Writing Under a Pen Name

I’ve been thinking a lot about pen names. Specifically, moving my fiction writing under a pen name.

When I first entered the writing sphere, I was adamant that I would write under my own name. Not my legal name, but the nickname I most often use.

At the beginning of August, I published my first non-fiction book, Novel Marketing, under the name of K Larking (I feel like I stole a page from Melissa and Elisa’s book on that one, initial extraordinaires).

When I researched into pseudonyms, a lot of the examples I can find for fiction authors using pseudonyms are already established authors who try to escape their previous fame, broaden their audience, or disguise their gender. I didn’t really have this issues to address or goals in mind.

Source

There are things that I am worried about.

I’m worried that my fiction writing will impact my professional marketing life. Most of my volunteering surrounds literary culture and, as such, it’s quite apparent to my potential employers that I am a writer. My publications are in my cover letter. The question that comes up in every interview: “Will your writing hobby impact your work?” Clearly, the answer is no. Work is work. Writing is writing. One won’t consume the other unless I am a full-time writer which is a distant idea.

I’m worried that my marketing life will impact my fiction readership. Despite having the stance that authors need to be truest to themselves in order to make a coherent and relatable brand, despite advocating for authenticity and allowing for interactions to act as brand representation and marketing, I’m worried that the negative associations that come with commerce will turn off my fiction readers, particularly my YA readers.

After asking a series of people for their input, Clare really summed it up for me:

In any case, don’t overthink these things Just do what you want to do. And most importantly, write, write, write, publish, publish, publish! Overthinking = less time for writing!

I write. It’s what I love. Fiction and non-fiction. Do I think this debate will never come up in the future? No. But I think I have it settled for now that I just need to write.

The post appeared first on Anxiety Ink.