How To Use A Pseudonym In A Case Study

Denise Barnes, aka Fenella Forster

Do you write under a pseudonym? Should yous? And which would y'all cull? British indie author Denise Barnes shares the story behind her pen-name for her debut novel.

Pseudonym, Pen-proper name, Nom de Plumage – call information technology what you volition. Many authors apply another name, sometimes multiple names, for various genres. I had written and had published a couple of memoirs and automatically used Denise Barnes, but romantic fiction seemed to require a proper name which was a little more than flowing and…well, romantic.

I used to honey writing run a risk serials at primary school and my favourite heroine's name was Fenella, and so that flake was easy. Now for the surname. My debut novel, Annie'due south Story, the first of The Voyagers Trilogy, is prepare in 1913 and continues throughout the First World State of war so I thought it would be nice to have some connection to the period; something that had meaning for me.

Hush-hush Inspiration

Many years ago my mother revealed a huge family secret to my sister and me that her father (our grandfather) was not her real male parent. I was delighted. For diverse reasons I had no honey for him whatsoever. 'Then who was our real grandfather?' was my burning question. 'My mother had an matter with a German pw,' she answered, 'and she vicious with me.'

Of class I pounded her with more than questions but she knew very piffling. My grandmother only told her that his proper noun was 'Forster' merely not even how to spell it. She did say he was the kindest homo she e'er knew, and so that was a relief.

What a story! I'd love to know if in that location are any half cousins in Germany, and how mind-blowing if I could see a photo of my grandfather. But my sister is very worried that if I kickoff earthworks I'll uncover something awful, equally he may have had sons who were involved in the terrible atrocities of the Second World War. But I prefer to give him and his family unit the benefit of the doubt.

Cover of Annie's Story

Pen-proper noun in practice

My female parent has long since died but I truly believe she would have been pleased I'd taken her male parent'southward proper noun for my novels as she must take been curious about him. Mum'due south younger sis, however, was really upset and defendant me of honouring his name, merely I'm not; I'm simply acknowledging him. After all, a granddaddy is a very close relation. He may not fifty-fifty have known about my grandmother'due south pregnancy. Just I know he lived. And I'm very grateful considering if information technology wasn't for their love affair, my mother wouldn't have been born, and neither would I!

The bonus is that information technology'due south given me a brilliant idea for my next gritty but romantic novel. I can make information technology up to my heart'due south content and finally come across my German 'granddaddy' in the pages of my volume, though I know I'll have to brace myself for the reproach of my family.

The Impact of a Pen-proper name

I'd love to know the reasons why other authors choose their pen-names. And whether the new proper name has inspired them to write stories they might never accept written. But my warning is to be mindful of the name yous choose – it may have repercussions way beyond your fiction-writing imagination!

Thank goodness we writers have learnt to grow lovely thick skins!

OVER TO Y'all If you have a pen-name, how did you choose yours? If you're sticking with your given name, would yous ever write using a pseudonym? Bring together the conversation via the comments box!

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