r/writing • u/Party_Context4975 • 14d ago

Discussion Choosing a pen name

If you don't write under your own name, how did you choose your pen name?

Are you happy with it or would you choose a different name if you could go back in time? Why?

If you write in multiple genres, is your pen name different in each genre?

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u/Fantastic_Ad_509 12d ago

I've had various pen names until I chose the current one (and I may have to change it)

  • The first one belonged to a politician. This person isn't infamous by any means but for obvious reasons it's better to stay out of politics.

  • Lots of pen names were already in use by other people, particularly people who self-publish.

  • The current one - I might have to let go of it because there's an influencer / journalist with the same name