Okay, I admit it. As of late, I have been a very bad blogger. I havent been posting regularly and I certainly haven't been keeping up with anyone else's posts. But I have a reason. And that reason involves mortgage companies.
I know, I know. I should make a posting schedule and stick to it. But let's be real. I have barely worked on a project in weeks. And we all know how seriously I take procrastinating.
So, what have I been up to?
Contemplating pen names, that's what! No, not my own, but pen names in general. How many of you write under a pen name, or will when the book deals come rolling in?
There are so many things to consider. One, whether or not the name is already in use, and not just by another author. It's important to know whether a certain picture or face will come to mind when someone uses your pen name. If that image belongs to a particularly limber member of the adult film industry, you might want to rethink your choice.
Two, it needs to be a name you can write with ease. We've all pictured those long lines of people crammed into your local book store, all waiting for your John Hancock. You know they'll throw a dust jacket on it the minute they get home and start planning the ebay add. They'll look at your signature on the title page of your first edition and see dollar signs.
But how awkward would it be if you couldn't sign your pen name, or worse, it took forever? Short names can be scribbled with ease, meaning your work will get to your adoring fans faster. This is always a plus.
Third, and possibly with the greatest chance of embarassment, it should be a name you respond do. There's nothing more terrifying than the idea of standing backstage on Oprah (or whatever show you choose) and missing your cue because you forgot your own name. This is obviously an exreme example, but there's the potential for red cheeks in lesser situations. It would be equally horrifying if your agent tried to get your attention at a dinner party in order to introduce you to someone important, who otherwise might have loved you and promoted your work had you shown a little interest, and you totally miss it. It's not really like you can say, "No! It's not you! I just forgot who I was." Not the best impression.
What's the verdict? Google. Practice signing your new name (as I'm sure we all have) when you're satisfied that you won't be confused with serial rapist, and choose a name familiar to you.
Keep that in mind and you can't go wrong ;)
-Liz
I know, I know. I should make a posting schedule and stick to it. But let's be real. I have barely worked on a project in weeks. And we all know how seriously I take procrastinating.
So, what have I been up to?
Contemplating pen names, that's what! No, not my own, but pen names in general. How many of you write under a pen name, or will when the book deals come rolling in?
There are so many things to consider. One, whether or not the name is already in use, and not just by another author. It's important to know whether a certain picture or face will come to mind when someone uses your pen name. If that image belongs to a particularly limber member of the adult film industry, you might want to rethink your choice.
Two, it needs to be a name you can write with ease. We've all pictured those long lines of people crammed into your local book store, all waiting for your John Hancock. You know they'll throw a dust jacket on it the minute they get home and start planning the ebay add. They'll look at your signature on the title page of your first edition and see dollar signs.
But how awkward would it be if you couldn't sign your pen name, or worse, it took forever? Short names can be scribbled with ease, meaning your work will get to your adoring fans faster. This is always a plus.
Third, and possibly with the greatest chance of embarassment, it should be a name you respond do. There's nothing more terrifying than the idea of standing backstage on Oprah (or whatever show you choose) and missing your cue because you forgot your own name. This is obviously an exreme example, but there's the potential for red cheeks in lesser situations. It would be equally horrifying if your agent tried to get your attention at a dinner party in order to introduce you to someone important, who otherwise might have loved you and promoted your work had you shown a little interest, and you totally miss it. It's not really like you can say, "No! It's not you! I just forgot who I was." Not the best impression.
What's the verdict? Google. Practice signing your new name (as I'm sure we all have) when you're satisfied that you won't be confused with serial rapist, and choose a name familiar to you.
Keep that in mind and you can't go wrong ;)
-Liz
I'm frequently a bad blogger. It's ok. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the mortgage companies!
Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'll try to work on that procrastination thing...