rhyming with ice), but I could see how spelling would be a big problem. The e-i combination throws people off. My first name is haleigh, and I'm forever correcting people that it's e-i, and not i-e. But it would make a shelving difference. But then again, it's a pretty, unique name....
I like Sabrina James, but there's already a Sabrina Jeffries, right? Though she's historical. I do agree that as pretty as Sabrina St. James is, I would automatically peg it as historical romance.
Sabrina - It's hard, ain't it! You want your name out there... But yeah, Heise is going to be mispelled. Doesn't really matter about how it's pronounced...
But, H isn't a hugely represented letter of the alphabet, so you could slide in there and still be easy to find!
I really thought about going by my maiden name... My dad fostered my love of reading from an early age and I really want his name out there. And I may go for it still if an editor recommends a shorter name.
And honestly, my DH reads rarely. His family, still more rarely...so why hang their name on a shelf?
But Betita sounds a bit more romantic... Sigh.
So, I get the trying to decide. Sabrina Shields has nice alliteration...
I feel your pain!
Hal - I agree. You toss in a St. anything and everyone is going to see historical author!
Yep, already Sabrina Jeffries and Samantha James. Though James is a good last name to use. Puts you between Eloisa and Samantha. Then again, they're both Historical writers.
I agree with Hal, I pronounced Heise correctly, but the spelling would be all over the place. I'm liking Sabrina Shields, for what it's worth (which is about as much as you're paying for it. *g*)
Chance - Hal mentioned RS writers not having girly names, so I named a few. But she's right, if you fall more into Thriller, I'd avoid the girly name.
;) Bo'sun! I also think readers like the juxtaposition of a girly name writing romantic suspense!
Though I think Brenda and Candy have a bit of a tough girl flavor to them. Something about a vowel at the end of a name?
I'm sure there is a study out there about names and impressions like that... The science between hard consonants and soft, where vowels fall, etc... I've flipped through it... I ought to go find it again...
Hmmmm!
Janga, I had a name come across my caller id last week. It said, Janga, ? I can't remember the first name, but all I kept thinking was why would Janga be calling me. LOL. Then I later I noticed the name along with a voice mail on my cell phone. It was the kids' guitar teacher. His last name in actually Janga, but it didn't hit me that it might be him.
My pen name is actually my middle name combined with my brothers' middle names. There is no way I could use my real name. No way at all, my past life would kick me all the way through the gates of hell.
Renee - I totally get authors who want to protect their real life. It's a totally legit reason to use a pen name!
As I wrote. I have no real life to protect! But if you have a job where being the writer of romance would see you sliced and diced??? Do what you need to do!
The thing about your three names is that they are all short and flow well!
OK, crew. Me Bonnaroo is pleadin' fer some time at the dogpark. I'm headin' that way, will climb back aboard after she's had some rompin' time.
The bar be open, as always!
I confess I consider the real name burden too. Among professional colleagues, former students, and church friends, my life would be hellish.
I like Janga Brannon, though I just typed Brennon and had to fix it. LOL! It has a nice ring to it, it's unique, and it suits you. And you WILL have a reason to use it. As I always say, don't make me come down there...
Janga, it's definitely the church friends that would hang me from the nearest tree. Although we don't dance in the same circles if they found out they'd push their way through with their rolling pins. :)
Very Christian of them.
:)
Off topic, but I had to post this. I *heart* Nathan Bransford and this is why.
Direct Quote: "I'm going with fallen pirate apocalyptic ninja angels as the new vampire."
Tell me we don't have all that right here on this ship? LOL!
I know, right!
Man, I suddenly visualized a pirate on his back...crying out, "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!"
Maybe we need ta invite this guy to the ship! ;)
Hal - I realized I probably spell your name wrong all the time! Pay me back, hang up all the dresses you want in the wrong place! LOL!
Janga - Yup, I can see the need for discretion (Hey, I got that one right and didn't have to search for another word...I'm having one of those days...) Anyway! Yes, discretion...I totally get that.
Renee - Church ladies? Brrrr!
Funny thing is, the more I write on this subject of pennames I wonder if I ought to just use my maiden name. O'Hagan goes so well with Maureen...
Ah, the difficulties of not getting along terrible well with my MIL. I hate to be a success with her name...
I'm petty, I admit it!
Hey Crew! Sorry to be off subject...If any of you are Emily Bryan fans, could you pop over to her web page blog and send her a little shout out, her family dog is very sick and it may be "the time", she is heart broken and needs a little support today! Thanks so much! Having a somewhat new puppy I am so sympathetic with how she feels today.
Ah, just visited Emily's blog. I am so sorry. So many of us have been there and know how hard it is. Thought to Emily today, on losing her little canine friend.
Didn't you say don't do the O' in your blog? LOL!
Yeah, I know. But ya gotta admit... Maureen O'Hagan sounds so very Irish without all the nouns! But it would be spelled wrong... I think I'm just in rebellion because the MIL has summoned us for Thanksgiving and I already don't want to go! LOL!
I have to say - even with all the rules - and they are good rules - there are some very well known authors with horrible names to pronounce/spell.
Yes, as we know, there are no rules. Just guidelines really.
Yeah, but I think readers have been more willing and patient in the past. Unfortunately, the advent of the internet, ipod, on demand cable...all these things encourage a bit of laziness on the part of the common consumer to want it easy.
Especially the first time consumer. I've had several absolutely favorite authors with names that frustrate me. I adore Nina Kiriki Hoffman, but go nuts trying to find her in the bookstores. Is it under Kiriki or Hoffman?
I love the singer/songwriter Sarah McLaughlin, but I never can remember how to spell her name and it always takes me extra time to search how her stuff on Amazon, for example.
And these are authors/singers I already know! Imagine someone new looking for, searching for someone they heard about...say, on the radio, a talk show...never saw the name spelled...
I swear! I am not kidding. Working in the bookstores, I remember the women who would come in after watching Oprah... "There was a book on Oprah last week... I don't remember the author's name... but it was a red book, with a rainbow on the cover...?"
*pulling hair out, screaming, stomping feet. All on the inside
Really, make is as simple as you can, with some memorable bits... Like a rainbow on the cover! LOL!
Yup, Bo'sun...guidelines. Common sense stuff. Like don't spit into the wind!
LOL!
And if you get on Oprah, spell your name out several times, hold the cover up and point to your name...
Well, we be in the doldrums... I'm booking out of my office and heading for home. Got some writing done between blog stuff... I'll be here all night for any who want to linger, later!
Jumping in here late today - I chose Laura Breck as my pen name. It started out being Laura Breckenridge because I love to ski Colorado...but there's already a Laura Breckenridge, so ta-da!
I went with a pen name because my hubby asked me not to use his esteemed family name (cough) which is a Norwegian name with multi consonants and it's always spelled wrong.
Security is an issue, and I've heard authors talk about stalkers. I write a spicy romance, and some uber-fan might just think I'm writing about my own bedroom shenanigans.
Hubby found a great pen name this morning. I have a gift certificate with "Fifty Dollars" handwritten on it, and he asked, "Who's Tiffany Dollar?" So there you go - a free pen name for the first taker!
Sorry to chowder on here, but Chance - what does your super-bookshelf-sense say about Laura Breck?
Found myself roaring with laughter at some of these!
Sorry folks but weekends affect me this way. *grin*
Bo'sun said:I changed it up a bit for an Erotic Romance I might publish. I only have one story in that genre right now and I’m not sure if I’ll write another, but just in case, I smooshed my three names together, dropped some letters, and got Terilyn Burns
That name sounds like a dud artificial fibre Terri .... it needs to be flame resistant these days. Though for hot erotica perhaps its OK
Sabrina said: My third name - which personally I think best fit for historicals, would be: Sabrina James or Sabrina St. James
Any thoughts?
I think that Sabrina with no surname would be good on the book cover and it would be a distinguishing trade mark. For me the name brings back distant memories of a very sexy film star. Must have been contemp with Marilin Monro. Depends on your genre but you can see where my mind is wandering! :lol:
Have to go. fireworks display to attend. So with burning terilene in mind and a bottle or two I bid ye all adiu!
WOW! Are you married Q becuase you just stole my heart with that! LOL
There's a Mrs. Q. And grand-Q's, if that helps. :)
A late hello! Oh, the subject of pen names. *sigh* I think everyone has done great. As for me, I'm ready to go into the witness protection program. New town, new name. I don't have too much too lose and much to gain. I have a book self published, and even that one, after much pulling out my hair and still ultimately seems to be shared by an internet porn star. I give up.
I have pretty much decided that whenever I get around to having something to pitch again it will be under my own name and if they love it, I'll be my own name or whatever they want to call to me. Or just a number. I'd do that too. Is that possible? :)
Well, there is a Mr. Sabrina too, but with lines like Q's I might be tempted to throw him overboard!
Just kidding! But it was a very nice thing to say about my name. I am quite fond of it and am so thankful to mom for her good taste!
Sabrina, you do have a lovely name. I like that option too of just going by one name. :)
Hmm, my name would put my by Medeiros...that would be good!
Laura Breck works loverly! No tails, at the start of the alphabet... I like the hard consonants in Breck...
I can see security as an issue, depending on what one writes, definately!
Thanks for visiting!
And there's Q, stirring things up! We ought to sail over to merry old England and set anchor on his drive one a' these days!
Sabrina would be a real magical name to publish under! ;)
Yeah, I know, Melissa...sometimes it just gets a little crazy. I like the number idea. If you published urban fantasy...that would be so cool.
"Author number nine...paging author number nine..."
Sounds so wonderfully apocalyptic!
I sorta like Maureen Just. You know, Just, Maureen...
The Pirate Just...that sounds good, too! And very ironic... I have a pirate named Mercy in my series...
Yeah, no urban fantasy though so I'll probably not be able to get away with a number. Something simple though with just two syllables. As a name mentioned earlier, I actually don't think Jane Green sounds bad. :) It could be easy to remember, like a couple of names of historical characters that just pop into my head: Belle Star and Kate Warne. Seriously, I'd want a name like that.
You could do Mel Lease...! Or Mel Ease...
Speaking of porn star names - remember the old drinking game of finding your porn name by using your middle name and the name of the street you grew up on? Try the same to get your pen name.
Mine's boring, but my hubby (farm boy) would be Maurice Rural Route 2. Now THAT'S a hot name!
Using that middle name/street one, I'd be Lynn Garden. I like the one where you use the name of your first pet and your street. Then, depending on if I wanted to go with the dog or the cat, I'd either be Ginger Garden or Velvet Garden.
Tell me Velvet Garden doesn't sound like a porn name. LOL!
Melissa - Don't worry yourself over much. Just something to think about, but minor in the scheme of things. You'll find the right fit, when you need it.
Was curious so I googled my name. Just found me and a real estate broker. Nothing interesting.
Hee, hee. If'n I were a man...Scotty Stanford. Next pet, next street? Satchmo Casanova.
I can't win.
;)
Velvet Garden...wasn't that a book by Anais Nin?
But I love Ginger Garden! Sounds like she writes mysteries...
Rural Route 2 sounds like he makes deliveries!
I must run off an google Maureen Just!
*snicker
Maureen Just is a retail planning manager in Florida!
And no Maureen O'Hagan, there already is an author, writes early childhood care books. And a reporter in Seattle! And more than I'd have ever imagined!
Ah, well...I guess I'm sticking with Betita! I'm the only one a' those I could find on Google!
LOL - using my first pet and first street names, my porn star name would be:
Friskie Sunset
That is awesome!
Oh, that works so well, Sabrina!
Laura you have some neat tricks! Sabrina, yours is the best! If not a porn star, it sounds like a great Bond Girl name. :)
Terri's Velvet Garden is a good one too!
And Maureen you have a great real last name to use. No worries there! I just like saying it: Betita.
Nothing working for my childhood street. Like Laura's hubby it's a rural route. I could be Ann West Star Route (maybe double hyphenate? LOL)
Ann West? Ann Star? Anne Starr? I don't know, you want a pen name? Anne Starr is nice... Annie Starr? Of switch it so you are at the beginning of the shelves... Starr Anne.
Yeah, Betita is pretty cool. I think, though I am not positive, that it is Portugeuse for Beth... Like little Elizabeth? The Filipines were controlled by the Portuguese for a long time, then Spain. It may be Spanish... Most Filipino names are rooted in either Spanish, Portuguese, Indian...every kingdom that controlled them at one time or another!
Post a Comment