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Joined: 3/4/2011
Posts: 58
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As you may have guessed, Ellie Isis isn't my real name. It's one of several pen names I've been kicking around and trying to choose from.
I'm a middle school teacher by day, so my science fiction/romance could cause me some grief in my rather conservative small town and school. Hence, the need for a pen name. I'm not thrilled with the idea of being unable to openly flaunt a future book sale, but unless my writing career really takes off, I'll definitely need to keep my day job.
I'm also having a hard time choosing between names. I'm considering Ellie Isis, Ellie Iris, and Ellie Ire (my personal favorite, but someone said the 'anger' factor wasn't romancey enough).
So, which would you choose? Also, do any of you use pen names, and if so, how did you come to have one and select yours?
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Joined: 3/11/2011
Posts: 156
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My real last name is Smith. When I checked Amazon years ago, there was already an author listed by my full name -- first, middle and last. This isn't unusual for Smiths. Particularly when my first and middle name are commonly used together -- Tina Marie. So I needed a pen name, and I've always been happy to dump the Smith part. Dees was my grandmother's maiden name, so I took it and my middle name for a pen name.
The nice thing about a pen name is that it provides a bit of separation between me and the author me. So I can be more public on sites like Facebook without having to worry about someone using my "personal" info. The Marie Dees version of me has no bank account, no credit cards, no SSN, no birth certificate.
Though one recommendation - choose a pen name you will remember to answer to at a conference. It can be amusing to watch friends forget who they are. Having been called "Tina Marie" a lot, I'm used to answering to Marie.
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Joined: 3/13/2011
Posts: 102
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I write under three names because my writing has three distinct target audiences that I don't want to be responsible for overlapping.
For my harder core erotica I went with Amber Willow, a name I would choose as my "porn name".
I also write mainstream fiction for children and adults. Although it didn't really matter to me which I went with for these two, I chose my maiden name for an adult audience because I am writing romance and Marcie Walker is a known enough name in that field (although I am not she). I use my married name, Marcie Schwindt, for my younger audience.
Even though only one of those names is on my driver's license, they are all me.
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Joined: 3/12/2011
Posts: 40
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I use a pen name because one genre I write is erotica and I live with and around conservative people. One tip I was given when choosing a pseudonym is pick something close enough to your real name that you'd answer to it if someone called you. Either a nickname you had or same first name different last name, mother's maiden name, something familiar. Odds are it'll never be an issue, but if I ever do get introduced by my pen name, it'd be nice to know it's me they're talking about.
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Joined: 3/15/2011
Posts: 2
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lol, I chose a pen name because it's my own personal pet peeve having my actual last name butchered. Rather than correct people, I would rather something easy to say, spell, and remember.
kwim?
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Joined: 3/14/2011
Posts: 226
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I use a pen name for similar reasons - I write erotica and romance. As a psychology professor, I really didn't want to get into ethical issues when it came to sex scenes and my students (or former patients) maybe reading them. Ick.
I have been using "Noelle" as a pen name since I started writing, and all my online, writing-related stuff is through that name. If someone tried to Google my real name, they'd get a lot on a Hollywood actress who has the same name, but with an additional letter on her surname. Plus, by choosing a last name, I know where my books would be on the shelves--and it's strategically next to a NYT Bestseller. *grin*
The only catch is how to introduce myself when I meet people in person (at conferences, for example). For all the official memberships, I register with my real name, so I go through a mini identity crisis when someone asks me my name. LOL
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Joined: 3/14/2011
Posts: 49
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I debated about this issue for awhile. I'm relatively well-known in the tech blogging industry under my real name, and I have a book that will be coming out later this year under that name, related to web design. So I wasn't sure whether it was a good idea to also release my fiction under the same name.
To compound problems, I write in a few different genres (fantasy, sci-fi, mainstream/commercial, literary, women's fiction, and I've been planning on doing some romance, and maybe historical fiction as well). So I really wasn't sure whether I should have multiple pen names, or just one, or what.
Finally, I just settled on using my real name for everything. If I ever cross over into doing erotica, I'd likely use a pen name. The same goes for children's books. But for now, everything's going out under my real name.
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Joined: 3/3/2011
Posts: 21
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Talked to a few published authors who have used pen names. One of them said he changed it because his last name was basically unpronouncable. The other told me he chose a pen name to write in different genres.
However, they told me to choose a last name that starts with a letter early in the alphabet because books are often looked at alphabetically. (I think this is in reference to book stores, not sure how applicable it is in the digital age--but hey!)
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Joined: 3/12/2011
Posts: 376
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I went with my real name because I already *have* one internet alias, and it caused me grief at conventions for the reasons mentioned. I don't respond to someone saying "Kenny" in RL, even though I'll 'hear' it as my name online.
An interesting side point; I teach, and I spoke with one of my teaching course instructors (who specializes in education law) about whether I should be worried for my 'day job'.
His response was pithy and basically indicated that people deliberately behaving stupidly deserve to lose money. I'm paraphrasing, but in the state where I teach, it's legally actionable to fire a teacher for having a second profession, so long as that profession is legal. More to the point, he pointed out that having a published author on staff is a *huge* coup for any school below the college level.
Just about the entire staff at my school knows I write now. I'm actually running the school's extracirricular creative writing program, which started with NaNo YWP 2010.
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Joined: 3/13/2011
Posts: 412
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For the longest time, I intended to use a couple of pen names for different types of writing, a sci fi fantasy name, a mystery name, a non fiction name. I recently abandoned the idea, not sure why.
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Joined: 3/11/2011
Posts: 6
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My dream is that I get to stick with my real name throughout my writing career; I'm vain enough to want to keep my name on every book I write. Realistically, though, I do write in different genres, and I know there are a couple of other folks out there producing written material (technical documents, but still written materials) who have the same name I do, so a pen name may be in order at some point.
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Joined: 3/17/2011
Posts: 4
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I decided on a pseudonym to establish branding recognition. I use one name for writing books, stories, and screenplays; another for writing and performing music. Being known as a "writer who's also a singer" (or vice-versa) works for some people, but it really turned me off.
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Joined: 3/15/2011
Posts: 2
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Ellie, out of your selections, I liked "Ire" the best as well. If the connotation of anger is holding you back, had you thought of extending it (e.g., "Ireland")?
---
Edit: You may be shocked to learn that I am not actually a striped box dotted by a single red drop. I know, crazy, but nonetheless.
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Joined: 3/9/2011
Posts: 16
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I am one of those writers with a couple different names already and for a few specific reasons. The main reason I decided on ever having a pen name is because my real name is generic and common. It's not quite as common as Smith but it's not far behind either. And my first and middle names are also common, alone and combined. So, I decided my "real" name would be used if I do anything in nonfiction but for fiction, I needed something else.
Over 5 years ago, when I was really starting to write, I came up with Dawn Embers. Dawn is my middle name and Embers was influenced by my first name. I've had the years to get used to it with writing sites and blogs to help me.
On top of having a common name, I also write in several genres. This includes writing YA and m/m romance/erotica (not combined, I promise). So, those need to be separated. The romance/erotica writing isn't my main focus, but I think I'll go with a name that doesn't necessarily suggest a gender, considering I write m/m for gay males. Though, in my first (and only so far) online interview the blogger posted the interview and said I was a male fantasy writer, and the name they had was Dawn Embers.
For me, it did help to have some link to my real name. Though I may have to practice signing those names in the future. I'm not worried yet because I'm still working on drafts and haven't sent out a submission. But if I ever get published, I may have to get used to signing with my pen name.
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Joined: 3/16/2011
Posts: 214
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I rather like my great-grandmother's name, Magdalene. It's the only remotely common name in my family line (Solange, Clementine, Celestine, Otille). Paired with another family name, which is decidedly French but short and easy to pronounce. I feel strongly about using a name that means something to me -- not just one that I made up because I liked the sound of it.
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Joined: 4/2/2011
Posts: 5
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My mother still get my married name right after 25 years. I get Christmas cards for people that known me for decades -- and they've misspelled my married name.
I'm working on an adult werewolf novel. I'm considering writing a YA werewolf too. I would probably release the YA under a different name just because I wouldn't want people trying to jam the two vastly different universes together (and they will....they've tried with other novels of mine.)
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Joined: 3/13/2011
Posts: 412
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So, I have an opposite conundrum. I use the name Leaking Pen, or The Leaking Pen (it was my first writers critters type online group i ran back in the 90's) as a username lots of places. Less than I used to, but if I've had an account on a webforum since before 2004, its likely Leaking Pen.
On one of those forums, I'm taking over scripting duties on a webcomic that was going to stop being produced. Everyone there knows me as Leaking Pen, and call me that, and in fact the new "artist" for the webcomic is being called DyPen (a combination of my username and the name of the person who will be doing the art from my scripts.)
Part of me really wants to NOT use the pen name (no... uhh, pun intended) on the comic, but put my real name in. Part of me thinks that thats kinda ... arrogant?
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Joined: 3/7/2011
Posts: 13
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Wow, I'm so glad I'm not the only person doing this.
I don't know if you noticed my name? Yeah... it's my real one. Since I'm seriously in the top 3 names in the country I use two pen-names, both of which are used to stand out. If you Google my real name I'm in ZERO of the results.
I've even googled my name using personal data and I can't find me. 
So I use two names, one for YA and one for not.
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Joined: 3/16/2011
Posts: 279
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I'm not using a pen name. Maybe I'll change my mind, but only one other professional has the same name as I do. The gal is a professional golfer who keeps sic'ing her lawyer on me, trying to bully me to turn over my website addy.
Whatever you pick for a name, make sure you get the website address secured before submitting.
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Joined: 3/13/2011
Posts: 412
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Void, trademark the name. Then, if she gets the same thing but dot something different, YOU can bully HER. hehehehe.
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Joined: 3/16/2011
Posts: 279
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Alexander, I admire your creativity, but I think I'll pass on that. Knowing my luck she'd go all Tiger Woods on me and chase me down with a golf club.
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Joined: 3/7/2011
Posts: 38
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I intend to use a pen name. The reason is simple -- no one can pronounce my last name properly without knowing how.
I will probably use part of my real name, like maiden name, so I can remember, "Oh yeah, that's me."
I think it will also make a separation between my personal life and my identity as a writer that keeps my family out of the fray.
Ellie, I like Ellie Isis.
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Joined: 3/13/2011
Posts: 412
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You could always pull a chef boyardee. His name was boiardi, and he changed the spelling so that he knew people were saying it correctly.
And, out of curiosity, how IS your last name pronounced? Ive got it mentally ad De-Joy-ah
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Joined: 4/25/2011
Posts: 6
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I use a version of my real name as my "writing name." It's not as much a pen name as just a way to separate my writing life (RL, online, cons) from my Day Job and personal responsibilities.
I thought about pen names and decided i'm too much of a narcissist to put someone else's name on my book. Unless an editor says I have to, in which case I'm all for it.
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Joined: 4/26/2011
Posts: 4
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I am working on getting my second book published. The first did not do very well on the digital printing market. My second book is a contemporary romance, and as I do not know how a male name will look on a romance novel, I am thinking of using a female alias.
The first name I came up with is Charlotte Browne. I identify heavily with Charlie Brown of Peanuts. The second name I came up with is Molly McGill. This is after the Molly Mcquires. I am a person who writes to make a point on social commentary. I added a slight change to the last name because I hate violence.
So, maybe picking out a name from some real or fictional character you identify with and changing it a bit to avoid copy write problems.
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Joined: 4/26/2011
Posts: 25
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My cousin Robert Sterling also writes and has even edited a couple of books. However, 95% of what I have published is under my real name. There are SO many different thoughts on these matters. I think it's a business decision that writers should talk out, and run by a lot of others before making a final decision. I can honestly say I've never put my name on something that I felt was not appropriate or embarrassing years later. Because I have only published one real novel under my real name, the other books which I published under pseudonym (different from pen name) were because of contractual/business reasons.
But I can think of one way that a person starting out writing might use a pen name that wouldn't be a business decision entirely, and that might help a writer feel more free about what they are writing. When I first started writing, I considered that maybe a topic, idea, story event or character would offend family or friends. This hasn't happened, probably because what seems controversial to me isn't at all controversial in the broad scheme of things. But I did plenty of self-editing. I think maybe a "pen name" could help a writer be more creative in that it's automatically a persona. When a book is written in a type of narration or "storytelling voice," it's best to remember that "the author is not you." A pen name would help in adopting a unique persona to tell a unique story. I think if I had thought of that before, maybe I would have been more adventuresome with my own writing.
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Joined: 4/25/2011
Posts: 6
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And then today brings us a story of parents someplace in PA, upset that a schoolteacher published steamy romance novels:
http://www.wnep.com/wnep-sny-parents-buranich-english-teacher-writes-racy-novels-20110426,0,4057307.story
The parents seem to be wingnuts who are completely overreacting, in my opinion, but it's also a lesson that a mere pen name may not be enough to create safe distances.
One of my friends that writes under a pen name has the book copyrighted in her real name. She doesn't do it for security reasons, but it's led me to always check.
Another writes different types of romances under different pen names, but if you go far enough back on her livejournal, suddenly she's referred to by her real name in various comments.
I guess my takeaway message for other new(er) authors--don't think that just putting a different name on the work will provide you with distance/anonymity/security if that's the reason you're looking for the change.
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Joined: 3/30/2011
Posts: 9
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Personally I use a pen name purely out of coincidence. I've had a bad experience with a stalker showing up where I worked with gun when I was using my real name online.
So through out the years I've used various names online for different things. But "Cassandra" has been the name I've used for the past decade or so. I even answer to "Cass" when people say it in the grocery store.
When I made the decision to see if anyone would bother to read something I wrote I used Cassandra Stryffe just out of habit.
If you're thinking of using a pen name, I'd suggest making it a name you have no problem absorbing into your everyday life. It's so important now for authors to be available to their audience via various social media that you have be prepared to think of yourself as that person.
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Joined: 3/16/2011
Posts: 279
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I didn't even realize until today when I was on a call, I do use an alias to a certain degree. My horse/genetics/college stuff is done under my maiden name. I even use a different facebook page so I don't have to deal with people arguing genetic variants on my wall.
The matter of the teacher coming under fire for writing erotica, it's enough to make anyone go for a pen name. Our teachers are underpaid, overworked and now your personal life is under a microscope? No wonder people aren't rushing to sign up.
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Joined: 3/4/2011
Posts: 58
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Well, thanks for all the feedback. The teacher thing has me spooked, since that's exactly my issue. I don't write erotica, but my romance scenes don't pull punches, either. I know a pen name is no guarantee to keeping my anonymity, but at least it won't make it easy for people.
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Joined: 4/28/2011
Posts: 11
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I've long considered using a pen name. I write fantasy, and there's a fantasy author on the shelves right now with the same first name and a similar last name (same first initial, same length); I'm a little concerned (should I ever get published) that people could get us confused. Plus, there's the issue of writing things that aren't fully socially acceptable, like others have mentioned.
I debated this pretty hard when I joined this site, actually. I wound up using my real initials and last name; didn't seem like there would be any harm in using that here, at least, even if I wind up trying to get things published under a pen name.
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Joined: 4/26/2011
Posts: 25
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@Ava - I think I might know how to pronounce your last name, because of my friendly acquaintance Dana Gioia. Dana is the former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, and is a wonderful poet and scholar. http://www.danagioia.net/
His name is pronounced "Joy-uh" - and he spells it out on his website. I'm pointing this up because it's a well-known person with a similar name to yours and he might have given you a little help in helping readers to pronounce your real last name . . .
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Joined: 4/28/2011
Posts: 24
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I remember being at a mystery writer's conference where the subject of pen names came up. I may be telling the story wrong, but I think Jeremiah Healey claimed he chose the pen name of Terry Devane because he noticed that the books at eye level in most bookstores were written by authors whose last name started with D. He figured if his books were in a customer's field of vision, it might help sales.
I have used a pod-name for podcasts and have considered using a pen name because people have trouble 1) pronouncing, 2) spelling and 3) correctly remembering my last name.
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Joined: 5/2/2011
Posts: 59
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I will likely end up using my own name, as Hollingshead doesn't pop up too often and even Alexandra isn't attached to many big name authors. The only Hollingshead I know of is a Brit I mostly associate with journalism, and certainly not my genre. Hell, my married name is Alexandra Smith, which in spite of the surname, only turns up one other author, and certainly not one in my field.
But... I admit, for what I am writing, a more gender neutral name might be advantageous. I considered Charlie Meadows for a while, but I'd think more on it if my publisher agreed a pen name would be a good idea.
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Joined: 5/3/2011
Posts: 7
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I use a pen name simply because if I use my real name my first name is very French and my last name is very English and slapped onto a book cover it looks very strange, and if I use my first and middle - both French, its just too dreamy. I wanted something that could cross genres, where I could write for both children and adults without one sounding too childish or the other being ridiculously hard to pronounce.
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Joined: 5/3/2011
Posts: 5
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I knew I would have to use some type of pen name since my legal name would be butchered by mispronunciation. The question was what on earth would I choose? I got lucky. I am the owner of 4 names, so I decided I would choose two of them and run with it. Thus Elaine Turner was created! It wasn't until later I realized that there is a whole retailer/designer by the same name, but I felt like it was too late to try and change things, so I tacked "The Writer" on the end of everything, LOL.
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Joined: 3/13/2011
Posts: 412
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Alex, I'm afraid as is people might confuse you and me at first glance!
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Joined: 3/29/2011
Posts: 43
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I don't have a pen name. I'm using my real name. I remember asking about pen names and pseudonyms in an egroup, a few years ago, and what should it be. I do write thrillers and romantic suspense. I would only use a pen name for RS, if I went that route. What do you think?
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Joined: 5/2/2011
Posts: 59
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I am afraid you're right, fellow Alex. I would stick to my married name, but most humorously, my fiance's name is Alexander, so it is lose:lose. Guess I should think up a good pen name, eh? 
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Joined: 5/4/2011
Posts: 19
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In the internet age, pen names are really important. I chose one that's easy to remember, spell, and most importantly had a free .com url. Likewise, it was available for twitter, goodreads, and facebook. It's no longer enough to just rely on amazon, social media needs to be part of the larger equation. Plus, that way you can avoid having to add your middle name later if your real name is taken. I know it sucks to think about, but when your trying to sell your writing, it must be considered a product. Your pen name is your brand. I really like mine also since it means 'little dragon.'
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Joined: 5/2/2011
Posts: 59
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Online, I just go by Ophiucha, if not my real name. I don't think pen names are necessarily any more important now than they were twenty years ago, particularly given it would take all of fifteen seconds of Googling to figure out that Ophiucha = Alexandra Victoria Hollingshead.
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Joined: 5/21/2011
Posts: 8
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I use a pen name for same reason as a lot of other people on here, it sounds like: I write in a couple different genres and want to keep my readers seperate. But one thing came out of adopting a psuedonym that really surprised me. After I took on my pen name, I wrote more in all my genres and felt freer about doing it. Somehow, having a second identity dividing the genres I write in brought me a sense of security in all of them and I became more prolific as a result.
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Joined: 3/7/2011
Posts: 12
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I've been on the fence for a while about pen names. I bought two domains names for two different pen names. They're just parked there right now, pointing to my active website. But I have them.
After the whole Judy Mays incident, and hearing several authors talk about incidents in which they've been harassed in real life, I've pretty much decided that I'll be taking a pen name. I'm not planning on hiding that it's a pen name, but I think it's really for my own peace of mind. Maybe it won't really do any good. I don't know. I will feel better, though.
For now, however, I'm hanging out with my real name, and when it comes time to make that decision for real, I will.
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Joined: 3/7/2011
Posts: 15
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My pen name is Samantha Jane. My first and middle names. People have called me that alot, so I will definitely answer to it. I dropped the "Goddard," b/c, while proud of the name, Samantha Jane just sounds romancier.Way less characters to tweet.
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Joined: 6/21/2011
Posts: 5
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This is a fascinating topic. I had this same dilemma even while joining the site, and a lot of previous posters brought up issues with choosing a name I hadn't even thought of. And now, as I think of ones I really like, I search them and find that somebody's beat me to them and are already published authors-- or porn stars, haha.
So my question is, if you decide to use a pseudonym, how does that get worked into the agent/publishing process? Do you use the name in the query as your own or what? Because I can make up a name, but I can't sign contracts or open bank accounts with it...
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Joined: 4/28/2011
Posts: 13
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I've known I wanted a penname because my real name is just too common, but I didn't figure out which penname I wanted until I joined Book Country and stared at the display name blank for a while.
My internet handle has been 'kherezae' for many years, but I wanted an easily readable penname, so I finally decided on breaking it down into two names: Karrie Zai. 
Melissa, from what I've read publishers will be clear on your penname if you put "(Real Name) writing as (Pen Name)" on your manuscript.
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Joined: 3/16/2011
Posts: 214
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@Karrie -- My name is just way too DULL. It's doesn't fall into the Susan Smith territory, but it's pretty darned close.
I've sort of decided that I love the name Leilena as a first name, should I go the Nom de plume route. I fell in love with the movie "Reality Bites," and the Leleina character was *so* me during that time. I could totally relate to her.
But if I get a publisher and/or agent, I'd rather they hash that out for me or give me some direction. I'm not precious about the pen name.
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Joined: 6/21/2011
Posts: 5
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@Karrie: That makes sense. I just wasn't sure and don't want to do anything to make me look like a rookie when querying, etc. (Even though I am, in fact, a rookie.) Thanks!
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Joined: 8/7/2011
Posts: 6
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I recently wrote about pen names in a blog in conjunction with an interview I did with thriller writer C.E. Lawrence. Here is the link: http://bit.ly/n24HC6
Pen names have been used for a variety of reasons over the centuries and serve different purposes.
There are collaborative pen names representing multiple authors such as Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew Mysteries) and Franklin W. Dixon (The Hardy Boys).
There are pen names used by writers you know like Richard Bachman (Stephen King) and J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts).
Pen names have been used either by the choice of the writer or by demand of the publisher. Even J.K. Rowling ran into this situation with her publisher re: Harry Potter. (PS - she doesn't really have a middle name - no "K" in real life).
I hope this article will help you and others to better understand pen names.
Warmly,
~ Jennifer
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Joined: 2/27/2011
Posts: 353
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Bumping up for new members to see.
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