Abrams probably didn't have a choice in using a pen name when she first started writing, but it is wild to me how many authors think a silly name will keep them under the radar. Social media algorithms are STRONG, and they know who you're connected to at all times.
That's why I align with sex workers on the subject—even if you use a fake name, be prepared for everyone in your life to learn about what you do for a living!
I write on the queer high-heat end of the scale, but more damningly I have a boring real name (shared with lots of people). A pen name was more about making it easier to find me!
Hi Alyssa, congratulations on your new book. About pen names, I initially published under a pen name because of my French surname, but then I decided to own it, and went with Bossert for my romcom Just Like A Movie. And I’m not in any way ashamed of writing romcom! I am very very proud of my hilarious story set in Ibiza. I just want to be ME everywhere!
I have not, but I had a conversation with someone who kept pronouncing it as Ibitha and I wanted to murder them—and that's when I came up with my rom-com meet-cute lol
Thank you for sharing (coming to you from Russell Nohelty's post today). I've been reading--and loving--this genre since I was a freshman in high school. I recently decided to take the leap to write short story romance... UNDER A PEN NAME LOL. Only because I use my real name (I'm writing under a pseudo on here) for my editing side biz and I've self-pubbed two YA books under my real name. And I completely agree with you about this: "Romance is the most popular and yet least respected genre. And that won’t ever change unless we defend it."
"I put my whole heart into my books, so I want to connect with my audience as the real me."
Love this whole perspective, and the pride and self-awareness you take into every aspect of your work. Great post, Alyssa!
I've always wondered: if people are going to find out Stacy Abrams is Selena Montgomery....what on earth is the point?
Abrams probably didn't have a choice in using a pen name when she first started writing, but it is wild to me how many authors think a silly name will keep them under the radar. Social media algorithms are STRONG, and they know who you're connected to at all times.
That's why I align with sex workers on the subject—even if you use a fake name, be prepared for everyone in your life to learn about what you do for a living!
I write on the queer high-heat end of the scale, but more damningly I have a boring real name (shared with lots of people). A pen name was more about making it easier to find me!
That's a good reason to have a pen name! It's always smart to build an author brand around something memorable. Thanks for commenting :)
Hi Alyssa, congratulations on your new book. About pen names, I initially published under a pen name because of my French surname, but then I decided to own it, and went with Bossert for my romcom Just Like A Movie. And I’m not in any way ashamed of writing romcom! I am very very proud of my hilarious story set in Ibiza. I just want to be ME everywhere!
Thanks Francesca for commenting! And you absolutely should be proud of your romcom! Mine has an Ibiza reference as well :)
Really?! That’s so cool!!! Have you been?
I have not, but I had a conversation with someone who kept pronouncing it as Ibitha and I wanted to murder them—and that's when I came up with my rom-com meet-cute lol
Thank you for sharing (coming to you from Russell Nohelty's post today). I've been reading--and loving--this genre since I was a freshman in high school. I recently decided to take the leap to write short story romance... UNDER A PEN NAME LOL. Only because I use my real name (I'm writing under a pseudo on here) for my editing side biz and I've self-pubbed two YA books under my real name. And I completely agree with you about this: "Romance is the most popular and yet least respected genre. And that won’t ever change unless we defend it."
Thanks for the comment, and CONGRATS on taking the leap into romance! Our genre needs all the support it can get—with or without pen names :)
👏👏👏 I don’t have a dog in this particular fight, but I love this. Yes! Let’s all be our whole, integrated selves in public!
Hell yeah! :)