Sunday, October 17, 2010

Pen Names, Yes or No?


As you may know, I've recently sold a historical romance novella.
It will be released under a pen name. I decided to use a pen name because I write in three genres and I want to keep each very seperate from the other.
What's your thoughts on pen names? Do you or would you use one?

8 comments:

  1. I'm using them, mostly for the readers' benefit. I'm writing in three genres as well, and though I gave up trying to keep mine secret (because I suck at that), I'm still going to use them so my romance readers don't get mad when they accidentally pick up a thriller/horror, and those who can handle the heat in my rom suspense don't get a serious shock at the material in my erotica. It's just an easy way of keeping things separate, IMO.

    It is a lot of work though...so I completely understand why others don't bother.

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  2. Since I have yet to be published in the other genres, I am not sure what names I will use. I've been thinking for literary fiction it will be my own name and for horror R.G. Randell.

    And I agree. It does keep things more seperate.

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  3. When you're writing in multiple genres, I believe that using a pen name is helpful. It can also get confusing, so I can understand why some people would not bother. But if I ever get published, I will probably use a pen name, because I also write in several genres.

    Is that about as clear as mud?

    ~KK~

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  4. At the moment I'm using my name (well, my middle name), but if I was to branch into other genres, I'd probably use one too, for the same reasons as you and others have given. :-)

    Adam

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  5. I use either my first and last name or my initials and last name for my flash fiction, poetry, and romance writing. I do have a pen-name picked out for when I branch out into erotica, but I haven't yet. If I branch out further, I'll probably come up with and additional pen name.:-)

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  6. I always said I would - then didn't. My aunt talked me out of it & I'm really wishing I used one. Think about it before it's in print & can't be changed :/

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  7. So far, I think pen names are right for me. I like my privacy and since my real name is rather unique, I don't always want to be identified with everything I write. Does that make sense?

    June, you could always use one for any books you publish from here onward.

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  8. I use one, but it's not that different. I keep my own surname and use just half of my first name. I didn't want to change my name entirely, but at the same time wanted to keep my writing seperate from my my 'regular' working life. I write chick-lit, but someday plan on writing in other genres, in which case I'll use a totally new pen name (and I have one at the ready!)

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