I'll be honest, it has taken me months to decide whether or not I wanted to write with a pseudonym or not. Now that I have and even made the decision as to what it should be, I know it is the right decision. There are many reasons why an author chooses to write with a pen name: anonymity, privacy or freedom, a way too common or an extremely obscure name, writes more than one genre, restarting a career or perhaps marketability. Some of the most well-known authors write under an alternate name, including Stephen King (real name) who also writes as Richard Bachman, John Swithen and Eleanor Druse. Best-selling romance author Nora Roberts, who writers futuristic suspense under J.D. Robb, is actually a pseudonym for Eleanor Marie Robertson (who also wrote as Jill Marsh).
For me, I have no qualms or anxiety about having my own name on covers or spread across the web. In fact, since knowing I wanted to pursue a career as a romance writer, it's been my dream to find my newly released book in a store and hold it in my hands. That dream always included my real name, never an alternative, which is why it's taken me some time to decide if this is what I really wanted.
So why even have a pseudonym?
It came down to three main reasons for me to choose to write romance using a pseudonym. The most significant is that once I have completed (and hopefully published!) a handful of the current romance stories I have on the go here, I hope to also write memoir-style novels as well as take on a children's book series I've been toying with for years. I am projecting into the future yes, but I believe this is the right game plan for me. For those particular projects, I want to be able to publish those with my name on the cover.
Another factor in this decision is marketability. Amanda Whittaker is a way more popular name than even I expected. Go ahead, Google it. Something like 1.4 millions items are found. There are 98 Amanda Whittaker's on Facebook alone but zero Amy Sedgemore's - until I create one that is. This gives me an open canvas, if you will, to create exactly the 'author brand' that I feel best represents my work. It also will make me easy to find amidst the billions of online users.
But why Amy Sedgemore? That brings me to my third and most personal reason. My mother Dorothy Lee, of Edinburgh Scotland, maiden name is Sedgemore. She was a strong-willed, single mother of two. A determined, hard working, independent woman, and a writer of stunning spiritual poetry. I know I get my passion for writing from her. She was my biggest motivator, encouraging me to look into workshops and conferences to improve my skills and pursue a career. Unfortunately, she lost her battle with COPD and bladder Cancer in October 2012. She won't be here to see me push toward these dreams, but I know she's guiding me every step of the way. This is my way of honouring her and bringing her with me through my 'Road to Publication.' This is for her.
There you have it. My reasons for choosing a pseudonym.
P.S. I don't have any specific reason as you why I chose Amy. I tended to use this name, back in the day when playing Barbie's and a main character of a long ago story of mine 'Wishful Thinking'. Plus, I think it has a nice ring to it: Amy Sedgemore. What do you think? Do you write with a nom du plume too? I'd love to hear from you.
For me, I have no qualms or anxiety about having my own name on covers or spread across the web. In fact, since knowing I wanted to pursue a career as a romance writer, it's been my dream to find my newly released book in a store and hold it in my hands. That dream always included my real name, never an alternative, which is why it's taken me some time to decide if this is what I really wanted.
So why even have a pseudonym?
It came down to three main reasons for me to choose to write romance using a pseudonym. The most significant is that once I have completed (and hopefully published!) a handful of the current romance stories I have on the go here, I hope to also write memoir-style novels as well as take on a children's book series I've been toying with for years. I am projecting into the future yes, but I believe this is the right game plan for me. For those particular projects, I want to be able to publish those with my name on the cover.
Another factor in this decision is marketability. Amanda Whittaker is a way more popular name than even I expected. Go ahead, Google it. Something like 1.4 millions items are found. There are 98 Amanda Whittaker's on Facebook alone but zero Amy Sedgemore's - until I create one that is. This gives me an open canvas, if you will, to create exactly the 'author brand' that I feel best represents my work. It also will make me easy to find amidst the billions of online users.
But why Amy Sedgemore? That brings me to my third and most personal reason. My mother Dorothy Lee, of Edinburgh Scotland, maiden name is Sedgemore. She was a strong-willed, single mother of two. A determined, hard working, independent woman, and a writer of stunning spiritual poetry. I know I get my passion for writing from her. She was my biggest motivator, encouraging me to look into workshops and conferences to improve my skills and pursue a career. Unfortunately, she lost her battle with COPD and bladder Cancer in October 2012. She won't be here to see me push toward these dreams, but I know she's guiding me every step of the way. This is my way of honouring her and bringing her with me through my 'Road to Publication.' This is for her.
There you have it. My reasons for choosing a pseudonym.
P.S. I don't have any specific reason as you why I chose Amy. I tended to use this name, back in the day when playing Barbie's and a main character of a long ago story of mine 'Wishful Thinking'. Plus, I think it has a nice ring to it: Amy Sedgemore. What do you think? Do you write with a nom du plume too? I'd love to hear from you.
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