pen it on me
Reyna Pryde? Who? What's a pen name? Why not just be you? Don't you want to be known for your work? I've had numerous people ask me questions about my decision to write under a pen name. There is no simple answer I can give them for my choice, since I had several different reasons not to use my real name as an author.
My first concern about using my real name was originality. I was born with an extremely common first name. Sure, the spelling of it is unique, but after searching social media I found other people with my exact spelling of both my first and last name. Why does that matter? I would prefer to be one-of-a-kind, in a sense and now I am, for the time being. *winks* If you search my name in Google, I AM ALL YOU SEE!
Why Reyna (Ray, as in, a ray of sunshine + nuh)? I have seen people with this name before, so it isn't that unusual. I have seen it spelled Rayna, Rayena, Raena, ect. I chose the spelling with an 'ey' because it wasn't as popular. Also, I liked this name. What?! Can't a girl just like her name for no particular reason?
So... Pryde? Pryde was a more personal choice with meaning behind it. Writing is my passion. It has become the first thing in my life that I take an immense amount of pride in. Get it, pride-Pryde? And the spelling? Well, if you know anything about me, you know I am a nerd who used to read tons of comics. Actually, my love of reading, as an adult, was reestablished through my love of comics. In the Marvel Universe (I am a Marvel girl.), there is an X-man, known as Kitty Pryde, aka Shadowcat. Even though Kitty is not my favorite X-man, I wanted to represent my love of Marvel comics. Besides, I don't think readers would take me seriously if I went by, The White Queen (my FAV character), and her real name is way too common.
I also had concerns about my privacy. No, I AM NOT FAMOUS and I don't think I ever will be. Unless you ask my family, they would say I already am. LoL I would love to make a living off of my writing, but honestly, I have no desire to ever be famous. Yes, I am serious! I love the relationships I am building with fans and fellow authors online. However, I am a very private person who doesn't want my personal life on display to everyone. In fact, I am slightly paranoid about giving too much info away to strangers online. STRANGER DANGER!
It all boils down to this, a pen name was right for me. Not everyone is an introvert who needs their 'me time' and is scared of the world knowing all their secrets. Most people want fame, recognition, and a chance to 'see their name in lights, so to speak. I just want to write the stories in my head for readers to enjoy, while finding the best way to market my odd self and my books. So far I think I am doing alright... only time will tell.
My first concern about using my real name was originality. I was born with an extremely common first name. Sure, the spelling of it is unique, but after searching social media I found other people with my exact spelling of both my first and last name. Why does that matter? I would prefer to be one-of-a-kind, in a sense and now I am, for the time being. *winks* If you search my name in Google, I AM ALL YOU SEE!
Why Reyna (Ray, as in, a ray of sunshine + nuh)? I have seen people with this name before, so it isn't that unusual. I have seen it spelled Rayna, Rayena, Raena, ect. I chose the spelling with an 'ey' because it wasn't as popular. Also, I liked this name. What?! Can't a girl just like her name for no particular reason?
So... Pryde? Pryde was a more personal choice with meaning behind it. Writing is my passion. It has become the first thing in my life that I take an immense amount of pride in. Get it, pride-Pryde? And the spelling? Well, if you know anything about me, you know I am a nerd who used to read tons of comics. Actually, my love of reading, as an adult, was reestablished through my love of comics. In the Marvel Universe (I am a Marvel girl.), there is an X-man, known as Kitty Pryde, aka Shadowcat. Even though Kitty is not my favorite X-man, I wanted to represent my love of Marvel comics. Besides, I don't think readers would take me seriously if I went by, The White Queen (my FAV character), and her real name is way too common.
I also had concerns about my privacy. No, I AM NOT FAMOUS and I don't think I ever will be. Unless you ask my family, they would say I already am. LoL I would love to make a living off of my writing, but honestly, I have no desire to ever be famous. Yes, I am serious! I love the relationships I am building with fans and fellow authors online. However, I am a very private person who doesn't want my personal life on display to everyone. In fact, I am slightly paranoid about giving too much info away to strangers online. STRANGER DANGER!
It all boils down to this, a pen name was right for me. Not everyone is an introvert who needs their 'me time' and is scared of the world knowing all their secrets. Most people want fame, recognition, and a chance to 'see their name in lights, so to speak. I just want to write the stories in my head for readers to enjoy, while finding the best way to market my odd self and my books. So far I think I am doing alright... only time will tell.
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message 1:
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V.J.
(new)
Mar 03, 2014 09:31AM
Thanks for the post, I debated back and forth. I have the same feelings you do, I am an introvert and leery of personal information on the internet. Ultimately, I chose a shortened version of my name. I still question that. Good luck on all your endeavors and writing.
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V.J. wrote: "Thanks for the post, I debated back and forth. I have the same feelings you do, I am an introvert and leery of personal information on the internet. Ultimately, I chose a shortened version of my ..." Thanks, V.J. Good luck to you too!
