This topic has come up more than once, but never gotten its own thread... until now.

Some authors write under their real name. Some decide to use a pen name. Which are you planning to do, and why? Or, if you have already been published, which did you choose to go with?

Some authors even write under both their own name and a pen name, or under multiple pen names, when they write in different genres. Is that something you have considered doing?

I'm only writing under Matthew Lauser and Luke Alistar. Mostly Alistar.

Why did you decide to write mostly under Luke Alistar?

I like it...and I don't particularly want to be famous with my real name.

What specifically makes you feel that way?

I would prefer real names to pen names. When reading, it's harder to find out what else the author has written if they don't go by their real name; especially when they go under multiple pen names. One pen name is not so bad.

The exception I would have to that, would be when the "author" is a part of the story they've written. (i.e. A Series of Unfortunate Events contain the author's character "Lemony Snickett")

I would use my real name if I got published. I would want whoever bought my book to know that it was the real me writing it. My name stands for who I am, and you can get an impression of what someone is like through their name. I think names are very important. If I used a pen name, it would not relate to people who the person I am is as well as my own name. (for example, "Emily Grey" sounds like an entirely different personality to "Bianca Myles".)

It may sound a bit over the top, but that's why I'd use my real name. I'd hate to disappoint a child fan running up to me shouting my name when it really wasn't my name.

If I ever publish my dragon story, I want to go by Elmirza Senorza, because I'd rather not be known. . . That may sound silly, but I just don't want everyone knowing who I am. I'm not supposed to tell anyone here my full name (parents' rule) but I'd want the HW'S to see it, that's part of the reason too.
On the other hand, if I ever publish my poetry, I want to use my real name.

I use a pen name when crediting and promoting my writing. I blog under it, tweet under it, and subscribe all my credits with it. I sign my emails with it and use that name on writing-related forums. Some of my business contacts know me only by that name.

I chose to use a pen name - which was a decision reached with my parents' involvement - for security. Using a pen name affords some privacy for my real name and identity, especially online. As I build a credit list and my writing (Lord-willing) gains popularity, my pen name will become my writer-identity, while my family and private life remains separate and uncomplicated.

By the same token, using a pen name allowed me to pick a name that reflected my writing's essence. I picked a name that suited both me and my writing style while being easy to spell and remember. Unique enough to become a "brand name" of sorts, but not too obscure. I intentionally picked a pen name that reflected me yet "sounded" like a commercially viable screenwriter/author.

At this time, I plan to use only one pen name, even though my works are diverse. Using only one allows me to promote my writing more effectively by connecting my credits.

For the record, my pen name is Aubrey Hansen.

I like your pen name, Philly. It's very you. I'd probably have a hard time picking a name to reflect me (outside of "BushMaid", that is ).

For me, I love my first name but I have an unfortunate last name {unfortunate being an illegal activity, actually}, so I wouldn't want to use my full name for my writing. I've considered using a pen name that's quite similar yet slightly different, and I've also considered an entirely different name. This is one of the issues I need to straighten out before launching my blog .

However, it's true that an obviously made-up/fantasy-type name sounds possibly immature and unreliable.

I write under my first and middle name, but I don't use my last name (due to the fact that it is atrocious). I really like the way my two names sound together, though, so I decided to go with them. Plus, they have nice meaningful backgrounds which suit me well.

I understand that sentiment, especially about readers knowing it is the "real" you.

Every time I can remember finding out someone's name was a pen name I felt a little disappointment, bordering being tricked. I don't think they're trying to trick me or be dishonest, but I can't help but feel a little deceived - even if done for security, elegance, etc. That being said, I think it would be kind of fun to write under a pen name if I wanted to go outside the box of my brand. Mine might be Spike Grady (honoring my grandfather's nickname for me, and my mom's maiden name), or maybe even Spike O'Grady...idk.

I would prefer to just go by Tim Ward on my books, but that name is already purchased as a domain by a prominent illustrator in CA and I doubt it will be dropped anytime soon. The closest I could come in buying a domain was TimothyCWard.com, so it seems I should stick with that.

Yes. It's a "this is me, not me pretending to be someone else who can write a good story" kind of thing for me.


That's exactly how I feel, adding to the feeling with the knowledge if they have more then one pen name. It makes you wonder who the real author is. You feel cheated out of the enjoyment of knowing that whoever wrote that story is a real person.

I don't think I need a pen name, so why bother? I think it would be kind of cool to be recognized by your real name when you happen to give it.Agreed, especially because I didn't know pen names existed until I found out that someone I always called by their pen name had a "real" one. I was a little kid, and felt very confused.

I've always thought that I would use my real name (for the reasons y'all already gave ), but, unfortunately, I have a famous cousin with the same last name... and I would rather not be associated with him.

But I haven't really decided yet; I figured I have a while before I'd need a pen name.

I don't mean to start a debate over the merit of pen names, because I totally understand every one on here's reason for wanting one. In your case I'd likely do the same. I'm waiting for people to quote the part right after where I say I think it would be cool to use one, just to show the other side. When Rob Treskillard told me his last name wasn't Treskillard, I thought "Oh, really?" but then when he told me his real name I understood and think Treskillard is a very cool pen name. The disappointment wears off, especially when a cool pen name is used.

I completely understand everyone's reasonings in favor of real names. I, personally, don't have any problem with knowing people by a fake name. Partly because I understand why they'd use one, and partly because I myself have tons of nicknames. Some days I am called more often by one of my alter egos than I am by my real name! They're all pieces of me.

Some people have very "writerly" given names. To me, "Tim Ward" (or a variant thereof) sounds like an author. It makes a good byline. Some people, as they've mentioned, have problematic or difficult given names. For them, it's a wise choice to use a pen name. My real name isn't exactly unwriterly, but my pen name has a much stronger marketable essence, in my opinion.

Thanks, Aussie.

I write under my real name for no better reason than that I never even considered a pen name. I'm not sure I even understood the concept. I do use my middle name, but then I've taken up the habit of using my middle name as much as possible. Part of my reason for using my middle name is that my first is so short, and it also helps set people straight about nicknames. Katie Lynn Daniels is clearly my full name, so it forestalls the typical "Are you a Katherine?" questions.

I've only considered writing under a pen name once... but the reasons are complicated, and I've had too many people tell me it's probably a copyright violation and I don't agree, but the entire project is kind of in limbo right now anyway.

I'd always use my real name, not a pen name. I don't have a problem with pen names either though, I just wouldn't choose to use one.

I use my middle name as much as possible if only because it's my given name.

For many years I went under the pseudo Uriah T. Weston, and planned on getting published w/ it. Now that name only exists on the Rebelution forum and a few scattered internet accounts.

I'm still on the fence as to real name or pen name. Were I to use my pen name I would use A. Andrew Joyce, or maybe even just Andrew Joyce, since that is a brand which I've already begun to build with ITB/Psalm 139:23/Google Buzz.

If I were to use a pen name it would be a modification of my real name: J. Arthur Andrews.

eru

"Treskillard" is a pen name. I chose this over my given name because very-very few people can either spell or pronounce my given name, which is of Czech origin.

Treskillard is an old Cornish village name that my ancestors used as an alias to differentiate themselves from other branches of the family in the 1600's. It's at least in the family, you might say.

So ... in the end it was a marketing decision. I wanted people to be able to search for me and find me. Also, there is no one alive anymore with Treskillard, so I was able to get Treskillard.com ... I "own" this name in Google.

My daughter, Adele, agreed with me on this, and since she began writing a fantasy novel the same month I did back in 2006, she took the pen name as well. So that makes it kind of fun.

I have to say, though, that it makes things complicated! Life would be easier without having to explain it to people.

-Robert

Well, you know Ted Dekker? He had to swear the pastor of his church to secrecy about him going there.

If there's any chance that I could become that well known, I don't want to be associated with some mighty author by my real name. I can still be Matthew Mark Lauser, a normal guy, in my normal life.

Luke Mathias Alistar will be my buffer from the world. I'm well versed at using more than one name. It would be simple to introduce myself as Matthew when I don't want to be recognized as an author, and Luke when I do.

And besides that, the name Luke Mathias Alistar has some sentimental value...

I'm probably going to use my real name. I have considered a pen name for privacy reasons such as Luke noted, though that it can be complicated as Treskillard noted and not quite feel right as others have noted are considerations. Also, a pen name doesn't appear to offer much security for a successful author in our current technological age.

I've had several pen names that I went through over the years... None of them have been used yet. I don't know if I'll end up using one or not... It would depend. If I did use one, it would probably end up being "Jeriah E Meyd", or something like that. I always liked the name.

Using a pen name doesn't offer a lot of security, but it does offer an extra buffer of privacy.

My reasons for going under a pen name (Neil Michael) rather than my real name (Christian Jordan Michael Wright, for you FaceBook types, sorry if I don't respond to your friend request for a couple months) are many.

1. Privacy: Rather than swearing my pastor to secrecy about my identity, I'll just never bring it up. If he asks if I've ever heard of myself, I'll say, "Yeah, that Michael guy is some author, eh?"

2. Marketing. Neither my legal name, nor my given name are particular "catchy". Neil Michael, on the other hand, sounds somewhat memorable.

3. Efficiency: I already go by separate legal and given names. Rather than confuse the readers (and possibly my future editor), the lawyers can use my legal name (Christian) and the publishers can use my pen name.

4. When you already have three official names, you might as well add a fourth! (It makes me easy to track down on FaceBook.)

I'm still debating the pen name thing. I have an unusual last name so I'd love to put it on the map. On the flip side, my dad works in network security (or lack thereof) so my real (uncommon) name would be very easy to track (seriously, google me )

I'd love a pen name for a number of reasons. I've made a million nick-names for myself over time but none of them really caught on, with a pen name I'd have one that would stay and keep me under the radar. At the same time I'm a little proud so I'd want people to know the work was mine...

The meaning thing bothered me so I chose an alias that meant the same thing, so if you ever find a book written by a Kitra Talise Skene (or variation therein) I'll autograph it for you.

I will probably use my real name. I haven't ever given a lot of thought to it, but I'd prefer to not have to explain it to all my friends and family. I don't have any particular problems with a pen name, I just don't think it's going to be the route I'll take.

I can understand why you would do that. My surname is Dutch, and every telemarketer that has rung here has got the pronunciation wrong.

I share that plus side of an odd name. You can always tell friend from foe.

Haha, I'm really good with supposedly impossible last names. It's kind of a challenge to myself to be able to pronounce them correctly, and preferably spell them. (It makes me curious what yours is, Treskillard.)

I was challenged to pronounce the Polish name of a friend after having only known him a month. Of about a dozen people I was the only one who knew his last name, pronounced it correctly, and then spelled it on demand.

Of course, my mom is Dutch, so maybe I'm just used to unpronounceable things.

I use a pen name, Molly Evangeline. Molly is my true first name, but my last name, while not really hard to pronounce, is long and not very authorly sounding.

I never considered using a pen name until I published my first book. My mom came up to me one day and asked if I thought of doing that. We both agreed I didn't really want my real name all over the internet. My first thoughts after that were, "Okay . . . so what in the world should my pen name be?" (I was kind of on a deadline because my book would soon go to print. Yikes.) But I prayed about it, and a few hours later I looked at my mom and said, "How about Molly Evangeline?" I can't even remember now how I got around to that, but it fits me and my writing perfectly, and now I answer to it as easily as my real name. One other reason I thought it would be nice is when (Lord willing) I get married someday, my author name won't change and confuse my readers.

True!!

That is another benefit to a pen name - when you get married, you don't necessarily need to change your pen name. If you're using your real name and have already built up a writerly identity for that name, having to change it, or having to start using a hyphenated last name, could be a drawback and hurt promotion.

As some have mentioned, I think one plus to picking a pen name is being able to choose a name that is unique enough to stand out yet easy enough to pronounce and spell. If people can't remember how to spell your name, they might have trouble finding you!

Only for girls, though, of course.

Yeah, like Emma Donoghue...that's a weird spelling. I couldn't find her in the library records because I couldn't remember the spelling.

I understand the benefit of pen names, but at the same time it's almost confusing. And there's always the "What? That's not their real name? O.o" reaction... it makes you a bit paranoid when you notice that someone is going by a fake name.

If I ever end up published (which I probably won't), I'll just use my real name. That'd be so far in the future that by that point I'd be old enough that internet security (if there even is such a thing by then) won't be as much of an issue. And although I'm known by a couple of different (user)names online I still like people to have a real name to associate with the person they're talking to, even if it's just a first name.

I use my pen name/pseudonym (Zoe M. Scrivener) primarily for privacy purposes. Unfortunately, my real name is scattered all over the internet. In addition, both my first and last name are unwieldy and difficult to pronounce. The name meaning is also special to me.

Lots of very good points for us undecided to consider. I just ran across another reason to consider a pen name: when an author sharing your name is already published, or worse has racy material. I just found out that Tim Ward is an author that has published some weird Buddhist oriented fantasy that has racy titles. I found his website and see that he hasn't done anything since 06', so there isn't much to worry about, but this is another consideration. I wish he didn't still own a domain my readers might find by accident, but hey, that's why I've got Timothy C to go by.

I'm of the same mindset as Phili and Makilien.

Some of the reasons I'd rather keep a pen name is:

1. )While I can understand others concerns about living under a false name, I would rather keep my personal life separate from my writing life. I don't want my family to deal with any questions like, "Are you related to _____ ______?" *shrug* Not sure if that would actually happen, but I like to be on the safe side.

3.) My true first name is really uncommon. It would be very easy to find me on the internet. (If someone spells it correctly.) It's also extremely difficult for most people to pronounce. (I usually need to pronounce it a few times and give examples on how to pronounce the first two letters together.)

3.) I don't think my name sounds very authorish.

My pen name is Twyla Brooks. I chose that name because...while I was labeling envelopes at work, one of the recipient's names was Twyla and I really liked it. Then I looked up the symbolism. It means "Woven Of Double-Thread", and in my head I'm thinking, "my life and God's life intertwined." It sounds sort of silly, but I like it. I chose the last name Brooks because it's a somewhat popular last name and it flowed well with Twyla. ^^

My two cents. ;D

~Calen

It doesn't sound silly to me.

Aw, thanks, Jonathan. >///<

Nay, I agree. Your pen name is lovely, authorly, and very suitable for you and the character of your works, Almond!

That's sad, Tim, because I think "Tim Ward" makes a great author name! I didn't run a thorough search for my pen name before picking it, but thankfully, I don't appear to share it with anyone famous. I did stumble across the website for an academic writer with the same name, only it was "Hanson" with an "o," but for the most part, if you run a search for "Aubrey Hansen," a lot of what comes up on the first few pages is me. Twittering and blogging seem to shove you up the search rankings.

I love your pen name, Calen. And the meaning is beautiful!

Me neither. I love it. Very much.

Thank you all for your kind feedback. *blushing*

I agree with Phili, Tim Ward sounds like a great author name. ^^

Aubrey Hansen
Twyla Brooks
Luke Alistar

Lots of awesome names here.

We could form a society!

Wait, we kind of already are...

Random idea - what would y'all say to having a directory that matches username with penname/real name (whichever one people use to label their books)? Would that pose a security hazard for anyone? I was just thinking it would help everyone keep track of each other, and be able to find each other's books when they're published!

I like the idea, since I will probably use a pen name.

I like it too!