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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: November 25th, 2011, 11:58 pm 
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I disagree, Jonathan, but then again, I use my real name to brand my crafts. So as you said, I had other reasons for using a penname.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: November 28th, 2011, 2:13 pm 
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Perhaps this next question needs its own thread.

What makes a name "authorly"?

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: November 29th, 2011, 3:04 pm 
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No, I think that fits in this discussion, Varon. :D

It's a matter of essence. For me I needed a name that "sounded" like a screenwriter. That was an essence of adaptability, trustworthiness, and reliability. It couldn't be too historical or too old-fashioned. It had to be lightly trendy, fairly timeless, and not too bizarrely modern. Additionally, I needed a name that was cross-genre. It couldn't be too heavy and historical/fantasy, or too obscure and sci-fi. I needed versatility.

For me, my real name didn't fit that essence. "Aubrey Hansen" does, and it's also unique enough (no one had used this name to build an extensive brand on the web before I came along. I Googled it). Additionally I think an "authorly" name is easy to remember and easy to spell, though some people prefer to forgo easy spelling in terms of being memorable. It depends on what you need in a pen name, which depends on what you write. For me, that's what "authorly" meant. For other people, it might mean something different.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: November 29th, 2011, 4:04 pm 
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Okay.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: December 6th, 2011, 4:02 pm 
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I intend to publish under my real first name and part of my middle name (it flows better that way), because I want my name to be recognizable even if my last name should change. :)

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: December 6th, 2011, 6:35 pm 
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Milly Manderly wrote:
I intend to publish under my real first name and part of my middle name (it flows better that way), because I want my name to be recognizable even if my last name should change. :)


:D That's one of the reasons I want to publish under a pen name. :D

Ophelia M. is my first and middle name, but Shaye is a pen name.


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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: December 6th, 2011, 9:38 pm 
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*Nods with Millzees and Mirza* I chose a variation-ish of my real name and the name that has come to reflect me (Azlyn) and I like how it turned out. :)

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 19th, 2012, 10:31 am 
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*Tiptoes back into an older thread*

I thought I had a pen name I was happy with. I love the name Azlyn, and I like my real name Rose, so mashing them together seemed like the perfect combo. However, now since I am thinking I'll more be aiming for the traditional publishing route, I'm imagining things like book signings (yes, very far in the future :roll: ) and thinking that if I'm meeting my readers face to face, I'd feel almost as if I was lying to sign books with my 'name' that wasn't my name. I don't know. I'm starting to lean towards the BushMaid thinking about pen names. ;)

So I am stuck. I really don't want to drop the name Azlyn. It has come to reflect me. Though if I am going to use my real name, then Azlyn doesn't fit.

Thus, I came to you guys. :D

My full name is Patricia Rose Williams (I go by my middle name, as mentioned earlier in this thread).

That leaves some room for variations thereof. No parts of my name are particularly hard to spell (though people have stumbled over 'Patricia' before), so for the most part that's a good thing.

My last name is dead common, and the name Rose Williams is common also, and based on a quick google search, there are other authors out there with the name Rose Williams. So I am thinking something along the lines of a variation of it, if I do decide to drop the pen name. Like Patricia R Williams or something.

What do you guys think? Should I drop the pen name? I'm really stuck and also mentally headdesking over this.

(One more thing I should mention: I desperately want to avoid being nicknamed 'Patty' of 'Pat' in any cases, though I am not sure if that would even be an issue in this case. That is why my parents decided to call me by my middle name, to avoid that.)

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 19th, 2012, 11:35 am 
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You could go for Rose P Williams, or Rose Patricia, and leave off the surname, but use your first names. I think Patricia R Williams sounds good as well.

Personally, I always thought I'd not use a pen name; but after some thought I recently realised that my surname is something everyone always pronounces wrong. So I decided that if I ever do get published, I won't be using my real surname.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 19th, 2012, 11:47 am 
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Azzie, Patricia Williams is a great name! It is also genre neutral. Having a "common" last name is actually not a bad thing, either. Makes you easy to recognize.

I think you have a good name that you can use, but I will let Sir Froggy Luke come in and give his thoughts, since he is very knowledgeable on the subject and has lots of insightful advice about pen names. Matt is actually the one who sealed the deal on whether or not I was going to use a pen name or not. :D

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 19th, 2012, 12:02 pm 
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Ophelia Tikva Mimetes wrote:
Milly Manderly wrote:
I intend to publish under my real first name and part of my middle name (it flows better that way), because I want my name to be recognizable even if my last name should change. :)


:D That's one of the reasons I want to publish under a pen name. :D

Ophelia M. is my first and middle name, but Shaye is a pen name.


~ZA


*Realizes this is out of date* After showing people from my church a proof copy and explaining over and over why I was publishing under "Shaye" instead of "Flowers", I decided to stick with my real name. It was a lot simpler. :)


@Maye, One thing to consider with a pen name is that the people who know you will ask why you aren't using your real name. :)

~ZA

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 20th, 2012, 10:07 am 
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Airianna Mimetes wrote:
Azzie, Patricia Williams is a great name! It is also genre neutral. Having a "common" last name is actually not a bad thing, either. Makes you easy to recognize.

I think you have a good name that you can use, but I will let Sir Froggy Luke come in and give his thoughts, since he is very knowledgeable on the subject and has lots of insightful advice about pen names. Matt is actually the one who sealed the deal on whether or not I was going to use a pen name or not. :D

Thanks! If I did use Patricia Williams, I would put an R in there, because that is also my Grandma's name. I'm hoping Mac will come in here too and give some thoughts. :D

Lady Elanor Mimetes wrote:
Personally, I always thought I'd not use a pen name; but after some thought I recently realised that my surname is something everyone always pronounces wrong. So I decided that if I ever do get published, I won't be using my real surname.

*Nods* Yes, I'm not sure how to pronounce your last name! There is room for variation, too.

Ophelia Tikva Mimetes wrote:
@Maye, One thing to consider with a pen name is that the people who know you will ask why you aren't using your real name.
*Nods again* Yes, and I am thinking I would like to avoid that.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 21st, 2012, 10:52 am 
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What if you were co authors but you wanted one pen name? Could you do that? Or would you have to have two pen names?

Mother and Dad don't want to use their real names, they want to use a pen name. They wrote the book together really, and then also Mother is doing the art etc, and they want to use maybe one pen name for both of them. Do you think that would work?

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Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 21st, 2012, 11:14 am 
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I think I've seen it done a series before, it was the Runes of Medarya series, I think. It was written by an entire family though.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 21st, 2012, 11:16 am 
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Lady Elanor Mimetes wrote:
What if you were co authors but you wanted one pen name? Could you do that? Or would you have to have two pen names?

Mother and Dad don't want to use their real names, they want to use a pen name. They wrote the book together really, and then also Mother is doing the art etc, and they want to use maybe one pen name for both of them. Do you think that would work?


I've heard of that being done. :) The author, Erin Hunter is actually four people: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erin_Hunter

~ZA

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 21st, 2012, 11:21 am 
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@Elanor: That would work, I'm sure. With two people that close I doubt it could cause any problems.

@Az: I know what y'all mean about having to explain. I've told so many friends why I use a pen name. After a little while, though, they all know, and you don't have to explain anymore. :P Unless you meet somebody new. Which I don't do very often.

There are a lot of Patricia Williamses about. While having a common last name can make you easier to remember, it can also get you mixed up with other people. Especially with a name that common. One friend got Peter Jackson, Andrew Jackson, and Samuel Jackson mixed up.

Rose, on the other hand, isn't as common of a last name, while still being very easy to remember. Also, if you write fantasy, it would put you on the shelf near the super-famous Rothfuss, Tolkien, Paolini, etc. Azlyn Rose is an adorable name, while Patricia, at least in my experience, is a name that carries a slight 'outdated' and stiff connotation. Nothing against your name, of course. It just seems to fit in with those names like Margaret and Polly, that are common for old people and uncommon for young people. Also, Williams is so common and normal that there's nothing interesting about it. Except if you write really funny stuff people might wonder if you're related to Robin Williams. /lamejoke

Finally, about introducing yourself under your pen name. A name is something that other people call you by. Whatever somebody calls you by, or whatever you ask them to call you, that's one of your names. Nicknames (of which I have many), are just as valid for everyday use as your real name. So don't feel bad, think of it as nicknaming yourself. ;)

It's funny, I've always gotten 'Luke' jokes even though my name is Matthew Mark. Well, because my name is Matthew Mark, actually. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John...

Through separate circumstances I made my pen name Luke (and I have another nickname...Little John), so now I get a LOT of Luke jokes. "I am your father!" Meh. But it's okay. Luke is too awesome a name to wreck with lame jokes.


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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 21st, 2012, 11:39 am 
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Varon Netzah Mimetes wrote:
I think I've seen it done a series before, it was the Runes of Medarya series, I think. It was written by an entire family though.

Ophelia Tikva Mimetes wrote:
Lady Elanor Mimetes wrote:
What if you were co authors but you wanted one pen name? Could you do that? Or would you have to have two pen names?

Mother and Dad don't want to use their real names, they want to use a pen name. They wrote the book together really, and then also Mother is doing the art etc, and they want to use maybe one pen name for both of them. Do you think that would work?


I've heard of that being done. :) The author, Erin Hunter is actually four people: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erin_Hunter

~ZA


Thanks, guys! It makes sense that it's been used before, I just didn't realise it. :D Thanks for the link!

Luke Froggus Mimetes wrote:
@Elanor: That would work, I'm sure. With two people that close I doubt it could cause any problems.


Thank you, Luke! I'll let them know.

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Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 21st, 2012, 12:21 pm 
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I think it's important to choose a pen name that is as much you as your real name. Since I already go by Rin and Kit at many places, and they mean the same thing, I'm very comfortable with my pen name. I don't feel like autographing would be lying because they're all me. I'm not pretending to be the author of my book. I am the author. I've practiced autographing too. :D @Azlyn, if you sign it A. Rose that would be a really neat autograph. I for one can't put all the letters of my pen name in an autograph.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 21st, 2012, 12:56 pm 
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Also, some authors have little insignias related to their name. You could design one involving a rose.


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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 21st, 2012, 4:18 pm 
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Very well said, Luke. :D Those reasons are why I chose a pen name myself, and why I am a proponent of pen names in general. I do not feel it is dishonest at all, for the reasons you stated. It is our right as human beings to use any name we choose.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 21st, 2012, 4:55 pm 
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*grins * See, I knew Matt would be the one to advise. :D

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Be careful of your thoughts; guard your mind, for your thoughts become words. Be guarded when you speak, for your words turn into action. Watch what you do, for your actions will become habits. Be wary of your habits, for they become your character. Pray over your character; strive to mold it to the image of Christ, because your character will shape your destiny.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 22nd, 2012, 12:35 am 
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*chuckles at Azlyn* ;)

Well I'm the last person to talk about not choosing a pen name because it isn't really "who you are" anymore. This is coming from someone whose best friend now calls her "Maid". ;) "BushMaid" has become so ingrained in who I am, that it is my second name. :D You're very right Matt, in what you said about giving yourself a nickname.

Lady Elanor Mimetes wrote:
Personally, I always thought I'd not use a pen name; but after some thought I recently realised that my surname is something everyone always pronounces wrong. So I decided that if I ever do get published, I won't be using my real surname.

However, I very firmly believe that you shouldn't take on a pen name simply because no one can pronounce your surname. It's because no one can pronounce it that you can be remembered. it's unique. I often recall a quote from Ioan Gruffudd on this topic whenever it arises, and I think it says it best:

Ioan Gruffudd wrote:
I'm determined not to lose my name. It's who I am. It has neither aided my progress nor hampered it. It's just who I am. My character... my make-up. My culture and heritage is a very rich one. So what if it's difficult for people to pronounce? We all learned how to say Schwarzenegger.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 22nd, 2012, 8:32 am 
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I can see where you're coming from there, Bushy. :)

I think they're going to go with J. Hodgson now, as both their first names start with J. We'll see. :)

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Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king

J. R. R. Tolkien


My favourite quote: "God will give His kindness for you to use when your own runs out."

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 22nd, 2012, 10:12 am 
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*loves Ioan *

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Be careful of your thoughts; guard your mind, for your thoughts become words. Be guarded when you speak, for your words turn into action. Watch what you do, for your actions will become habits. Be wary of your habits, for they become your character. Pray over your character; strive to mold it to the image of Christ, because your character will shape your destiny.

Ideas can germinate from the smallest seeds. Collect those seeds, and let them grow in the back of your mind. You may be surprised by what finally blooms.

When God takes something from your grasp, he's not punishing you. Instead, He’s opening your hands to receive something better. The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.

Works in progress:

The Diegosian Mark, 115,600 words (Preparing for Publication)
The Diegosian Rider, 121,400 words (Finished)
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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 22nd, 2012, 8:27 pm 
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Airianna Mimetes wrote:
*loves Ioan *

*same* ;)

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 23rd, 2012, 9:24 am 
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Thanks for the opinions, everyone. :D

Now my practical side is going for what Mac said and my sentimental side for what Bushes said... *headdesk* I know my name does sound old fashioned, which might be good for historical fiction, but since I intend to write fantasy and sci-fi too... *Sigh* I'm not really that much closer to deciding, I guess.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 23rd, 2012, 9:46 am 
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Aliza Rose Mimetes wrote:
I know my name does sound old fashioned, which might be good for historical fiction, but since I intend to write fantasy and sci-fi too...


There are people who use a different pen name for every genre they write in. :)

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 23rd, 2012, 9:55 am 
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Haha, that's what I was going to do.
I love the two names Leena and Ryder, however I use Ryder in my story. So I was thinking of Leena Stanfords. (I can't possibly use my first or last names, crazy to spell) I googled it and didn't really come up with anything.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 23rd, 2012, 10:34 am 
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@Azlyn: I have a common last name as well.

Luke wrote:
Finally, about introducing yourself under your pen name. A name is something that other people call you by. Whatever somebody calls you by, or whatever you ask them to call you, that's one of your names.


That's a good point, and I agree. :D

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 23rd, 2012, 1:40 pm 
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Lady Abigail Mimetes wrote:
Aliza Rose Mimetes wrote:
I know my name does sound old fashioned, which might be good for historical fiction, but since I intend to write fantasy and sci-fi too...


There are people who use a different pen name for every genre they write in. :)

Yes, I have heard of that. Though I don't think I want to do so, thus I want something genre-universal.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 23rd, 2012, 7:40 pm 
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Being genre-universal was one of the main reasons I chose to use a penname. I needed something that would work with any genre, as well as fit with both screenwriting and novel-writing. So I wanted something that sounded fresh and modern for screenwriting, but still be serious enough for fantasy novels. Hence, Aubrey Hansen.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 25th, 2012, 6:06 am 
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I love your pen name, Aubrey. :)

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 25th, 2012, 11:32 am 
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Thank you very much, Elanor. :D Poke me sometime... I have a story to tell you about the way you spell your username. ;)

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 25th, 2012, 11:45 am 
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Aubrey Hansen wrote:
Thank you very much, Elanor. :D Poke me sometime... I have a story to tell you about the way you spell your username. ;)


Mine? Really? I'm intrigued now. :D

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All that is gold does not glitter,
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Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king

J. R. R. Tolkien


My favourite quote: "God will give His kindness for you to use when your own runs out."

Pippin's Waggy Tales

Autumn Leaves


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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 26th, 2012, 11:02 am 
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I'll tell you when I reply to your PM... which I am doing now. :dieshappy:

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 26th, 2012, 12:33 pm 
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Aubrey Hansen wrote:
I'll tell you when I reply to your PM... which I am doing now. :dieshappy:


*Chuckles* I just got your PM, Aubrey. :D Hopefully I'll find time to reply later tonight.

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All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king

J. R. R. Tolkien


My favourite quote: "God will give His kindness for you to use when your own runs out."

Pippin's Waggy Tales

Autumn Leaves


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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 26th, 2012, 1:25 pm 
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I prefer pennames, (1) because I can have a epic nickname, :cool: ;) and (2) because then I'm not known for any terribly written books I wrote. Plus I don't want people knocking on my door at midnight if I ever became famous. XD

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 27th, 2012, 8:12 am 
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I've decided. I'm going to drop my pen name. :shock:

I know, I know. Azlyn Rose is far more practical, and I can't even begin to know where to start in switching things over to that name.

This morning I was thinking about it, and practically dying over which name to use (To be over-dramatic ;) ).

As I was mulling over it (with much headdesking and beating my head on a wall. It was rather violent mulling), I realized that I was dying to be myself, no other names attached. I know it's not as practical. But it's me. And I realized that was who I wanted to be.

Thank-you for your imput, everyone, Mac and Bushes especially. It was not an easy choice, but one I am happy and much relieved over. *Begins to compile a list of everything she needs to change and people who must be emailed over this and it's quite long* o.O

(To warn you way in advance, this probably means I will one day change my HW username to my real name. *Le gasp!*)

EDIT: Do you guys think it will make any difference to do P.Rose Williams or Rose P. Williams or anything?

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 27th, 2012, 8:28 am 
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I'd go with P. Rose Williams, it's more distinctive.


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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 27th, 2012, 10:49 am 
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I'm so glad you reached the right decision, Mae. :D If you're wanting to stick closely with your real name, I would go with P. Rose Williams, since that keeps your names in their normal order, IIRC.

To save you a PM, should I use P. Rose Williams in the acknowledgments of Peter's Angel? :D

And don't worry - they all will survive a name change. I've tested it. ;) Although they'll still call you your old nicknames. :dieshappy:

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 27th, 2012, 10:56 am 
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Aubrey Hansen wrote:
And don't worry - they all will survive a name change. I've tested it. ;) Although they'll still call you your old nicknames. :dieshappy:

We barely survived, but we did survive. ;)

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 27th, 2012, 11:53 am 
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Aubrey Hansen wrote:
I'm so glad you reached the right decision, Mae. :D If you're wanting to stick closely with your real name, I would go with P. Rose Williams, since that keeps your names in their normal order, IIRC.

To save you a PM, should I use P. Rose Williams in the acknowledgments of Peter's Angel? :D

And don't worry - they all will survive a name change. I've tested it. ;) Although they'll still call you your old nicknames. :dieshappy:

Yes, I feel much more relaxed, having reached a choice. I'm still a bit undecided as where to put the 'P', simply because if you don't put a space between the 'p' and 'Rose' it spells Prose Williams. :P Which sounds a bit silly. With Rose P. Williams, if the space is forgotten you can still tell they are not part of the same word. So I am a tiny bit undecided there. Thoughts?

Yes, go ahead and put it as that in Peter's Angel. :D You were on my list of people to talk to about that. (As I said above, the 'P' might be moved, but that's not a huge deal.)

*Laughs* Yes, we survived your name change, though it was not easy! I like being called Azlyn still. I'm giving you guys plenty of warning, so you at least know it is coming.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 27th, 2012, 12:09 pm 
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Well, I guess I'll survive if you change your username, but I'll miss seeing the name AzlynMae everywhere.. *Sniff*

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 27th, 2012, 2:30 pm 
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Rose P. Williams seems more standard somehow, but like Luke said, it's not very distinctive. It's nice, just very... normal. :D

*goes to edit in PA before she forgets*

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 27th, 2012, 7:04 pm 
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P Rose Williams...Prose Williams...

:rofl: That's awesome. Even more awesome since it's your real name. People who notice that are going to think it's a clever pen name. :P


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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 27th, 2012, 8:28 pm 
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It's definately a good thing we have this thread. I'm not sure about whether I'm going to use a penname either. I like my real name a lot. (I won't tell my last name, but my first two are Sarah Dorothy.) However, my last name is often mispronounced, sometimes even horrendously mispronounced, and nobody can spell it because it has too many different spellings. I love my name and I don't want people to mangle it.
I'm leaning towards a penname, for privacy mainly, and also because my name is hard to remember. Sarah is really common. Dorothy isn't a fantasy writer (though I'm proud of the name -it was my Great-aunt's name). The last reason is that I do want to be, in a way, disconnected. I'll be proud to show it to my family and friends, but I feel that without the name they know me by attatched, they won't judge me by my writing.
Why would I want to be disconnected? Mainly because I write fantasy. There are battles, and other odditiess, and I don't want people to say, "She wrote about battles, she's really violent." I wrote a little drabble from the POV of a man who thinks he's a monster for a friend once, and she gave me the oddest look after, like I was suddenly a mystery.
My parents think I should keep my name. That's one thing holding me back from just choosing. I haven't really explained my reasons, yet, though.
So. I like Aldara -that's why I chose it as my internet name in the first place. The questions for you are: Do you think Aldara is too different as a name? What names could I pair with it? Or, should I stick to some variant of my real name?

Thanks for reading my entire long-winded post, by the way. I was rambling a bit.

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 27th, 2012, 10:40 pm 
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Dorothy Aldara has a nice ring to it. :D

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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 28th, 2012, 6:45 am 
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Lady Kitra Mimetes wrote:
Dorothy Aldara has a nice ring to it. :D


I agree, I like the sound of that.

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All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king

J. R. R. Tolkien


My favourite quote: "God will give His kindness for you to use when your own runs out."

Pippin's Waggy Tales

Autumn Leaves


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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 28th, 2012, 7:18 am 
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Lady Elanor Mimetes wrote:
Lady Kitra Mimetes wrote:
Dorothy Aldara has a nice ring to it. :D


I agree, I like the sound of that.


Me too. :D

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"The difference between the right word and almost the right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."
~Mark Twain~

Works in Progress:

Note:
Abigail is Hebrew for joy of the Father, and Mimetes is Greek for imitator or follower. I am a joyful follower of my King and Father, the Creator of all things.
I stand in support of Jay, for he is my brother in Christ.


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 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: March 28th, 2012, 12:41 pm 
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Aldara is very unique without being too difficult, so it is distinctive. I will point out that it sounds very fantasy. So if you're mostly going to write fantasy, that works great; but if you want to write other genres under the same penname, you might consider something more generic.

Dorothy is less common nowadays, while still being well-known enough to be easy to spell, so that could help make you memorable.

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