Login | Register







Post new topic This topic is locked, you cannot edit posts or make further replies.  [ 267 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  Next
Author Message
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 14th, 2011, 8:27 am 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: April 10th, 2011, 8:03 am
Posts: 539
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow...
Ooh, Phili, I love that idea! Sounds great!

And, by the way, I just decided on a pen name {that is quite similar to my actual one}: Kiara Shore.

How do y'all like it?

_________________
“The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa)

“I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams.” (Dr. Jonas Salk)

My Blog~ Of Faerie & Faith: A Christian Fantasy Blog


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 14th, 2011, 11:39 am 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: February 22nd, 2010, 10:42 am
Posts: 1310
Location: Behind you
I like it. :D


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 14th, 2011, 8:10 pm 
Grease Monkeys
Grease Monkeys
User avatar

Joined: May 14th, 2010, 4:43 am
Posts: 4458
*didn't know Zoe wasn't, er, Zoe's real name*

Um, I am planning on not using my last name because I sort of, um, have a last name that is a girl's first name, Joyce, hence I can't really use it because of the confusion :D

eru

_________________
I am a dreamer of big dreams: a student of wisdom, a reader of books, and a crafter of words. I am a servant of my Master who has rescued me. I am an adventurer, living my life to the fullest. Will you join me on this wild journey?


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 14th, 2011, 8:14 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: October 18th, 2009, 6:19 pm
Posts: 2406
Location: My own little world
eruheran wrote:
*didn't know Zoe wasn't, er, Zoe's real name*


Most people don't know, unless they happen to be in the right place at the right time. :D

_________________
~Zoe M. Scrivener

After much thought and prayer, I am staying on Holy Worlds. I believe what we have here is worth fighting for. PM me for details.


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 14th, 2011, 9:47 pm 
Grease Monkeys
Grease Monkeys
User avatar

Joined: June 18th, 2010, 10:37 pm
Posts: 5545
Location: Kentucky
I don't think that would be all that confusing.

To begin with, there's a precedence in Joyce Kilmer. (Although, granted, I thought he was a girl at first.) Second, if your first name is clearly a boy's name than you last name won't really affect it. Joyce Andrews would be dubious, and most would think it was a girl, but Andrew Joyce isn't really....

Just my two cents. I like your pen name just fine. :D

_________________
Floyd was frozen where he stood. He struggled to breathe, but the air smelled of blood and death and guilt. He tried to formulate a name, to ask, but language was meaningless, and words would not come. He tried to scream but the sound got stuck in his heart, shattered into a million pieces, and scattered to the wind.

In a world without superheroes, who will stand against the forces of evil?


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 14th, 2011, 9:50 pm 
Writer
Writer
User avatar

Joined: November 25th, 2010, 4:44 pm
Posts: 1395
Location: Wisconsin. (Now you know which).
Raven of the Wood wrote:
Most people don't know, unless they happen to be in the right place at the right time. :D
Ooh, Ooh, I know, I know! hehe... your last name is awesome! *stops derailing*

_________________
There are some buttons of which the function remains unknown to me.


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 14th, 2011, 10:09 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member

Joined: March 8th, 2010, 5:48 pm
Posts: 930
Location: Des Moines, Iowa USA
~Evenstar~ wrote:

And, by the way, I just decided on a pen name {that is quite similar to my actual one}: Kiara Shore.

How do y'all like it?


I think it looks great, but the phonetics of Kee-a-ra (don't know if that's right, or even how to write phonetics) might mean you have to spell it if you are ever interviewed on a podcast, or someone might forget how to spell it when they are typing your name in a search engine. I always try to make pen names and website names such that there isn't confusion over spelling based on how it is heard.

What do you all think when you read Timothy C. Ward? Does it sound too formal and stuffy? I'd prefer Tim Ward, but can't. T.C. Ward is another option.

_________________
- Timotheus
timothycward.com
audioTim - Sound Advice for Aspiring Authors


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 14th, 2011, 10:32 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: December 14th, 2010, 12:45 am
Posts: 4970
Location: Australia
Timothy C. Ward sounds fine to me. It doesn't sound too formal or stuffy. I could see it written on the cover of a book quite easily. :D

_________________
❝ To pursue anything but the full measure of the glory of God's love is a wasted life. ❞ -- Joshua Eddy

BushMaid -- Bush, Bushy, Aussie.
Handlettering, Graphic & Logo Design
Click here to get in touch with me so I can design you awesome things!


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 15th, 2011, 7:40 am 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: August 31st, 2009, 7:18 am
Posts: 106
Location: Greater St. Louis, MO
Have you considered T.C. Ward? :D

_________________
See my blog on writing and faith at http://robert.EpicTales.org

To read a sample of my book, click here.


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 15th, 2011, 8:15 am 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: July 1st, 2010, 2:33 pm
Posts: 5053
Location: Smacking my rascally MC and wanting fish and chips.
I just came up with a pen name that is a spin-off of my real name... Let me know what you think: Elizabeth of the Kirk in the Woods. :)

_________________
"Still, a great deal of light falls on everything." ―Vincent van Gogh
Chasing Woven Glass Through the Storm >> Uncoordinated


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 15th, 2011, 5:11 pm 
Grease Monkeys
Grease Monkeys
User avatar

Joined: May 14th, 2010, 4:43 am
Posts: 4458
Very nice ;) But somewhat long :D

eru

_________________
I am a dreamer of big dreams: a student of wisdom, a reader of books, and a crafter of words. I am a servant of my Master who has rescued me. I am an adventurer, living my life to the fullest. Will you join me on this wild journey?


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 16th, 2011, 8:43 am 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: April 10th, 2011, 8:03 am
Posts: 539
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow...
Shawn ~ for some *strange* reason, it lacks that certain ring to it that I like to have in a name... :D

Timotheus wrote:
I think it looks great, but the phonetics of Kee-a-ra (don't know if that's right, or even how to write phonetics) might mean you have to spell it if you are ever interviewed on a podcast, or someone might forget how to spell it when they are typing your name in a search engine. I always try to make pen names and website names such that there isn't confusion over spelling based on how it is heard.


That's very wise advice. Hm. You got the pronunciation right, though. And I'm don't think there are very many ways to pronounce "Kiara." However, it's not an immediately pronounceable name, perhaps. Hm... *brain spins around a while*

How likely is it that people would be hearing your pen name aloud? Also, how literal is "word-of-mouth" communication?

_________________
“The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa)

“I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams.” (Dr. Jonas Salk)

My Blog~ Of Faerie & Faith: A Christian Fantasy Blog


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 16th, 2011, 10:38 am 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: April 19th, 2010, 8:33 pm
Posts: 2119
I pronounced Kiara: Kee-ar-uh. ><

_________________
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." ~Erma Bombeck

참을성~ (Persevere~)

My Tumbr blog: Persevere Always


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 16th, 2011, 12:52 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: October 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm
Posts: 8188
Location: Kansas City, MO
@Evenstar - while I like the ring of it, I agree that "Kiara" is slightly obscure. It also sounds somewhat young, inexperienced - like a teenager. Is this a name you can grow into? When you're 30 and are trying to write books for adults, are you still going to want to be youthful, fanciful "Kiara"? "Shore" is a great last name, though.

@Huey - I agree. I've always thought "Andrew Joyce" was a great name. Not confusing at all. Authorly. Not too young and not too stuffy. Classic. :D

@Tim - I think Timothy C. Ward sounds just fine. Timothy is a very classic name, something that won't become outdated or outgrown.


Where should we start said pen name index? A Google Doc spreadsheet might be best.

_________________
Website | Twitter | Instagram
My Patrons get free books and merch!
Latest Release: Aurelius (Red Rain #3.5)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 16th, 2011, 1:03 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 4:36 pm
Posts: 4360
Location: Following my Father through the wilderness of sojourning.
Philadelphia wrote:
@Evenstar - while I like the ring of it, I agree that "Kiara" is slightly obscure. It also sounds somewhat young, inexperienced - like a teenager. Is this a name you can grow into? When you're 30 and are trying to write books for adults, are you still going to want to be youthful, fanciful "Kiara"? "Shore" is a great last name, though.

@Huey - I agree. I've always thought "Andrew Joyce" was a great name. Not confusing at all. Authorly. Not too young and not too stuffy. Classic. :D

@Tim - I think Timothy C. Ward sounds just fine. Timothy is a very classic name, something that won't become outdated or outgrown.


Where should we start said pen name index? A Google Doc spreadsheet might be best.


How would you evaluate Kitra Skene?

_________________
You can't spell grin without ̶gRIN
Words are my ̶bread and ̶butter.
http://unshakablegirl.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kitra-skene

Haud Retene Haud Reverte

All resemblance to persons, people, friends, relatives, quotes, cultures, artificial intelligences, inside jokes, pets, unclaimed personalities, sentient objects, extra-terrestrials, inter-terrestrials, and draperies living, dead, undead, or comatose in any of my work are purely coincidental, incidental, circumstantial, inadvertent, unplanned, unforeseen, and unintentional. There's seriously no way I was referring to you. Honest.

The story so far:
Birthright: Eleventh chapter pending. 28280 words.
Heritage: First chapter drafted.
Legacy: Character and plot development stage.
Get a feel for the land. Visit Lor-Amar today!

Other novels on the brain:
Quicksilver
Shen'oh Story
Crusoe's Star
War Blazer
Seven Arts Story
The Queen's Knave
Polarians
Exile Realms
All Librarians Are Secret Agents


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 16th, 2011, 10:22 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: October 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm
Posts: 8188
Location: Kansas City, MO
Riniel Jasmina wrote:

How would you evaluate Kitra Skene?


It sounds like it comes from a foreign language. :D And if it does, that's one thing. (There is something to be said for ethnic names, if you have one and want to keep that identity.)

However, in English, both "Kitra" and "Skene" are obscure, to me. Not impossible to pronounce, but unusual. If you're concerned about people being able to spell it just from hearing it, that might be an issue.

For me, personally, "Kitra Skene" sounds like a character from a fantasy novel. A really great and unique name, but too fanciful for an author's name.

(Interestingly, I chose the Danish spelling of "Hansen" (instead of the English "Hanson") because my real last name is Danish. I don't think the "sen" will be a major trip-up... but people misspell my real last name all the time. Too late to change it now, though!)

_________________
Website | Twitter | Instagram
My Patrons get free books and merch!
Latest Release: Aurelius (Red Rain #3.5)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 7:43 am 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: July 1st, 2010, 2:33 pm
Posts: 5053
Location: Smacking my rascally MC and wanting fish and chips.
Good points... *ponders* I'll keep digging, then. ;)

_________________
"Still, a great deal of light falls on everything." ―Vincent van Gogh
Chasing Woven Glass Through the Storm >> Uncoordinated


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 8:35 am 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 4:36 pm
Posts: 4360
Location: Following my Father through the wilderness of sojourning.
I chose it for the base language and meaning. I decided to only mention my pen middle name sometimes. :D

_________________
You can't spell grin without ̶gRIN
Words are my ̶bread and ̶butter.
http://unshakablegirl.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kitra-skene

Haud Retene Haud Reverte

All resemblance to persons, people, friends, relatives, quotes, cultures, artificial intelligences, inside jokes, pets, unclaimed personalities, sentient objects, extra-terrestrials, inter-terrestrials, and draperies living, dead, undead, or comatose in any of my work are purely coincidental, incidental, circumstantial, inadvertent, unplanned, unforeseen, and unintentional. There's seriously no way I was referring to you. Honest.

The story so far:
Birthright: Eleventh chapter pending. 28280 words.
Heritage: First chapter drafted.
Legacy: Character and plot development stage.
Get a feel for the land. Visit Lor-Amar today!

Other novels on the brain:
Quicksilver
Shen'oh Story
Crusoe's Star
War Blazer
Seven Arts Story
The Queen's Knave
Polarians
Exile Realms
All Librarians Are Secret Agents


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 1:07 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: October 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm
Posts: 8188
Location: Kansas City, MO
Riniel Jasmina wrote:
I chose it for the base language and meaning. I decided to only mention my pen middle name sometimes. :D


*curious* What language is it? What does it mean? Forgive me if you already said that somewhere in this thread... :P

My penname doesn't have a middle name...

_________________
Website | Twitter | Instagram
My Patrons get free books and merch!
Latest Release: Aurelius (Red Rain #3.5)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 5:04 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: December 14th, 2010, 12:45 am
Posts: 4970
Location: Australia
I don't think yours needs one, Philly. :)

_________________
❝ To pursue anything but the full measure of the glory of God's love is a wasted life. ❞ -- Joshua Eddy

BushMaid -- Bush, Bushy, Aussie.
Handlettering, Graphic & Logo Design
Click here to get in touch with me so I can design you awesome things!


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 5:31 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: October 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm
Posts: 8188
Location: Kansas City, MO
BushMaid wrote:
I don't think yours needs one, Philly. :)


That's what I figured. "Aubrey Hansen" is how I will display it, always, so I hoped I wouldn't have to think of a middle name! Because I have no idea what it would be if I needed one... :shock:

_________________
Website | Twitter | Instagram
My Patrons get free books and merch!
Latest Release: Aurelius (Red Rain #3.5)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 5:36 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: September 23rd, 2010, 3:42 pm
Posts: 9085
Philadelphia wrote:
BushMaid wrote:
I don't think yours needs one, Philly. :)


That's what I figured. "Aubrey Hansen" is how I will display it, always, so I hoped I wouldn't have to think of a middle name! Because I have no idea what it would be if I needed one... :shock:

Leah. ;)

_________________
~ Jonathan


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 6:01 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: March 17th, 2011, 3:19 am
Posts: 311
Location: Under the Southern Cross
BushMaid wrote:
My surname is Dutch, and every telemarketer that has rung here has got the pronunciation wrong. :roll: :D


Hey, Bushy, mine too! *shudders* And everyone pronounces it wrong. *groans* If I published under it I would be very... 'trackable'. Something I don't particularly want as there are relatively few people around with the same surname. We're all related to the same great-grandparents. :) For that reason I'll probably publish under a pen name. Especially as my novel themes are controversial and I don't want my relations laden with a bad reputation.

_________________
If we are unexcited Christians, we should go back and see what is wrong. –Francis Schaeffer


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 7:54 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: April 10th, 2011, 8:03 am
Posts: 539
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow...
Philadelphia wrote:
@Evenstar - while I like the ring of it, I agree that "Kiara" is slightly obscure. It also sounds somewhat young, inexperienced - like a teenager. Is this a name you can grow into? When you're 30 and are trying to write books for adults, are you still going to want to be youthful, fanciful "Kiara"? "Shore" is a great last name, though.


Agreed. Kiara's out, then. *Looks through US census for female names*

What do y'all think of Sienna? And can anyone come up with a suitable last name to match?

Calenmiriel wrote:
I pronounced Kiara: Kee-ar-uh. ><


It counts, Miri, not to worry! Seriously, it hardly makes any difference in pronunciation... It's just the "Kee" part that's important.


eru ~ You know, "Joyce" is a *very* famous author's name - James Joyce! I don't suppose you're related? {inevitable question, yes}

_________________
“The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa)

“I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams.” (Dr. Jonas Salk)

My Blog~ Of Faerie & Faith: A Christian Fantasy Blog


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 8:59 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 4:36 pm
Posts: 4360
Location: Following my Father through the wilderness of sojourning.
Philadelphia wrote:
Riniel Jasmina wrote:
I chose it for the base language and meaning. I decided to only mention my pen middle name sometimes. :D


*curious* What language is it? What does it mean? Forgive me if you already said that somewhere in this thread... :P

My penname doesn't have a middle name...



Well I can't tell you exactly what it means or the language because they're the same as my real name and I don't want to give it away... But Kitra has something to do with royalty, Talise has something to do with God and Skene has something to do with skills. ;) Hope that's descriptive.

_________________
You can't spell grin without ̶gRIN
Words are my ̶bread and ̶butter.
http://unshakablegirl.com/
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kitra-skene

Haud Retene Haud Reverte

All resemblance to persons, people, friends, relatives, quotes, cultures, artificial intelligences, inside jokes, pets, unclaimed personalities, sentient objects, extra-terrestrials, inter-terrestrials, and draperies living, dead, undead, or comatose in any of my work are purely coincidental, incidental, circumstantial, inadvertent, unplanned, unforeseen, and unintentional. There's seriously no way I was referring to you. Honest.

The story so far:
Birthright: Eleventh chapter pending. 28280 words.
Heritage: First chapter drafted.
Legacy: Character and plot development stage.
Get a feel for the land. Visit Lor-Amar today!

Other novels on the brain:
Quicksilver
Shen'oh Story
Crusoe's Star
War Blazer
Seven Arts Story
The Queen's Knave
Polarians
Exile Realms
All Librarians Are Secret Agents


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 9:17 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: September 8th, 2010, 10:11 am
Posts: 13933
Location: Where ever my computer happens to be.
I knew Zoe wasn't your real name. ;)

Good discussion, guys. I've always leaned more towards the real name, for reasons already stated by people. But I like seeing both sides of the discussion. Thanks for starting this thread, Jonathan.

_________________
Airianna Valenshia

The Rainbow in the Storm- My Blog

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)
The Diegosian Warrior, 15,000 (In Progress)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 9:30 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: October 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm
Posts: 8188
Location: Kansas City, MO
@Jonathan :roll:

@Evenstar - what about Sierra? That's common enough that people will know how to spell it just from the sound. It's pretty close to Sienna, but unique enough, IMO. Depends on the feel you're going for, though.

_________________
Website | Twitter | Instagram
My Patrons get free books and merch!
Latest Release: Aurelius (Red Rain #3.5)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 9:40 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: November 11th, 2010, 9:11 pm
Posts: 507
Location: The other side of the computer
I don't think I'll use a pen name... my sister might though... (200th post for me)

_________________
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
2 Timothy 1:12
"For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."

The Songs of Aldra: 50,753 words Finished with Nano.
The Songs of Aldra book 2: 8,537 something
Forbidden (name temporary): 12,000 something
Unnamed: 10 finished longhand pages(My sci-fi/fantasy story.)
number of articles written: 2
number published: 2
My blog: http://www.thesongsofaldra.blogspot.com/ <-------- clickie and follow. ^_^
2 Timothy 1:7
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Feel sad? Visit this thread: viewtopic.php?f=32&t=3739&p=71604#p71604


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 9:42 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: February 22nd, 2010, 10:42 am
Posts: 1310
Location: Behind you
My pen middle name is Mathias...if I didn't mention that already...little connection to my real name. ;)

Luke Mathias Alistar. Looong story behind where it came from. :P


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 9:48 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: December 14th, 2010, 12:45 am
Posts: 4970
Location: Australia
Luke, this is HolyWorlds. We live, eat, and breath long stories. ;)

_________________
❝ To pursue anything but the full measure of the glory of God's love is a wasted life. ❞ -- Joshua Eddy

BushMaid -- Bush, Bushy, Aussie.
Handlettering, Graphic & Logo Design
Click here to get in touch with me so I can design you awesome things!


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 18th, 2011, 10:38 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: October 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm
Posts: 8188
Location: Kansas City, MO
Well said, Aussie. ;)

Your pen-name-middle-name flows nicely, Luke. You've also chosen to use your middle name, or middle initial, when crediting your works. Me, I won't use a middle name, ever, so I don't need one. Every author has a style, and most of them have an established way they "display" their name/pen-name. Like J. R. R. Tolkien. That's how he's best known, because that's the way he chose to abbreviate his name.

_________________
Website | Twitter | Instagram
My Patrons get free books and merch!
Latest Release: Aurelius (Red Rain #3.5)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 19th, 2011, 11:29 am 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: February 22nd, 2010, 10:42 am
Posts: 1310
Location: Behind you
Want the long story? Okay. I'm concise so it might end up shorter than you'd expect...but sure.

When I was fifteen, we started going to a new church. There was a girl there who I liked, and it was right around the time when I started writing. So I did a lot of writing, thinking someday I might create something worthwhile and catch her attention.

Her name is Lucy (we're friends now and she's practically engaged to a cool guy), so in my first series of books (The Three Gadgeteers), I created a character named Lucy. Her last name starts with A and is five letters long...so I gave my character the last name Allen. Lucy's middle name is Marie, my character got the middle name Mariah.

She's in two of the four novellas I wrote, and they're really bad, but I learned a lot while writing them, especially about love. :P In the stories, Lucy Allen is a journalist, and when she meets the Three Gadgeteers (Mathew Montana, Steven Thompson, and Jacob Montana...named after me and my brothers), they become friends and eventually she starts writing about their incredible adventures. In the books, she's the one who wrote the books, so I had the bright idea to make a pen name of it...L. M. Allen.

Since I'm a guy, though, they obviously had to be boy names. I thought for a bit and decided on Luke, since it's the male form of Lucy (and I love it), and Mathias, since it's another form of Matthew.

Time passed, and I got better at writing and understanding the wild ways of the heart. The Three Gadgeteers passed into the archives of books I'll never publish, but my pen name stuck.

Then I tried to write a huge epic fantasy, and got about 30,000 words into it (my second epic fantasy that got that far before crashing miserably.) The main character was Prince Forlendo, the last prince of the elves. I needed a last name for him, and I really liked all the variations of Alexander...not to mention they mean 'protector of the people.' My brother was hunting for good names in the Bible and found Alistarchus or something like that. I saw that and took the beginning, maybe tweaking the spelling a bit, until I got Alistar.

Forlendo Alistar. It was my first username on here, my second username on the OYAN forum.

Well, when I tossed out that book, I liked the name Alistar so much that I wanted to keep it. But since it started with AL, I saw the similarity to my pen name, and I could keep the initials...so I made Alistar my pen name.

There you go. You're the first people on earth to hear this story. ;) And only three other people know who the girl I liked was...one of them is Lucy herself.


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 19th, 2011, 11:38 am 
Grease Monkeys
Grease Monkeys
User avatar

Joined: May 14th, 2010, 4:43 am
Posts: 4458
@Luke: Interesting. :)

I think I've decided to drop the pen name and just go with my real name: A. Andrew Joyce.

And no, I am not related to James Joyce :P

eru

_________________
I am a dreamer of big dreams: a student of wisdom, a reader of books, and a crafter of words. I am a servant of my Master who has rescued me. I am an adventurer, living my life to the fullest. Will you join me on this wild journey?


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 19th, 2011, 12:19 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: September 8th, 2010, 10:11 am
Posts: 13933
Location: Where ever my computer happens to be.
:shock: Wow, Luke... that was very in depth.

_________________
Airianna Valenshia

The Rainbow in the Storm- My Blog

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)
The Diegosian Warrior, 15,000 (In Progress)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 19th, 2011, 4:46 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: October 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm
Posts: 8188
Location: Kansas City, MO
@Evenstar - random about "Sienna"... When I read your post the other day, I thought to myself, "Wow, I've never heard of that name before! Huh, spellcheck thinks it's a real word... that's strange... I wonder what I don't know?" Later, at some weird hour, it occurred to me, "Idiot! It's a color! You know, like sienna brown?" :roll: So yeah. All of that to say, I think it's a unique name that would fit you. I might also recommend looking at other elegant/earthy names that start with S, as well as K. For some reason, I think those two starting letters would fit your personality well.

And now I shall probably think of you every time I see the word "sienna"... :D


*goes off to read Luke's long post*

_________________
Website | Twitter | Instagram
My Patrons get free books and merch!
Latest Release: Aurelius (Red Rain #3.5)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 19th, 2011, 4:48 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: December 14th, 2010, 12:45 am
Posts: 4970
Location: Australia
Wow, Luke! That's cool to have such a story behind your pen name! :cool: Thanks for telling! :D

_________________
❝ To pursue anything but the full measure of the glory of God's love is a wasted life. ❞ -- Joshua Eddy

BushMaid -- Bush, Bushy, Aussie.
Handlettering, Graphic & Logo Design
Click here to get in touch with me so I can design you awesome things!


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 19th, 2011, 6:11 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: April 10th, 2011, 8:03 am
Posts: 539
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow...
Philadelphia wrote:
@Evenstar - random about "Sienna"... When I read your post the other day, I thought to myself, "Wow, I've never heard of that name before! Huh, spellcheck thinks it's a real word... that's strange... I wonder what I don't know?" Later, at some weird hour, it occurred to me, "Idiot! It's a color! You know, like sienna brown?" :roll: So yeah. All of that to say, I think it's a unique name that would fit you. I might also recommend looking at other elegant/earthy names that start with S, as well as K. For some reason, I think those two starting letters would fit your personality well.

And now I shall probably think of you every time I see the word "sienna"... :D


Why thank you, Phili! As a matter of fact, my real name does start with a "k," so I'm not surprised ;) . Yep, Sienna is a color. And it would work really well as a name, too, except...it's rather reddish-brown! But in a similar vein of thought, how do you like Vienna?

And on the actual subject of pen names versus real names, I loved reading your long tale, Luke! That is quite the background!

_________________
“The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa)

“I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams.” (Dr. Jonas Salk)

My Blog~ Of Faerie & Faith: A Christian Fantasy Blog


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 19th, 2011, 8:36 pm 
Grease Monkeys
Grease Monkeys
User avatar

Joined: June 18th, 2010, 10:37 pm
Posts: 5545
Location: Kentucky
~Evenstar~ wrote:
But in a similar vein of thought, how do you like Vienna?


Italy. :?

I like Sienna better. I think it's cool. :D

_________________
Floyd was frozen where he stood. He struggled to breathe, but the air smelled of blood and death and guilt. He tried to formulate a name, to ask, but language was meaningless, and words would not come. He tried to scream but the sound got stuck in his heart, shattered into a million pieces, and scattered to the wind.

In a world without superheroes, who will stand against the forces of evil?


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 19th, 2011, 9:48 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: April 10th, 2011, 8:03 am
Posts: 539
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow...
Vanya Katerina Jaynin wrote:
~Evenstar~ wrote:
But in a similar vein of thought, how do you like Vienna?


Italy. :?

I like Sienna better. I think it's cool. :D


Austria, actually. :D Lovely city.

But I still need to come up with a good last name. For either. *drags feet and stares with trepidation at US census*

_________________
“The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa)

“I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams.” (Dr. Jonas Salk)

My Blog~ Of Faerie & Faith: A Christian Fantasy Blog


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 19th, 2011, 10:12 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: October 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm
Posts: 8188
Location: Kansas City, MO
@Evenstar - Sound of Music? :D Really, it's a lovely name, and it fits... just not quite as well as Sienna. Vienna is a little stuffier.

Too bad "Sienna Brown" would be corny, because it flows nicely. :roll:

_________________
Website | Twitter | Instagram
My Patrons get free books and merch!
Latest Release: Aurelius (Red Rain #3.5)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 20th, 2011, 1:02 am 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: April 10th, 2011, 8:03 am
Posts: 539
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow...
Philadelphia wrote:
@Evenstar - Sound of Music? :D Really, it's a lovely name, and it fits... just not quite as well as Sienna. Vienna is a little stuffier.

Too bad "Sienna Brown" would be corny, because it flows nicely. :roll:


I know, right? I was thinking, "Sienna White," "Sienna Gray," ... all these colors intruding on my solitary meditations! And they all sounded so lovely :(

_________________
“The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa)

“I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams.” (Dr. Jonas Salk)

My Blog~ Of Faerie & Faith: A Christian Fantasy Blog


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 20th, 2011, 4:12 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: October 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm
Posts: 8188
Location: Kansas City, MO
Oh! Oh! Evenstar! It hit me! What about "Sienna Woods"? Yes? Maybe? Too earthy?

_________________
Website | Twitter | Instagram
My Patrons get free books and merch!
Latest Release: Aurelius (Red Rain #3.5)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 20th, 2011, 5:29 pm 
Grease Monkeys
Grease Monkeys
User avatar

Joined: June 18th, 2010, 10:37 pm
Posts: 5545
Location: Kentucky
*headdesk*

I was thinking of Venice no doubt... I get all them there V named cities mixed up.

_________________
Floyd was frozen where he stood. He struggled to breathe, but the air smelled of blood and death and guilt. He tried to formulate a name, to ask, but language was meaningless, and words would not come. He tried to scream but the sound got stuck in his heart, shattered into a million pieces, and scattered to the wind.

In a world without superheroes, who will stand against the forces of evil?


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 20th, 2011, 6:26 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: April 10th, 2011, 8:03 am
Posts: 539
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow...
Philadelphia wrote:
Oh! Oh! Evenstar! It hit me! What about "Sienna Woods"? Yes? Maybe? Too earthy?


Oooh, I like that!! But is it too... I mean, does it sound... cheesy? No?

Vanya Katerina Jaynin wrote:
*headdesk*

I was thinking of Venice no doubt... I get all them there V named cities mixed up.


Yes indeed - I do it all the time. Verona, Venice, Vienna... :P

_________________
“The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa)

“I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams.” (Dr. Jonas Salk)

My Blog~ Of Faerie & Faith: A Christian Fantasy Blog


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 20th, 2011, 9:48 pm 
Writer
Writer
User avatar

Joined: May 18th, 2011, 6:21 pm
Posts: 27
I decided to write under my pen name 'Harvester of Pearls' because I really would like to live more of a private life with no threat of (perhaps?) creepy fans. :D
If someone was interested in knowing my real name they could look up the what the pen name translates into name wise. (I figured it out on a baby name site.) :)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 20th, 2011, 10:05 pm 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: October 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm
Posts: 8188
Location: Kansas City, MO
~Evenstar~ wrote:
Philadelphia wrote:
Oh! Oh! Evenstar! It hit me! What about "Sienna Woods"? Yes? Maybe? Too earthy?


Oooh, I like that!! But is it too... I mean, does it sound... cheesy? No?


I don't know... I'm having trouble wrapping my head around it. But I see what you're saying. :P Maybe something that rhymes with "wood" instead?

_________________
Website | Twitter | Instagram
My Patrons get free books and merch!
Latest Release: Aurelius (Red Rain #3.5)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 22nd, 2011, 9:33 am 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: April 19th, 2010, 8:33 pm
Posts: 2119
@Estar: What about something like Sienna Cross? (I'm not thinking about the color, just flowage opportunities.)

More ideas:

Sienna Moore
Sienna Reed
Sienna Hayes
Sienna West
Sienna Hart
Sienna Holt
Sienna Massey

_________________
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." ~Erma Bombeck

참을성~ (Persevere~)

My Tumbr blog: Persevere Always


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 22nd, 2011, 11:15 pm 
Foundational Member
Foundational Member
User avatar

Joined: April 10th, 2011, 8:03 am
Posts: 539
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow...
Calen!! *huge hug* thanks so much for brainstorming those awesome names!!!

I think I've got a lovely name, but not quite certain yet: Sienna North.

Well?

_________________
“The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa)

“I have had dreams and I have had nightmares, but I have conquered my nightmares because of my dreams.” (Dr. Jonas Salk)

My Blog~ Of Faerie & Faith: A Christian Fantasy Blog


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 23rd, 2011, 12:09 am 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: December 14th, 2010, 12:45 am
Posts: 4970
Location: Australia
I like it, Evenstar. :D

_________________
❝ To pursue anything but the full measure of the glory of God's love is a wasted life. ❞ -- Joshua Eddy

BushMaid -- Bush, Bushy, Aussie.
Handlettering, Graphic & Logo Design
Click here to get in touch with me so I can design you awesome things!


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Real Names Versus Pen Names
PostPosted: May 23rd, 2011, 9:56 am 
Captain
Captain
User avatar

Joined: October 3rd, 2010, 2:17 pm
Posts: 8188
Location: Kansas City, MO
Me too. :D I think Calen's suggestion of "Sienna West" might flow a TEENY TINY bit better, but both are very lovely. :D

_________________
Website | Twitter | Instagram
My Patrons get free books and merch!
Latest Release: Aurelius (Red Rain #3.5)


Top
 Offline Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic This topic is locked, you cannot edit posts or make further replies.  [ 267 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  Next


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: