A lot of people, relatives included, wonder why I don't use my real name of SMITH to write under. Why??? Think about it. What's the most common name in the world? It's not that hard!So my sister, Deanna, gave me a copy of the book Writer's Market and I was reading some tips and ideas and so on. I read that publishers don't like common names. Why? I have no clue. Maybe it's because they are common. So I decided to try different last names with my first name which is really Penni and not Penelope, as some would believe. I can't remember any of the other names I tried on for size. All I know is that when I paired Weston with Penni, it sounded good. It sounded right. I went with Weston. And I thought since I'm not married and see no chance of ever being married to legally change my name, I would just give myself this new last name. I may even legally change it to that one of these days. Who knows? As for the spelling of my first name, I know, I know, it's generally spelled Penny. But my mom wanted me to be different. So she spelled it with an i instead. She got her wish. I am different. Not in a bad way, however. Only in a good way...I hope.
I much prefer the spelling of your name, "Penni." It is original and "special." My full name is Regis Armand Joseph Auffray. They spelled "Armand" as "Armond" on my birth certificate. So there. I guess I've got an original name too. Thanks for this, Penni. Love and peace,
Well I was born Miller H Caldwell and it sticks out like a sore thumb. I could have called myself Joe Brown but on reflection, I think I was lucky. Having a pen name does create an double personality and that can be so cool.
At the end of the day as you know, its not the author's nbame which sells books but the contents.
Enjoy your days between the covers.
Regards
Miller
..... you have opened a can of worms now, Penni !~!
If you are really interested in what the implications
may be in using a pen name, a good place to start is
probably Chapter 8 in Linda Goodman's Star Signs ... it's
about the hidden meanings in our names or lexigrams.
From there, you may also like to investigate why many
famous master craftsmen changed their names to write
and paint under many exotic handles .....
..... and then, it's only a short jump to the bible
codes (in English) ..... have you ever wondered why
those old texts used so many strange names for people,
places and events?
..... it was no coincidence.
Be warned this stuff is addictive and some serious
study will bring you astounding results and
satisfaction too, albeit that it is also a
humbling experience.
Thanks for this story on pen names. Worked for Mark Twain and countless others. Penni with an i is cool and whatever name you use it does not take away the essence of who you are inside.
Destiny's Daughter by Frances Altman highlights events in the life of Mary Edwards Walker, maverick suffragist, Civil War doctor and only woman Medal of Honor recipient.
Jack Kelly was a child performer, son of New York model, Nan Kelly, brother of actress, Nancy Kelly, brother-in-law of actor Edmond O'Brien and cinematographer Fred Jackman, Jr. On TV, from 1957 until 1962, he was James Garner's brother on the show,
