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Should I use a pen name?

  • 18-04-2013 02:56PM
    #1
    johnolocher
    Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭


    I am just starting writing and I am wondering should I use a pen name? First I am a professional and I'm not sure it would be helpful when I am publishing financial reports in my name but then writing about people f*cking in the same name! I am not saying I will ever get big, thats not my goal, but it would be nice if when my clients googled me it was my professional work/ blogs that came up if that makes sense?

    But at the same time my name isn't difficult to pronounce (it isnt my user name), it actually sounds ok for my genre, I like it and it would be pretty awesome if I ever publish a book to see my actual name.

    Pros and cons?


Comments

  • #2
    alfa beta
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 763 ✭✭✭alfa beta


    same boat here

    I plan to self-publish first novel later this year (or hey you never know, maybe even get it published by one of those elusive and unpredictable things they call publishing companies)

    thing is: it's got its fair share of sex, violence and the usual ingredients required to make a thriller...

    and the other thing: is I'm heavily involved in voluntary work with my kids primary school...

    I can just imagine some parents tut-tutting (and maybe more) should they find themselves online or in a bookstore and flicking through the pages of the latest Irish bestseller (I mean my book, in case you're wondering!!)

    So ya....it's tricky.

    I'm erring on the pen-name side of things at the mo. But I really would like to write under my own name. It's who I am I guess, and I'd like people to know me as I am - but I'm just not sure what the consequences would be - if there would be any at all.


  • #3
    EileenG
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,775 ✭✭✭EileenG


    Unless you have a very unusual name, the chances are that there are dozens of people with the same name as yourself out there.

    Unless you go around telling people that you write books, then there's no reason anyone would imagine that the Joe Smith who writes the dirty books is the same one who prepares the financial reports of the PTA.

    If you are self-publishing, it will probably be through Amazon.com, so unless you announce on the book page that you are an Irish PTA treasturer, there's no reason for anyone to connect.

    By all means, use a pen name if you want, but I wouldn't worry too much about becoming notorious if you publish under your own name.


  • #4
    johnolocher
    Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭johnolocher


    EileenG wrote: »
    Unless you have a very unusual name, the chances are that there are dozens of people with the same name as yourself out there.

    Unless you go around telling people that you write books, then there's no reason anyone would imagine that the Joe Smith who writes the dirty books is the same one who prepares the financial reports of the PTA.

    If you are self-publishing, it will probably be through Amazon.com, so unless you announce on the book page that you are an Irish PTA treasturer, there's no reason for anyone to connect.

    By all means, use a pen name if you want, but I wouldn't worry too much about becoming notorious if you publish under your own name.

    That's cool but I do have a really unusual surname (although its easy to pronounce) I am literally the only person in Ireland with this surname (it's non Irish)


  • #5
    johnolocher
    Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭johnolocher


    alfa beta wrote: »
    same boat here

    I plan to self-publish first novel later this year (or hey you never know, maybe even get it published by one of those elusive and unpredictable things they call publishing companies)

    thing is: it's got its fair share of sex, violence and the usual ingredients required to make a thriller...

    and the other thing: is I'm heavily involved in voluntary work with my kids primary school...

    I can just imagine some parents tut-tutting (and maybe more) should they find themselves online or in a bookstore and flicking through the pages of the latest Irish bestseller (I mean my book, in case you're wondering!!)

    So ya....it's tricky.

    I'm erring on the pen-name side of things at the mo. But I really would like to write under my own name. It's who I am I guess, and I'd like people to know me as I am - but I'm just not sure what the consequences would be - if there would be any at all.

    Yeah I would say you have more cause than me especially if your working with children, it could damage your reputation. I understand though, it'd be nice to see your real name up there!


  • #6
    --Kaiser--
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,461 ✭✭✭--Kaiser--


    Yeah, 'John Biro' has a nice ring to it


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  • #7
    echo beach
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,252 ✭✭✭echo beach


    EileenG wrote: »

    By all means, use a pen name if you want, but I wouldn't worry too much about becoming notorious if you publish under your own name.

    Advice from one who knows. Eileen hasn't been run out of the country or burnt at the stake despite the 'adult' content of her work.
    Ireland isn't what it once was. That is a pity or a relief depending on your point of view.


  • #8
    EileenG
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,775 ✭✭✭EileenG


    echo beach wrote: »
    Advice from one who knows. Eileen hasn't been run out of the country or burnt at the stake despite the 'adult' content of her work.
    Ireland isn't what it once was. That is a pity or a relief depending on your point of view.

    Thanks.

    The truth is that most people will not read your book. The ones who do read it will nearly all enjoy books in that genre, so they won't be complaining that there is adult content. The majority of people, if they are actually aware that you have written a book, will just be impressed and suggest that the life of their granny should be the subject of your next book.

    Unless your book has a title like "Dirty Filthy Porn!!!" most people won't know or care what is actually in it.


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