N.R. Wick's Blog, page 10
July 27, 2011
Cover Reveal: The Undertaking
Coming this August! I'm officially announcing my next short story from Dark Ascension: A Demon Anthology. It will be available in ebook formats on August 15th. Check out the awesome cover below.
Joanna used to be a star gymnast at her high school. She had a great social life and perfect grades until nasty rumors about her mysterious pregnancy forced her parents to rip her from school and away from her friends. Now she's close to giving birth and strange things are happening to her. Disturbing thoughts plague her mind while she fights the burning desire to harm people. Worst of all, a sinister man is stalking her. Does he know what happened to her the night of the party that resulted in her pregnancy? Or will Joanna kill someone before her baby's born?
The Undertaking is a young adult short story at approximately 5,000 words or 21 pages long.
Also, for anyone who is interested: I designed the cover myself using stock images from IQuitCountingStock and tkrain-stock of deviantART.com
Links to their stock galleries:
http://IQuitCountingStock.deviantart.com
http://tkrain-stock.deviantart.com/
Joanna used to be a star gymnast at her high school. She had a great social life and perfect grades until nasty rumors about her mysterious pregnancy forced her parents to rip her from school and away from her friends. Now she's close to giving birth and strange things are happening to her. Disturbing thoughts plague her mind while she fights the burning desire to harm people. Worst of all, a sinister man is stalking her. Does he know what happened to her the night of the party that resulted in her pregnancy? Or will Joanna kill someone before her baby's born?The Undertaking is a young adult short story at approximately 5,000 words or 21 pages long.
Also, for anyone who is interested: I designed the cover myself using stock images from IQuitCountingStock and tkrain-stock of deviantART.com
Links to their stock galleries:
http://IQuitCountingStock.deviantart.com
http://tkrain-stock.deviantart.com/
July 18, 2011
Creating a Book Trailer
The last couple days, I've been creating a book trailer. I know I'm behind on my writing and I'm sure it's just my way to procrastinate, but I think after the nightmarish week I had that I just needed a break and I needed to do something a little different. I read an entire book in one day (which isn't shocking for me, just not something I've done in a while) and I started a book trailer. It's been a blast working on it, and I thought it could be fun to write a blog post about how I tackled the book trailer while I wait for artists to get back to me.
The first thing I did was browse deviantART(dA) for images that I thought would be useful. Links to the images I liked or chose when onto a page in my Land of No Angels Scrivener file, then I took the images to use as place holders. I used about 5 images and have one or two additional ones that I kept as back-ups in case the artists didn't want me using the images. When I decided for sure which ones would be needed in the trailer, I contacted the artists on dA asking permission to use them in my book trailer that will be posted to youtube.
Let's sidetrack for a second to talk about dA and about images and permission and all that good stuff. Before I became an author, I was an artist (click on the art link in the menu bar to see some of what I did) and you know one of the biggest pet peeves of artists is? People jacking their artwork without asking. It's kind of the same for writers, right? Well, some people seem to think that if it's on the internet and/or you can find it by searching google, then it's free use. This is not the case. There are copyright laws in place that do not allow people to randomly take and use images off the internet. And let's face it, it's just plain rude. Plenty of people try to justify it and act like it's no big deal, but it is. Always find the artist and ask for permission, even when it's photography. Always.
As for why I went with dA instead of a stock photography place, there are two reasons. The first is that there is a higher likelihood of being able to use the images for free as long as I credit the artists and link to their work, and second I needed images of demons and apocalyptic settings. It's not exactly easy to find those is stock photography and nothing beats the artsy feel of beautifully crafted artwork and photo manipulations. Yes, I have to wait to upload the finished project until the artists agree to let me use their images, and yes, may have to change some of the images if I'm rejected, but for the most part dA artists are pretty cool and don't usually have a problem as long as you give credit and links.
Anyway, back to the trailer. After I found the images, I wanted to find the perfect background music. It took a bit of time, but I found something I thought fit. Two pieces of royalty free music that I found on Flash Kit. They fit together perfectly and I went through using Audacity (or Cacophony) and spliced them together, did a little looping, and had what I wanted. Husband loved it. It was kind of dark metal, rock, grungy sort of tune, but my best friend (who's also one of my crit partners) didn't like it. She sent me over to Incompetech and we found something that possibly fit better. It's about 38 seconds long and I think it works.
With those parts finished, I needed to script my trailer. This was the hardest part for me. I struggled and struggled and went crazy over how to entice people, get the story across, be interesting without rehashing my book blurb, and have something that worked. I was able to get the first couple of lines out okay. It took a while, but the second half just would not work. There was so much to say about Rebecca and Errol and the adventure and the horror and everything. In the end, I decided that less is more in this case. Cool imagery, good music, and intriguing text that doesn't give too much away are perfect. But, the script took hours to decide on and I hadn't even finished it while I was working on the actual trailer.
Which brings me to how I made the trailer. For this, I used Flash. When there are so many easy programs to use and even ones online that allow you to quickly and easily set up a movie, why did I choose flash? Well, several reasons. I'm familiar with flash. I know how to use it the way I want. Before I was an author, part of my artsy job(s) was to use flash. Worked on a film using Flash, created educational graphics with Flash. All of that fun stuff. So, it was a comfort thing. Some people may use animoto or windows movie maker, but I'm on a mac and I have/know Flash. So, it was the most convenient and easiest option for me.
After spending half of yesterday working on the trailer, it's mostly finished. I'm working out some kinks and I'm adding/syncing the music properly. The only thing left is for the artists to give me permission to use their work and it will be ready to upload. I can't wait to share it with everyone, though.
[READER RESPONSE] Have you ever created a book trailer for your favourite book? Or maybe your own book? Some people like to make music videos too, have you ever done that before? If so, tell us about it!
The first thing I did was browse deviantART(dA) for images that I thought would be useful. Links to the images I liked or chose when onto a page in my Land of No Angels Scrivener file, then I took the images to use as place holders. I used about 5 images and have one or two additional ones that I kept as back-ups in case the artists didn't want me using the images. When I decided for sure which ones would be needed in the trailer, I contacted the artists on dA asking permission to use them in my book trailer that will be posted to youtube.
Let's sidetrack for a second to talk about dA and about images and permission and all that good stuff. Before I became an author, I was an artist (click on the art link in the menu bar to see some of what I did) and you know one of the biggest pet peeves of artists is? People jacking their artwork without asking. It's kind of the same for writers, right? Well, some people seem to think that if it's on the internet and/or you can find it by searching google, then it's free use. This is not the case. There are copyright laws in place that do not allow people to randomly take and use images off the internet. And let's face it, it's just plain rude. Plenty of people try to justify it and act like it's no big deal, but it is. Always find the artist and ask for permission, even when it's photography. Always.
As for why I went with dA instead of a stock photography place, there are two reasons. The first is that there is a higher likelihood of being able to use the images for free as long as I credit the artists and link to their work, and second I needed images of demons and apocalyptic settings. It's not exactly easy to find those is stock photography and nothing beats the artsy feel of beautifully crafted artwork and photo manipulations. Yes, I have to wait to upload the finished project until the artists agree to let me use their images, and yes, may have to change some of the images if I'm rejected, but for the most part dA artists are pretty cool and don't usually have a problem as long as you give credit and links.
Anyway, back to the trailer. After I found the images, I wanted to find the perfect background music. It took a bit of time, but I found something I thought fit. Two pieces of royalty free music that I found on Flash Kit. They fit together perfectly and I went through using Audacity (or Cacophony) and spliced them together, did a little looping, and had what I wanted. Husband loved it. It was kind of dark metal, rock, grungy sort of tune, but my best friend (who's also one of my crit partners) didn't like it. She sent me over to Incompetech and we found something that possibly fit better. It's about 38 seconds long and I think it works.
With those parts finished, I needed to script my trailer. This was the hardest part for me. I struggled and struggled and went crazy over how to entice people, get the story across, be interesting without rehashing my book blurb, and have something that worked. I was able to get the first couple of lines out okay. It took a while, but the second half just would not work. There was so much to say about Rebecca and Errol and the adventure and the horror and everything. In the end, I decided that less is more in this case. Cool imagery, good music, and intriguing text that doesn't give too much away are perfect. But, the script took hours to decide on and I hadn't even finished it while I was working on the actual trailer.
Which brings me to how I made the trailer. For this, I used Flash. When there are so many easy programs to use and even ones online that allow you to quickly and easily set up a movie, why did I choose flash? Well, several reasons. I'm familiar with flash. I know how to use it the way I want. Before I was an author, part of my artsy job(s) was to use flash. Worked on a film using Flash, created educational graphics with Flash. All of that fun stuff. So, it was a comfort thing. Some people may use animoto or windows movie maker, but I'm on a mac and I have/know Flash. So, it was the most convenient and easiest option for me.
After spending half of yesterday working on the trailer, it's mostly finished. I'm working out some kinks and I'm adding/syncing the music properly. The only thing left is for the artists to give me permission to use their work and it will be ready to upload. I can't wait to share it with everyone, though.
[READER RESPONSE] Have you ever created a book trailer for your favourite book? Or maybe your own book? Some people like to make music videos too, have you ever done that before? If so, tell us about it!
July 5, 2011
Writing Challenges
This month, and probably next month, I'm involved with a few writing challenges. Not only am I participating in Camp NaNoWriMo, I'm also participating in A Round of Words in 80 Days.
My goal for Camp is to write 50,000 words in 31 days, while my ROW80 goal is to write a minimum of 1,613 words a day but to aim for 2,000 words a day until I finish this book, then use the rest of the time to type it up and edit like crazy (I'm sure I'll be adding a huge amount of words during the type up since I edit so heavily). These are both pretty doable goals and it will be fantastic because I will have finished writing the sequel to Land of No Angels.
Why do I participate in these challenges? Well, a lot of it has to do with accountability. If I'm a part of something where others are in the same boat as I am, then there's a sense of camaraderie and I have more reason to keep pushing myself to get things done. Also, challenges are fun. You get to see what everyone else is doing, how their doing, and it's just fun to tell people about how you're doing some amazing thing.
Something I've been considering as a way to "up the stakes", as they say, is to maybe become sponsored. NaNoWriMo has this thing where you can become sponsored and have people donate money to the Office of Letters and Lights (the gang who run NaNoWriMo) so they can keep their awesome programs running. The only reason I haven't yet is because I'd like to prove I can win one first. Also, I don't think anyone would donate. Not anyone I know of. How sad is that? It's not their fault, it's mine. So, for now I'm just sticking to the regular "let's write 50,000 words in a month" thing.
READER RESPONSE: Do you participate in any challenges, whether it be writing or art or even sports? Why do you do it and what do you get out of it?
My goal for Camp is to write 50,000 words in 31 days, while my ROW80 goal is to write a minimum of 1,613 words a day but to aim for 2,000 words a day until I finish this book, then use the rest of the time to type it up and edit like crazy (I'm sure I'll be adding a huge amount of words during the type up since I edit so heavily). These are both pretty doable goals and it will be fantastic because I will have finished writing the sequel to Land of No Angels.
Why do I participate in these challenges? Well, a lot of it has to do with accountability. If I'm a part of something where others are in the same boat as I am, then there's a sense of camaraderie and I have more reason to keep pushing myself to get things done. Also, challenges are fun. You get to see what everyone else is doing, how their doing, and it's just fun to tell people about how you're doing some amazing thing.
Something I've been considering as a way to "up the stakes", as they say, is to maybe become sponsored. NaNoWriMo has this thing where you can become sponsored and have people donate money to the Office of Letters and Lights (the gang who run NaNoWriMo) so they can keep their awesome programs running. The only reason I haven't yet is because I'd like to prove I can win one first. Also, I don't think anyone would donate. Not anyone I know of. How sad is that? It's not their fault, it's mine. So, for now I'm just sticking to the regular "let's write 50,000 words in a month" thing.
READER RESPONSE: Do you participate in any challenges, whether it be writing or art or even sports? Why do you do it and what do you get out of it?
June 19, 2011
The Great INDIE Summer Read Giveaway - International!
So, between June 15th and July 31st, Coffee Mugged is hosting giveaway of epic proportions. There are 100 books to giveaway and they are all by indie authors, including my own Land of No Angels. Yes, you read that right: 100 BOOKS. Awesome right? Most of them are ebooks, but I recall seeing a few print copies in there too. There's nothing cooler than winning free books, right? RIGHT!
Click here is you want a quick peek at the list of books.
The grand prize winner will get 10 books, and many people will win at least one book as long as there are books available. How cool is that? Very! Best of all, the giveaway is open internationally. Also, there are tons of ways to add extra entries, so be sure to keep up with the daily giveaway posts. If you are as excited as I am, then you should hurry and go sign up! Click on the logo at the top of this post or the logo on the sidebar to the right of this post and enter!
June 6, 2011
Ebook for Land of No Angels is now available!
I'm thrilled to announce that Land of No Angels is finally available in ebook format through Amazon and through Smashwords. Sadly, Barnes and Noble is having an issue with something on their end that is making the B&N version unavailable right now, but hopefully it will be fixed soon. Luckily, if you own a nook, you can still order the epub version on Smashwords until B&N get their butts in gear.
+Download Land of No Angels for Kindle on Amazon.com
+Download Land of No Angels from Smashwords (file types include epub, mobi, pdf, html, rtf, and others.)
The print version of Land of No Angels should be available next week through Amazon, and likely Barnes & Noble, as long as it's not still messed up. Also, there is still a giveaway going on at GoodReads for copies of Land of No Angels. It's ending on the 13th and I'm giving away three copies! Be sure to sign up if you want to enter to win a copy! There's a link on the side bar to the right.
+Download Land of No Angels for Kindle on Amazon.com+Download Land of No Angels from Smashwords (file types include epub, mobi, pdf, html, rtf, and others.)
The print version of Land of No Angels should be available next week through Amazon, and likely Barnes & Noble, as long as it's not still messed up. Also, there is still a giveaway going on at GoodReads for copies of Land of No Angels. It's ending on the 13th and I'm giving away three copies! Be sure to sign up if you want to enter to win a copy! There's a link on the side bar to the right.
June 5, 2011
Outlining
I wanted to write a post on outlining today because I've spent the last week or so working on the outline for the sequel to Land of No Angels. And since tomorrow is the start of my 75,000 words in 45 days marathon, I suppose it would be good to talk about outlining.
There are many different ways to outline something. Some people choose not to outline at all (generally called "flying by the seat of your pants" or "pantsing", while others use a very meticulous outlining method called the Snowflake Method or the equally tedious Phase Outlining Method. I'm not going to tell anyone which option is right or wrong, because it would be pointless, but I will tell you that I personally outline everything I do whether it be a short story, a school essay, or a full length novel. That's just how I roll. It works for me because I don't like feeling around in the dark. Too much time will be wasted having me sit there staring at my screen if I don't have some sort of clue.
Even though I am a plotter/outliner, it doesn't mean I go crazy. I don't used any of the methods I mention above because I find them tedious and insane. There's something fun about discovering certain things along the way while still maintaining a sense of structure. Basically, I'll plot out the whole book with a series of plot points, scene points, and other important notes. Once I begin writing the story, I will read through some of the outline in order to know what's going on. Then I will write the scenes and chapter. Sometimes I look back at the outline, others I don't.
When I wrote the outline for Land of No Angels, I'd done a lot of note taking on the post-apocalyptic world. I wrote up a five page outline on it too, but in the end I barely looked at. If I were to compare the original outline to an outline of the actual book and the differences would be immense. In fact, I took a look at the old outline a couple days ago (days before the ebook release date) and realised how many things I forgot to add because they didn't flow with the natural current of the story. Additionally, in the original outline there was a lot less conflict. Everything seemed to be solved with ease and nothing was hard to overcome. But as I wrote the actual story, conflict naturally appeared. A lot of conflict.
So, outlining is always where I start and it's a great thing, but never feel tied down to it. It's kind of the best of both worlds and I intend to keep using this method until it grows into the perfect method.
[Reader Response] Do you outline? Why or why not? What's your pre-writing process?
There are many different ways to outline something. Some people choose not to outline at all (generally called "flying by the seat of your pants" or "pantsing", while others use a very meticulous outlining method called the Snowflake Method or the equally tedious Phase Outlining Method. I'm not going to tell anyone which option is right or wrong, because it would be pointless, but I will tell you that I personally outline everything I do whether it be a short story, a school essay, or a full length novel. That's just how I roll. It works for me because I don't like feeling around in the dark. Too much time will be wasted having me sit there staring at my screen if I don't have some sort of clue.
Even though I am a plotter/outliner, it doesn't mean I go crazy. I don't used any of the methods I mention above because I find them tedious and insane. There's something fun about discovering certain things along the way while still maintaining a sense of structure. Basically, I'll plot out the whole book with a series of plot points, scene points, and other important notes. Once I begin writing the story, I will read through some of the outline in order to know what's going on. Then I will write the scenes and chapter. Sometimes I look back at the outline, others I don't.
When I wrote the outline for Land of No Angels, I'd done a lot of note taking on the post-apocalyptic world. I wrote up a five page outline on it too, but in the end I barely looked at. If I were to compare the original outline to an outline of the actual book and the differences would be immense. In fact, I took a look at the old outline a couple days ago (days before the ebook release date) and realised how many things I forgot to add because they didn't flow with the natural current of the story. Additionally, in the original outline there was a lot less conflict. Everything seemed to be solved with ease and nothing was hard to overcome. But as I wrote the actual story, conflict naturally appeared. A lot of conflict.
So, outlining is always where I start and it's a great thing, but never feel tied down to it. It's kind of the best of both worlds and I intend to keep using this method until it grows into the perfect method.
[Reader Response] Do you outline? Why or why not? What's your pre-writing process?
May 25, 2011
I have proof!
A proof copy, that is! Muwahahaha! Yes, I received the first proof copy for Land of No Angels and it looks amazing! The artwork is beautiful, the colour perfect, and the interior is so great. I'm quite pleased with the font I chose and the way the inside looks. Now, Husband and I have to go through it with a fine comb to make sure that everything was copied correctly and to double check any spelling or grammar mistakes. It's all very exciting! So, I've posted a couple of pictures for you to see!
Also, before I finish this entry, I'm holding a contest over at GoodReads! I'm giving away THREE (3) copies of the physical book. So, sign up for the contest on the GoodReads website. There's a link to it in the sidebar of this webpage, so go on and enter already! Look for more giveaways coming up in a couple weeks here on this site, and on twitter! I'll be giving away another copy or two of the print book and several copies of the ebook.
Also, before I finish this entry, I'm holding a contest over at GoodReads! I'm giving away THREE (3) copies of the physical book. So, sign up for the contest on the GoodReads website. There's a link to it in the sidebar of this webpage, so go on and enter already! Look for more giveaways coming up in a couple weeks here on this site, and on twitter! I'll be giving away another copy or two of the print book and several copies of the ebook.
May 21, 2011
Accountability
Today I want to talk about accountability, mainly because I have to have accountability to get things done. I'm a serious procrastinator when it comes to difficult tasks or tasks I don't really enjoy, so it's important for me to hold myself accountable. The difficult thing with this, though, is finding the most effective way to do so.
For example, when I'm doing work for homework, it's easier to get things done because I know my grade depends on it. I also know that I will see results pretty soon after, so it helps me understand that if I choose not to do whatever it is, then I will hurt myself in the long run.
It's also easier when I have a project that is important to someone else. For example, when I was working on edits for my book that needed to get out to a beta reader by a certain time, I knew that I couldn't screw around. If I took too long, then she'd lose her window of opportunity to read it without having to pile it on top of other projects. Since I didn't want to burden her with excess work, I was able to use accountability to get it done on time.
What about a project that has only myself to worry about, though? I still struggle with this. I have a writing timeline that I need to follow if I want to get my stories and books out when I say they should be out. What happens if I don't stick to the timeline? Nothing. Not really, anyway. Nothing really happens because I don't get a bad grade because of it or fail to keep a promise to a friend. There is no visible waste of money, either. But what do I get if I stay on track? Nothing. Again, nothing really... at least not in the short run.
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of things I get screwed on if I don't, but because they are not immediate, it's much easier to blow them off. For example, the short story I'm still working on, which was supposed to be finished almost a month ago, is just sitting here unfinished. It's not making any money, it's not helping me promote, it's not getting out there to the world. Why? Because I'm procrastinating or doing other things. Not working on it is only hurting myself.
So, how can we come up with ways to hold ourselves accountable when there are not any tangible or immediate consequences? Haha, well, I'm still working on this, but some things that help me are telling people what I'm working on and when they can expect to see it. By giving them a date, I've made it so they will expect something then. On my website, for example, I have release dates for some of my books. They are tentative, really, but having them up there and public helps me a little. If I tell someone that they will see my book in December and they look forward to it, then I'd be stupid to blow it off.
Another thing that works for me is to have writing buddies. Whether I'm word sprinting, at a write in, or #wordmongering on Twitter it's better to have other people around who are in the same boat. If I join in, then they ask "Did you do any writing?" I don't have to feel like an idiot by saying "Dur, nope. No writing." Instead, I force myself to work and get things done.
With all of that said, and of course it is much easier said than done, I'm still working on this whole accountability thing. If I want my dreams to come true, so to speak, I have to work for it. I've got to actually DO things. I can't expect it to happen while I sit around and do nothing, right? Hopefully I can find a good balance and keep myself from backing off when I should be pushing forward.
[READER RESPONSE] How do you create accountability? What things have you done that made you successfully work and finish things when you didn't feel like it. Any words of wisdom or awesome tips?
For example, when I'm doing work for homework, it's easier to get things done because I know my grade depends on it. I also know that I will see results pretty soon after, so it helps me understand that if I choose not to do whatever it is, then I will hurt myself in the long run.
It's also easier when I have a project that is important to someone else. For example, when I was working on edits for my book that needed to get out to a beta reader by a certain time, I knew that I couldn't screw around. If I took too long, then she'd lose her window of opportunity to read it without having to pile it on top of other projects. Since I didn't want to burden her with excess work, I was able to use accountability to get it done on time.
What about a project that has only myself to worry about, though? I still struggle with this. I have a writing timeline that I need to follow if I want to get my stories and books out when I say they should be out. What happens if I don't stick to the timeline? Nothing. Not really, anyway. Nothing really happens because I don't get a bad grade because of it or fail to keep a promise to a friend. There is no visible waste of money, either. But what do I get if I stay on track? Nothing. Again, nothing really... at least not in the short run.
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of things I get screwed on if I don't, but because they are not immediate, it's much easier to blow them off. For example, the short story I'm still working on, which was supposed to be finished almost a month ago, is just sitting here unfinished. It's not making any money, it's not helping me promote, it's not getting out there to the world. Why? Because I'm procrastinating or doing other things. Not working on it is only hurting myself.
So, how can we come up with ways to hold ourselves accountable when there are not any tangible or immediate consequences? Haha, well, I'm still working on this, but some things that help me are telling people what I'm working on and when they can expect to see it. By giving them a date, I've made it so they will expect something then. On my website, for example, I have release dates for some of my books. They are tentative, really, but having them up there and public helps me a little. If I tell someone that they will see my book in December and they look forward to it, then I'd be stupid to blow it off.
Another thing that works for me is to have writing buddies. Whether I'm word sprinting, at a write in, or #wordmongering on Twitter it's better to have other people around who are in the same boat. If I join in, then they ask "Did you do any writing?" I don't have to feel like an idiot by saying "Dur, nope. No writing." Instead, I force myself to work and get things done.
With all of that said, and of course it is much easier said than done, I'm still working on this whole accountability thing. If I want my dreams to come true, so to speak, I have to work for it. I've got to actually DO things. I can't expect it to happen while I sit around and do nothing, right? Hopefully I can find a good balance and keep myself from backing off when I should be pushing forward.
[READER RESPONSE] How do you create accountability? What things have you done that made you successfully work and finish things when you didn't feel like it. Any words of wisdom or awesome tips?
May 17, 2011
Cover Reveal: Announcing Land of No Angels
Hey everyone! I'm so excited because the cover for Land of No Angels is officially finished. The ebook version of this young adult horror will be available by the 6th of June through Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and all other format from Smashwords. The print version will be available hopefully by the 13th or the 20th depending on final proofing and distribution times. Also, I have several contests in the works where I will be giving away free copies of both the ebook AND the print book. It's going to be great! So, look forward to the announcements for those.
Now it's time for the cover!
Isn't it awesome? I love the model; she makes a great Rebecca. Also, for anyone who is interested: The cover was done by Razzle Dazzle Design and I highly recommend them.
Now it's time for the cover!
Isn't it awesome? I love the model; she makes a great Rebecca. Also, for anyone who is interested: The cover was done by Razzle Dazzle Design and I highly recommend them.
May 4, 2011
Pen Names
So, I wanted to talk a little bit about pen names. Some time ago, I didn't understand the reason for pen names or pseudonyms, but now that I'm publishing my own book and am aware of branding, I understand the need for them. This is especially clear when I read an article last week about a teacher who is catching a lot of flack for writing erotica on her free time.
Writers choose to use pen names for various reasons. For me, I write under my initials, which is a moderate pen name. I'm not trying to hide my identity, though, nor am I too worried about people discovering who I am and what I write. My reasons are related to separating my identity from that of another person online with my same name. This person is associated with things I not only disagree with, but also would be very embarrassing for fans or anyone to stumble upon and think it's me. So, I use N.R. Wick (or NRWick for usernames) in order to separate myself and my brand from someone else with my same name.
Pen names can be tricky, though. If you want to really disassociate your real name from your pen name, that makes sense, but I know of plenty of budding writers who believe they need to have a pen name for no reason. This is something I don't understand. Well, actually, maybe I do in a way. For marketing purposes, it seems like a good idea to have a pen name similar to a popular author in order to get your book noticed. For example, if you write horror novels, would you rather have your real name, Aaron Zhan, or your pen name, Craig Kimball? Which would more likely be found closest to popular horror authors' books? The second one, right? But it Aaron Zhan really that bad? But if your name is very hard to pronounce, having a pen name might be the way to go.
[INTERACT: Do you have a pen name? Why did you choose this name? If you are not a writer, what would your pen name be if you had to have one?]
Writers choose to use pen names for various reasons. For me, I write under my initials, which is a moderate pen name. I'm not trying to hide my identity, though, nor am I too worried about people discovering who I am and what I write. My reasons are related to separating my identity from that of another person online with my same name. This person is associated with things I not only disagree with, but also would be very embarrassing for fans or anyone to stumble upon and think it's me. So, I use N.R. Wick (or NRWick for usernames) in order to separate myself and my brand from someone else with my same name.
Pen names can be tricky, though. If you want to really disassociate your real name from your pen name, that makes sense, but I know of plenty of budding writers who believe they need to have a pen name for no reason. This is something I don't understand. Well, actually, maybe I do in a way. For marketing purposes, it seems like a good idea to have a pen name similar to a popular author in order to get your book noticed. For example, if you write horror novels, would you rather have your real name, Aaron Zhan, or your pen name, Craig Kimball? Which would more likely be found closest to popular horror authors' books? The second one, right? But it Aaron Zhan really that bad? But if your name is very hard to pronounce, having a pen name might be the way to go.
[INTERACT: Do you have a pen name? Why did you choose this name? If you are not a writer, what would your pen name be if you had to have one?]
