Good for you! It took a while for me to be comfortable seeing my real name in print. I thought for a long while I should still use a pseudonym, but now I'm so used to it I wouldn't want it any other way.
I decided to use my real name, which makes me cringe sometimes when i think about it. Mainly because I am sharing my personal thoughts and that makes me feel vulnerable. I'm not sure if I made the right choice. My decision to use initials was simply to remove gender bias when potential readers see the byline.
I know several women who use initials. It works for them, though I wonder when we'll ever get beyond the gender biases and just accept that women have important voices and should be heard.
It's me. It's easier to create my brand using my own name.
The only difficulty, which proved not much of a difficulty anyway, was when I wrote a contemporary fiction set in my own coastal region and in the city closest to where I live. The story was about a woman of my age, so people may have drawn comparisons. I tried to address those in the Author's Note. But in the end, I am no tall poppy - a half day wonder really - so my name has no significance.
But Ramona, you were writing a politically sensitive blog so I don't blame you or anyone writing under pseudonyms to avoid witch hunts. It makes sense in the volatile world we inhabit.
Congratulations on your book, Prue. The one nice thing about using your own name is when you're published people know it's you--unless that's a problem!
I decided as I got older that I wasn't going to let anyone scare me, especially online, where most of them hide under assumed names. This is me. Warts and all.
I considered writing fiction under a pseudonym because nobody ever pronounces or spells my name right. But decided against it. I'm me. This is what you get. You may not like it, but my writing, and my name, are memorable.
I use my own name because I am sharing my experience with others. Initially, I was using "made up" examples, but that didn't seem to lend credibility to my message. It is scary to share my vulnerability, but then again - maybe someone will make wiser choices. I am also more vocal in responsing to posts that echo my position on "hot topics."
Yes, there is something to the credibility factor, now that you say that. I think I always felt like a fake as GoodGracia, even though I felt freer to say anything I wanted. It wasn't really me. Now it is.
Feeling vulnerable is a real issue, as well. There are times I still feel it, especially when I'm not fully prepared for the discussion, but if I keep my wits about me I usually just shut up!
I pick my battles and am bolder - but I also tread lightly. Maybe that will change over time as I gain more confidence. There is so much misinformation, myths, and downright lies circulating currently - and I want to be a voice that calls them out.
For better or worse, I use my real name. But I've also stopped using my children's names and rarely use my husband's. They didn't choose to have their lives laid bare.
Good for you! It took a while for me to be comfortable seeing my real name in print. I thought for a long while I should still use a pseudonym, but now I'm so used to it I wouldn't want it any other way.
I decided to use my real name, which makes me cringe sometimes when i think about it. Mainly because I am sharing my personal thoughts and that makes me feel vulnerable. I'm not sure if I made the right choice. My decision to use initials was simply to remove gender bias when potential readers see the byline.
I know several women who use initials. It works for them, though I wonder when we'll ever get beyond the gender biases and just accept that women have important voices and should be heard.
I use my own name.
It's me. It's easier to create my brand using my own name.
The only difficulty, which proved not much of a difficulty anyway, was when I wrote a contemporary fiction set in my own coastal region and in the city closest to where I live. The story was about a woman of my age, so people may have drawn comparisons. I tried to address those in the Author's Note. But in the end, I am no tall poppy - a half day wonder really - so my name has no significance.
But Ramona, you were writing a politically sensitive blog so I don't blame you or anyone writing under pseudonyms to avoid witch hunts. It makes sense in the volatile world we inhabit.
Congratulations on your book, Prue. The one nice thing about using your own name is when you're published people know it's you--unless that's a problem!
I decided as I got older that I wasn't going to let anyone scare me, especially online, where most of them hide under assumed names. This is me. Warts and all.
I considered writing fiction under a pseudonym because nobody ever pronounces or spells my name right. But decided against it. I'm me. This is what you get. You may not like it, but my writing, and my name, are memorable.
Good attitude, Amran! So far the consensus in the comment section is 'my own name'. I'm rather surprised but delighted.
Thanks! I'm very pleased to see that as well.
I use my own name because I am sharing my experience with others. Initially, I was using "made up" examples, but that didn't seem to lend credibility to my message. It is scary to share my vulnerability, but then again - maybe someone will make wiser choices. I am also more vocal in responsing to posts that echo my position on "hot topics."
Yes, there is something to the credibility factor, now that you say that. I think I always felt like a fake as GoodGracia, even though I felt freer to say anything I wanted. It wasn't really me. Now it is.
Feeling vulnerable is a real issue, as well. There are times I still feel it, especially when I'm not fully prepared for the discussion, but if I keep my wits about me I usually just shut up!
I pick my battles and am bolder - but I also tread lightly. Maybe that will change over time as I gain more confidence. There is so much misinformation, myths, and downright lies circulating currently - and I want to be a voice that calls them out.
I agree. It's exhausting, no matter what name we use. But necessary.
For better or worse, I use my real name. But I've also stopped using my children's names and rarely use my husband's. They didn't choose to have their lives laid bare.