Pen Names

by Frederick James
13th September 2012

I have created a pen name for my novel, one that I feel represents the genre. I want to write another novel in a different genre and I'm considering creating another pen name to suit. What do you think, are pen names a good idea, is it possible/advisable to have more than one?

Replies

The Iain Banks/ Iain M Banks is a good strategy as suggested by Dor.

Your initials can be the key.

So, you could use FJ + Surname for one genre, and JF + Surname 2 for genre 2.

Didn't a certain JR become JKR?

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Ralph
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21/09/2012

I have the same issue that I am still trying to make a decision. Elle Delacour has always been the name I want to write my fiction under however my memoir is self published under another name as it is not something I wanted to have connected with my fiction due to the nature of my story. Problem is, my memoir pseudonym is gaining a reputation so I am now wondering if I should carry on with it. Any suggestions?

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Elle
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Elle Delacour
19/09/2012

Thank you Dor, I appreciate your reply. I'm sure I'll make the right decision when the time comes. Plenty to do before then.

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Frederick
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14/09/2012