Pen names for persnickety people
When I was a child, I wanted to be called Peggy. I didn't know any Peggies, nor Margarets nor ever been close to having come in contact with a Peggy but for weeks I'd only answer to that moniker. Peggy is a fine name and since I wanted to escape the Cheerleader Barbie name that was stuck to me at birth I figured what could it hurt?
When I grew up and my writing developed, possible pen names started shouting at me for attention: Stella McNaughton (my great-grandmother), Lulu Finkelstein for my kidlit, Elizabeth [fill-in-the-blank, anything sounds good with Elizabeth]. But nothing stuck. As my maiden name wasn't usual *Isbell* but I was tired of spelling it for those who couldn't exorcise a vowel *No, not Isabell, dear* I looked forward to publishing under my married name. Graham. Do you have any idea how many flipping Grahams there are in the United States much less Britain? pfffffffftt.
So the search was on. First to go: Stacey. Sorry Mom. I've dallied with Piper, wooed Stella once more, flirted with Irelyn and even gave Penelope a go - but nothing stuck. I need one that reflects the real me. The real, redheaded badass (okay, I wrote bassass at first. So shoot me) that lurks underneath my formidable cupcake making skills.
How about Genevieve? Or... Mindy.
What names have you bandied about in your head to take over writing duties?
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Oh gosh, so many! But only really ridiculous ones. At least yours made a modicum of sense.
ReplyDeleteI wanted names like Cheyenne, Xanthe, Oscar, Roland, Red, Zye, Nuri, Gitano, Everest, Pwyl, Elliot, and probably more I can't remember.
They should never let me have children.
My poor children all have "y" is their names though not my idea. My husband decided it would be cute. Five children later, I still have a twitch spelling their names for their grandparents.
ReplyDeleteI am anti-that! Cutesy spellings like that need to die a slow and pain-filled death of pain.
ReplyDeletePffftt. Names change yearly so what was once a "normal" spelling morphs into something else ten years later. What may be cutesy now will be mainstream for our grandchildren and they won't think twice, Captain Zye. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'll probably stick with my first name, but I plan to go with my maiden last name. Not that it's a statement against my husband's family, but NOBODY seems to pronounce the name correctly. My middle name is a no-brainer. (much like a zombie!)
ReplyDeleteSassafras McHalibut.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny. Penelope is always the name that shoots out of my mouth first. I don't particularly like it, but it's there nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteIt's the gift that keeps on giving, Mel. I have no idea why it keeps coming up aside from me having my daughter say, "Penny-lope" so I can giggle.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I believe I have a last name: Button. I'm already thinking of the logos. ;)
ReplyDeleteBeatrix Button?
I think I'll stick with my own name...well, my new name once I'm married. I think. I don't know...I want to have my name out there, ya know? We'll see. I've got a long way to go. Although, I love choosing names...oooh...Sassafras McHalibut makes me laugh! Love it!
ReplyDeleteLisa stole my super secret name! Beatrix Sassafras McHalibut Button. Is nothing sacred?
ReplyDeleteMeh. I can always go back to Boogers McGoo.