Rate the Author's Name Above You

Alpina'sQuill — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:58:31 -0500

Whether you use a pen name, a nickname, or your real name, maybe you're wondering if it sounds any good, or you want other's thoughts. Post it here and comment on the author above you! Mine is Jessica Verve. I feel self-conscious of my last name, but then again there was a poet named WORDSWORTH, so I don't feel [quite] as bad. Any opinions?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Prudence Fang — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:01:49 -0500

I like it. It sounds cool. :) Mine: Linnea Choquette

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IsikkahJai — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:27:36 -0500

Linnea reminds me of a romance novelist's name. Pretty, light as a bird, whimsical^^ I was going to go with J.A. Jordan but there's already a J.A. Jance who is a mystery writer I think. I DEFINITELY don't want to get confused with her since my genre is young adult/ fantasy. My real full name is Jessica Anne-Marie Jordan so I was thinking of making a pen name out of it somehow. "JESSICA JORDAN" just sounds BLAH to me but it's my strongest sounding 'reader hook.'. Anne-Marie sounds too wishy-washy to me. *SIIGH* Any ideas?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:34:19 -0500

I like J. A. Jordan... smart people wouldn't mix up names anyway so as long as your fans are intelligent you should be find with having a name similar to someone else's. Just go with that. I'm going to try to go with just H... I'm doing science fiction and fantasy (maybe manga, too!) and I think it's fine.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Ominous Rain — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:36:53 -0500

Hm...in it's simplicity it is incredible complex! * applauds* I like it...in a weird sort of 'are you sure about that of course I am' sorta way. Elisa Moffett. Or Elisabeth Moffett. Or Elisabeth Thomas. I write fantasy. And Elisa is pronounced Eliza. (long story.)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

RainbowFishie — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:11:36 -0500

Pen Name: Diana Chen

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RainbowFishie — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:16:02 -0500

The name sounds rather British, sorta Victorian Era-ish.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Tsylvester — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:22:55 -0500

I like it! Easy to remember and has a nice ring to it, mentally and verbally, if you know what I mean! Tanya Sylvester... I'm a newlywed so I'm not used to this being my name... Is it too much of a mouthful for a novelist?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

franticfanatic — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:06:04 -0500

I like it. Its a strong sounding name, and memorable...its also pronouncable which is a plus...

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

franticfanatic — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:13:12 -0500

I was thinking of using my real name...or at leaat first and last...which is Jamie Ihrer. But my last name is hard enough for most pepple to pronounce...and Jamie sounds boring. my middle name is Lynn, no idea if I should keep my own name or not. my nick name is Kako, but i never seriously thought of using that either... Any ideas?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

aliaswriter — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 02:59:55 -0500

Use all 3. Looks cool. Mine's Celia Lott. Not a big fan of the last name, but it's easy for me to write. I like "L" last names.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

fuzz — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:06:35 -0500

You can be J.A.M Jordan.

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PlasticSmoothie — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:05:01 -0500

Celia Lott sounds kinda cute to me. No idea why. :p Makes me imagine a person with a round face and pretty smile. Definitely one I would remember. I'm not sure which of these to use: * Lynn Hoiland, an English spelling/pronunciation of my real name due to that being impossible for anyone who's not Danish to pronounce. * Camilla Lynn, from my middle name + English version of first name.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Secret_Agent_Girl — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:18:30 -0500

I definitely like Lynn Hoiland. Camilla Lynn sounds high and mighty to me. Mine: Alixa Harrison

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CountryGirl13 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:11:39 -0500

It makes me think of a kinda flirty character...I don't know why (:

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IrishMouse — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:11:46 -0500

I like it! Sounds sophisticated and adventuresome! I was thinking of using a pen name: Loraine Thomas. It's a couple of family names. Or my initials and last name. Haven't really decided.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

missamanda12 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:10:36 -0500

i really like that! It sounds sophisticated yet amazing! My pen name: Eva Lorentia

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Webgoji — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:26:08 -0500

I never understood why people would want to use a pen name. I guess it could function like using a special type of paper for a resume', just catch the publisher's attention? Meh, I'll stick with the name my father and mother gave me. Real Name: Darin Elliott (Yup, I have two first names . . . hehe)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Webgoji — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:28:23 -0500

I gotta say, I'm not real fond of it.

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skymessenger — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:34:57 -0500

[quote=Webgoji] I never understood why people would want to use a pen name. I guess it could function like using a special type of paper for a resume', just catch the publisher's attention? Meh, I'll stick with the name my father and mother gave me. Real Name: Darin Elliott (Yup, I have two first names . . . hehe) [/quote] Darin I like, Elliot.....er....not so much. But the fact you have two names is cool. Then again I never really liked my own first name due to it being over-used. At least you're unique. Real name: (but only my first and middle for security sake) Katherine Gretchen Pen name: Skye (yes I don't have a last name for my pen name. Personal choice)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

golfgal08 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:34:10 -0500

Just Skye could be interesting if you're a fantasy author. Katherine Gretchen... very Anglo-Saxon. I'd use a pen name for a few reasons: 1) Most people butcher the spelling and/or pronunciation of my last name 2) I don't mind my real name, but I just don't think it rolls off the tongue very well 3) If I ever do get published, I think I'd like to keep my writing life separate, because I'll probably have to keep working my full time job anyway Pen name of choice, using family surnames (the first of which is my middle name): Riley Brown

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

allwritemel — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:54:27 -0500

Why not Jamie Lynn (maybe add a flower sound - Jamie Lilly, Jamie Lynn Rose?) Best I can think of at the moment, Sorry! Mine? Elizabeth James - it's actually both my parents middle names and it's a lot higher up in the alphabet than my real name which means I'd (in theory) stand a better chance than I currently do of making a few sales. Mel REMEMBER: It's the things you DON'T do in life that you regret, not what you do, do!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

aliaswriter — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:58:03 -0500

Funny, I like Camilla Lynn. It's different. haha

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

aliaswriter — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:02:29 -0500

Haha, you just described me. I have a round face and I'm told I have a nice smile haha

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aliaswriter — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:03:12 -0500

I think it's th Celia. Lott is...kinda boring haha

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aliaswriter — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:04:54 -0500

Can I jus say, that is one creepy looking Kermit the Frog haha

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allwritemel — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:05:12 -0500

I like the name Skye - it's very pretty - how about Skye Celeste? Means Sky Blue in some languages. I use a pen name for a few reasons: 1) It's a tribute to certain members of the family; 2) My own name lands too far down the alphabet so people tend not to see my books at the moment; Yes, I know 2 is not a few but I cant' go into the details as to the third reason right now ... :-( REMEMBER: It's the things you DON'T do in life that you regret, not what you do, do!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

aliaswriter — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:09:35 -0500

I like it!

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franticfanatic — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:05:49 -0500

[quote=allwritemel] Why not Jamie Lynn (maybe add a flower sound - Jamie Lilly, Jamie Lynn Rose?) Best I can think of at the moment, Sorry! Mine? Elizabeth James - it's actually both my parents middle names and it's a lot higher up in the alphabet than my real name which means I'd (in theory) stand a better chance than I currently do of making a few sales. Mel REMEMBER: It's the things you DON'T do in life that you regret, not what you do, do! [/quote] Jamie Lynn Rose....i love it!!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

poplopo — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:38:43 -0500

I like the pun inherent in the name allwritemel. :)

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TwilightSparkle — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:04:03 -0500

My name is Cammi (short for Cameron) Elizabeth Stilwell. None of that seems to be "BESTSELLER LIST" enough to me. Help?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Cinnamoon — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:38:02 -0500

Elizabeth Stilwell? Or you could switch it up and try Elizabeth Cameron. Both of those sound best-seller list to me, although I think I prefer Elizabeth Cameron. Depends what you're going for.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

BloodRoseAngel — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:20:15 -0500

I think Cameron is a nice name. :) Cameron Stilwell would stand out quite well as an author name. :D I just use my real name because I'm lazy. Rebecca Blackwell. Though I've been told by a couple of people that the first thing they think of when they hear my name is a certain annoying singer... ._. That said, if I ever scrape together the £40 I need to do so, I may change my name slightly. I'd like to change the spelling of my first name to Rebekah (my mum said she chose 'Rebecca' because she thought it would be easier to spell, but still, no one can spell it XD), and add 'Read' to the end of my surname because it's the rest of my family's surname. I do like Blackwell though. It's one of the oldest surnames in the country. ;) I had a teacher once who was obsessed with names, and she got a bit excited over my Anglo-Saxon name XD For my artwork, I'm mostly known just as BloodRoseAngel, so it's nice to differentiate the two. X3

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Septimus Pfluger — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:56:45 -0500

Sep Pfluger. I got this name owing to the fact that I'm a seventh (hence 'sep', from the Latin 'septimus') generation American Pfluger (awesomely big family). That and it just sounds cool to me.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

rachelwrites527 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:34:46 -0500

Ok, how about this one: Archer Hill

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HarleyB — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:09:36 -0500

I don't see anything wrong with Jessica Jordan. My name is Harley Bennett.

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HarleyB — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:10:48 -0500

I like Jamie Lynn.

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HarleyB — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:11:59 -0500

Nothing wrong with Celia Lott.

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HarleyB — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:17:36 -0500

I like Camilla Lynn.

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HarleyB — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:20:49 -0500

Tanya Sylvester sounds like a good choice. It's different.

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HarleyB — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:26:34 -0500

I like Skye. You could use just Skye or use it as either a first or last name. Maybe, Katherine Skye or K. Skye?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:27:58 -0500

Archer hill is good.

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TwilightSparkle — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:12:17 -0500

Okay, I'll admit, it sounds incredibly badass... but it also sounds a little like it should be a place..

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

rachelwrites527 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:16:44 -0500

Why thank you for the comment about the badassery of the name. I also agree it sounded kind of like a place, which was why I was asking.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Virgogoddess — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:58:53 -0500

I also love Archer Hill mine is: S.C. Payne My real initials and last name. My first name is really out there, hard to pronounce, and seems too weird, hence the initials instead.

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missamanda12 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:24:39 -0500

i really don't want to use my real name. I want to make up an author's bio ;] and my last name is kind of weird soo i would never use it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

missamanda12 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:26:11 -0500

Hey, RK Rowling did that and look where she ended up! I love it so go for it!

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Imperatrix Xoco — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:58:52 -0500

I like S.C. Payne quite a bit. It flows well. Mine's Taylor Kowalski.

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Alerane — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:03:19 -0500

I like it, Not too long, not too plain. Mine may change but for now it's my actual. Caeleigh Boara

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Princess Binky Lemontwist — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:32:53 -0500

@Alerane I like your name for an author. It definitely would stick out in my mind. especially your last name. Mine might need a different last name but for now it is my real name. Yeidi M. Gonzalez

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

ennbee — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:13:15 -0500

Yeidi is quite unique; Gonzalez, not so much. But it's your name, so do whatever you want. As for me, my last name is incorrigible. Almost nobody pronounces it correctly on the first try. So, perhaps just my initials? N.A.B. or Autumn Anderson (my middle name and family name)

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Lady_Indis_Dress — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:09:12 -0500

Autumn Anderson is nice. My real name is taken by someone who writes cookbooks so I took a childhood nickname and an ancestral surname and I write as Kate Warren.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Lady_Indis_Dress — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:11:58 -0500

You might want to use a different spelling of Caeleigh for your writing. It could make it easier for people to find your work if you went with a more standard/boring spelling. I like Boara.

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Lady_Indis_Dress — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:12:08 -0500

Also the two sound good together.

Kate Warren

strawmelon881 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:42:45 -0500

Ooh, sounds like a name of someone who would be an undercover English detective at night and uses the crimes as fodder for her novel! Ah...took that description a bit far, I think.

Well...

strawmelon881 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:44:41 -0500

I don't really have a pen name or anything, but just for fun I'll make one up then, I guess-- Mel Lyntham (Note: This was COMPLETELY random. Believe it. XD~)

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MurillionBlue — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:43:40 -0500

Seems pretty cool. I'm not too fond of the two 'l' sounds that close together, but it's not too bad. I'm thinking Murillion Blue (space optional). Or just Blue. It's not my real name, but it's easier to spell and/or remember. How many people have the name Blue, anyway? (The rival in Pokémon Red & Blue, for one, but I think that could be it.) My real name's Karyn, by the way. And people always spell it wrong. *growls* Oh well...

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Christina Huling — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:15:22 -0500

Murillion Blue is a cool name. It makes me think you write fantasy, since it's a little unusual. Also, I think Karyn sounds very writerly, and I am extremely jealous of you having a cool unique name when I got stuck with Christina. When I first thought about whether I wanted a pen name, I decided that if I did, I would splice together names from my ancestry.com family tree to create one. So today, I started sifting through names and writing them all down. And I found all sorts of strange names that I'm saving some of for characters. But, more to the point, I discovered an ancestor of mine from the 1500s named Scisseley. And since I read it, my brain won't let go of the name. So I hunted through until I found a fitting last name. Which took a while, because many of the names on my family tree are unpronounceable. Short version, my new pen name is Scisseley Hall. I can't decide if it fits with my novel at all, but I like it.

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Christina Huling — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:20:46 -0500

By the way, I pronounce that like scissors, not like Sicily.

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Sunshine Cat — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 02:22:11 -0500

Scisseley...I can imagine people misspelling that very easily. Without being told, I would not be sure how to pronounce it either. It sounds pretty nice, but it's remembering it and pronouncing it properly which is the problem. If you can get that down...I like it! My real name is Cathy. I don't like it very much, but I'd like to know what people think of it in terms of using it as a publishing name (I doubt I'd get published at my age and skill level, but it's fun speculating). I write Fantasy (with a few science fiction elements). Is it a "writerly" name, or should I use something else? (As for my last name, I'd rather not disclose that on the internet. Old fashioned, I know. I'm Asian and people aren't sure how to pronounce it, so it's irrelevant.)

Re: Kate Warren

Princess Binky Lemontwist — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:54:42 -0500

I was thinking the same thing!! LOL

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Princess Binky Lemontwist — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:58:50 -0500

Yeah, I am planning on changing my last name when I turn 18 anyway. There has been a lot of confusion over it cuz I am Gonzalez but everyone in my family is Santana. But I don't like how Santana sounds. And people misspell my real last name all the time anyway. I have even been called Gomez from it. o_O I haven't decided on what last name that I want though. Hmm... any ideas???

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Sciamantium — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:18:32 -0500

I'm waffling between my own actual surname, which is pronounced Bam! and my husband's name, which ends in Cully. Either of which is fairly appropriate for a scifi writer. Hmmm.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Sciamantium — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:06:35 -0500

I like Cathy, but it feels more like a romance-y name to me. :) I think using just the first initial ("C. Lastname") always sounds kind of dignified and mysterious for fantasy/scifi books.

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Krykit — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:35:45 -0500

I like Bam, personally. Onomatopoeia is fun! I'm having a similar dilemma. See...my real name is Kate (or Kathryn) Iannacone, but I am engaged, so soon my name will be Kate (or Kathryn) Wright.

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SemiAutoMadness — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:59:57 -0500

I've always been a fan of the name Kate. We have a lot of Katherines in my family, but none of them go by Kate. I love the way you spell Kathryn, and I think it works really well with your future last name! I was thinking of going with my initials and my maiden name: L.C. Bambrook. Or, with Leah Bambrook. I love my husband, but I've always loved the name my parents gave me. I've been playing around with writing steampunk, and I write a lot of poetry.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Alpina'sQuill — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:03:38 -0500

I like that, because it makes me want to eat an English Muffin. *yum* Errr... okay ignore me now...

Re: Well...

Alpina'sQuill — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:05:31 -0500

I really like that pen name... it's not complicated or too showy. :-D

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Kaserl — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:36:08 -0500

Mine's Louise Smith, middle name and mother's maiden name. I don't really feel comfortable using my real name, besides, people have issues spelling my first name. It's Hannah. I don't see where the issue is, but whatever.

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Ksimpson1998 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:41:39 -0500

I like that it has a nice ring to it!

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Ksimpson1998 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:47:36 -0500

I never use my real first name. I always go by Katie. But I don't know if for a book I should use Kathryn or Katie. And don't know what to do about my last name becuase I'm tired of being compaired to the T.V. family the Simpsons.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Chumsy17 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:09:24 -0500

Which genre are you writing in? Kathryn seems more suited for romance or historical fiction, Katie seems more like the name of a YA author or more of a lighter fiction. Either would be good, and Simpson's a fine last name, it might actually help people remember you more. :) My name's Chelsea Southworth, but it seems a little plain to me. My middle name is Alexandra and my mom's maiden name is Glowatz....any suggestions?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

ScyFygirl — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:23:42 -0500

Perhaps try Alexandra Southworth. I like the sound of that name.

@ Sunshine Cat

strawmelon881 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:22:14 -0500

HAH! ASIAN POWER FTW.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Saspirilla — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:29:01 -0500

With my real initials, I'd be S.L. Downie, but because I want to go into academic writing for publishing stuff, I may be better having my (fictional/fun) writing under a pen-name. Sassie Thorburn? Sassie Thunor? Thorburn is my granny's maiden name. Thunor I like. Sassie Flucker? Nah. Incorrect spellings could prove interesting. S.L. McIntosh? No. There's already a McIntosh (same spelling agh) who writes fantasy. Help?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Saspirilla — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:31:33 -0500

Lexie Southworth? Depends on what genre you write in though. Chelsea Glowatz has an interesting ring to it. Definitely an author I'd check out because of the unusual (to me) last name. Aside: I only checked out Chris Kuzneski's books because of the surname. Good move there. Same with Tatjana Soli (lovely lady)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

bookmonster — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:13:04 -0500

They all sound good, though I agree that there can be some unfortunate misspellings of the name Flunker. I like both Thorburn and Thunor. If you're going to use S.L. McIntosh than maybe make sure it's with something in a different genre. I was thinking of these pen names: Leah Sadler Maria Sadler (Maria's my middle name) Rachel Ness Dante (this one is an anagram of my real name)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

CyraEm — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:53:28 -0500

I like Leah Sadler, but Marie Sadler is a little chunky on the tongue. I like Rachel Dante, but Ness seems a little odd. If you could put a bi or tri syllabic middle name in there it might flow better. Mine of late is Harriet Friedman.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Christina Huling — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:27:16 -0500

Anagram... would I be correct in guessing that you got the idea from NCIS (Thom E. Gemcity)?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:02:37 -0500

Nothing wrong with Louise Smith. I like Hannah Smith better.

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HarleyB — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:03:33 -0500

Thank you!

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Isis kid — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:00:31 -0500

I guess that's pretty good. I'm not a huge fan of it though... Mine would be Isis Williams

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ChickenWing — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:27:22 -0500

I would go with my real name, but there already is a writer with the name. I already had some laughs when that author got an award for her first book and the next day everyone asked me when I'd written a book (they knew that it wasn't but though, because my surname's spelled a little bit differetly). So, I'll go with a pen name: Caylan G. Xavier or just G. Xavier Is it bad that I'm german, write in german but choose a non-german pen name?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Krykit — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:03:28 -0500

I'd go with Caylan Xavier or G Xavier myself. I feel like Caylan G. Xavier is just a tiny bit too long, but that's just me. And not at all. I am American, but I have Italian, Irish, French, German, Cherokee, Lenape, and Egyptian heritage (I'm a mutt, I know) but the pen name I used to use is Greek and French. I used to use the pen name Calliope Faye, but I don't know if I still want to.

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Mother.Giry — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:51:15 -0500

I like G. Xavier. Simple and effective. Mine: Christina Faraday.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

ChickenWing — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:10:39 -0500

Thanks you two. Krykit, your pen name sounds really nice it's... dreamy. Are you writing fantasy? And Mother.Giry: That sounds awesome. Has a nice ring to it.

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mercygrrl — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:30:29 -0500

I like it, it has a good ring to it. It is simple, but strong, and easy to remember. My real name is Bethany Robertson, I chose the writing name Joan Roberts. Joan is based on my middle name (Joni) and Roberts is obviously just shortened.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

mercygrrl — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:34:24 -0500

Whoops! Silly me, I added my comment without noticing there were already three pages here... Mother.Giry I like your writing name a lot, especially as I was once a fan of Lost. (I am guessing it was based on Daniel Faraday?)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kaserl — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:50:02 -0500

L.C. Bambrook sounds older to me, and Leah Bambrook sounds a little younger, I'm not really sure why.

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bookhobbit — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:53:42 -0500

Joan Roberts sounds vaguely familiar to me, but it has a very nice ring to it. I think the bell it's ringing is probably associated in some way with a black-and-white movie actress, so you shouldn't worry too much. I'm probably going to be writing under K. E. Callaway, because I like the genderlessness initials provide.

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FlameRaven — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:35:37 -0500

My actual name is Beth Zyglowicz. I'm trying to think up a cool penname, since I don't expect *anyone* besides me to be able to spell my last name, but so far I don't have any good ideas. :/

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FariFax — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:53:23 -0500

I don't think you should really compromise if you like your real name as your Author name. LOL, not sure if you've heard of George Strombolopolous, he started as a VJ host on Much Music up here in Canada. Now he has his own talk show on CBC.. and i still can't pronounce his name but he hasn't shorten it or anything like that and it did work for him. I don't really have a pen name either. At the moment it's a toss up for Natalie McKay or N.J. McKay (Yes, more with the initials that i've seen.)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Krykit — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:55:43 -0500

Thanks. It means "Fairy with a beautiful voice." And yes, I am writing fantasy. Though it is rather dark and morbid. Lol

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Calista.Artemis — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:48:08 -0500

I like Natalie McKay if you're aiming towards a younger crowd. If you're hoping for adults, go with N.J McKay. My name is Calista Artemis Blaschke. Suggestions on how to turn that into a pen name but still include most of it?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Fiona W — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:11:19 -0500

Calista: I think of the suffix "calli-" meaning "beautiful" (e.g., calligraphy) Artemis: the goddess, of course, and all the many thoughts that Her name brings to mind (I'm a pagan) Blaschke: a strong and interesting surname, but it doesn't really go with the first two names, which are charged with associations, for me at least When you say you want to "still include most of it," that poses a challenge. I really think it needs to be shortened. I don't have a perfect solution, but I do think "Artemis" is the most distracting element, and that it clashes with the excellent "Blaschke." So I would suggest just "Calista Blaschke." It's easy to say, the A's & L's & S's work well together, and both are strong, intriguing names that have an element of mystery in them. _________________________________ My name is Fiona Webster. Thoughts?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Fiona W — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:18:47 -0500

I like K. E. Callaway. It conjures up an image of someone who's both intelligent and a nice person.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Cupiditas — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:42:58 -0500

Nice, simple, sounds kind of romantic. :) -------------- Mine is: Lily Springston OR Talia-Anna I can't think of a surname for the "Talia-Anna" one.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Calista.Artemis — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:51:36 -0500

Alright, thank you!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

JennaKnight — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:15:36 -0500

No offence or anything, but Jamie Lynn Rose reminds me too much of Jamie Lynn Spears . . . :/

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

JennaKnight — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:19:12 -0500

Mine was going to be J.M. Knight, which is my first two initials and my last name, but I don't really like the way it looks . . . any suggestions? Full Name : Jenna Marie Knight

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Thalia06 — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:19:16 -0500

@JennaKnight-J.M. Knight looks fine. I also like Jenna Knight or Jenna M. Knight(its a bit long but it could work). @Cupiditas- I personally like Talia-Anna better, it could work if you write fantasy, Lily Springston has a contemporary fiction feel to it. Just my thoughts, hope you decide which to use! (I can't think of a surname either sorry.) Right now I'm using: M.N. Oliver, for my adventure fantasy manuscripts. Jay Tolerant or Jay T. which is an acronym of my name and I've used it for a sci-fi manuscript. I don't know which one is better? Thoughts on either of these?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:59:00 -0500

I like it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:01:25 -0500

I like Natalie McKay. I guess I'm just not real fond of initials instead of a name.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:04:15 -0500

I like Calista and/or Artemis. Most people will probably mispronounce your last name. You might try Blake. i.e. Calista Blake or Artemis Blake

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:07:34 -0500

I love the name Fiona. It goes good with Webster. Are you Irish or Scottish?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:09:17 -0500

You could try a shorter version of your last name such as Zyglow.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:10:50 -0500

You don't have to have a surname. Talia-Anna could work as is. Lily Springston is good also.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

violetgateway — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 02:34:34 -0500

@Thalia06 - I like the sound of M.N Oliver, definetly makes me think of fantasy novels....Jay T. on the other hands makes me think of rap music, but each to their own my Pen name would have to be Violet Paige or maybe Violet K. Paige Violet happens to be a rather odd nickname I got that has nothing to do with my actual name. Paige is my middle name, and also the last/middle name of many of my ancestors, one of which I was named after. The K. is the initial for my first name. I must admit thought, Violet Paige makes me think of a romance writer, and I don't often write romance. What do you think?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Cry-For-Life — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:16:41 -0500

I like the name Violet Paige, it does sound a little romantic though, Violet K Paige sounds more serious...I like both. I was thinking of using my real name, but I am not sure I like it - Maisie Mullings

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

IrishMouse — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:54:19 -0500

I liked it!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

MissAngelAdorer — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:39:26 -0500

Pen name: Marissa Thompson. Had my mom named me instead of my dad, Marissa would have been my name, so I think it's appropriate. I think it sounds interesting enough.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

sarahmfighter — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:26:18 -0500

I like it. :) It's nice and simple, easy to remember but unique enough that there aren't any well know authors with that name that you could get confused with. My Pen Name: Harlow J. Atkins

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Ebony_Blaze — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:37:24 -0500

Ooo, luff! Especially the last name, it's real unique! My name is Sahar Siddiqi. :)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

A.L. More — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:04:08 -0500

Sahar Siddiqi might catch my attention on a bookshelf, which means it might be something I'd pick up and read, so it works for me. As for my pen names, I'm waffling between a couple for my romance pen names: Cassidy Ellis Cassidy Simmons As for anything else, I'd use my screen name on here, which is my first and last initials and my last name.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Steampunk avi8or — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:56:35 -0500

I like your name! You don't hear the name Maisie very often, and it could be your avatar, but it makes me think of a cute little mouse. Mullings sounds like you're mulling over something. Very cool!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Steampunk avi8or — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:59:09 -0500

Oh I'm a derp I forgot to put my name. Madeline Bennett That's my actual name, but I have always been called Maddy. My middle name is Monique FYI.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

MissAngelAdorer — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:05:37 -0500

Love the name Cassidy. It's actually a name of one of the characters in one of my (not Nano) novels. I think Ellis sounds better with it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Hikiro-Lauren — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:56:09 -0500

I wasn't sure if I should use a pen name,so I'll just use my name. Name: Lauren Long

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Lilia Sparks — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:58:02 -0500

I like the alliteration!! It's cool. Has a nice ring to it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Lilia Sparks — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:58:45 -0500

Name: S. I. Leicht OR Pen Name: Lilia Sparks

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Cupiditas — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:28:31 -0500

@Thalia06 Well, Talia is my real name and Ann is my middle name, but my middle name comes from my grandma named Anna. And I chose Lily Springston because Lilies are my favourite flower and I was born in the Spring. I'm more of a romance/friendship writer that can be considered contemporary, because I write in present time. But not so much fantasy...though I could try writing that. @Lilia Sparks I like the pen name: Lilia Sparks. Sounds pretty, and reminds me of something romance/mystery like. But I'm fourteen, so I really don't have the experience to say truthfully if it's good. But I like it! ^_^

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:46:41 -0500

Jenna Knight should work. I like that.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:47:22 -0500

Go with Jay Tolerant.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:48:51 -0500

Go with Madeline Bennett. I'm a Bennett and I've always liked the name Madeline.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:50:20 -0500

Go with it. I like Marissa Thompson.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:52:50 -0500

Lauren Long sounds good. use it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:54:14 -0500

I like Violet Paige (without the K).

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

crazygirl9310 — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:56:10 -0500

Zeeva Bane I won't tell you why but I love the name!!! (p.s. go to a baby name site and look up Zeeva)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

roruna — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:02:52 -0500

LOL good one. XD Sounds a bit like a fantasy or sci-fi name. Now, I personally have no idea whether I want to use my real name or a pen name so I'm leaving a list of possible names and let me know what folks think of them. Lorna Tario R.D. Tario L.T. Rosas Tanya Rory

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Dragon Gal — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:02:15 -0500

roruna: Out of those, I like Lorna Tario. It has a nice ring to it! Plus I like Lorna as a first name. It sounds cool. I'm also gonna leave a list of names, like roruna did, for much the same reasons. Demi Gentill -> not sure I like this anymore (it's my current penname) KJ Rose -> possibly going with this Kelsey O'Brien-> I'm really not sure about this lastname. Thoughts, anyone?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

crazygirl9310 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:30:45 -0500

@Roruna - Fatasy works better, Zeeva = Wolf so my name means Wolfbane @Dragon Gal - KJ Rose is my fav, Kelsey O'Brian is nice, but O'Brian seems like an overused last name, esp in the writing world.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

TAMaxwell — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:37:47 -0500

I think if I saw the name Zeeva Bane on a cover, I'd wonder what her heritage is (I like to know where names come from). It's very nice, but it feels more like an MC name than an author name, though. Dragon Gal, definitely KJ Rose is my favorite of the ones you gave. My real name is rather common, and my maiden name is attached to someone too famous, so I've been toying with using my pen name or a mix of my real name and my pen name. T.A. Maxwell or Maggie Maxwell

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

CB_Young — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:03:18 -0500

Maggie Maxwell sounds like a YA author's type name; either way, I think both sound quite nice. The second one gets points for alliteration. I'm debating between going by my initials, C.B. Young; or the full name Carlin Blaise Young.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Smartiez101 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:13:08 -0500

Arrrgh!!! Pennames are so hard for me. No Michelle (too many in the family) for sure. I really just... *facepalm* so annoying trying to think of a penname. Disc from the only part of my last name people seem to be able to pronounce anyways. Stone is my mom's maiden name. I really don't know any other last names I would have a connection to. >Nicole A Disc >Nicole A Stone >Anne Disc >Anne Stone >T.A. Disc >T.A. Stone T.T idk!!! @ TAMaxwell I'm thinking maybe the Maggie Maxwell. No, not just because I might use the same first two initials. :P It just has more of a... ring to it I guess.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Ominous Rain — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:13:11 -0500

Authors with long names take longer for me to remember, initials stick in my mind. I think I would go with C.B. Young. :) Elisa Thomas. Or Elisabeth Thomas. I hate decisions...

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Ominous Rain — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:14:05 -0500

Ninja'd! I like the last three a lot, Smartiez!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Smartiez101 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:14:36 -0500

narp!! I commented late. ^^* @ CB_Young I'm thinking I like the C.B. Young, though both sound rather nice... I wouldn't be able to decide. Probably the first though...

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kiwi-kauri-kid — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:45:22 -0500

@Smartiez101; I like the sound of TA Stone I'm definitely going to can my last name; it's so bland and common and I've always hated it. Thinking of going with C.Wynyard, C. Lee Wynyard, or something similar. Your thoughts?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 04:58:46 -0500

Kelsey O'Brien. or Kelsey O'Brian.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:02:15 -0500

How about Nicole Stone, without the middle initial?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Ramblejack — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:56:05 -0500

[quote=Webgoji] I never understood why people would want to use a pen name. I guess it could function like using a special type of paper for a resume', just catch the publisher's attention? Meh, I'll stick with the name my father and mother gave me. Real Name: Darin Elliott (Yup, I have two first names . . . hehe) [/quote] Well, there are a few reasons. 1) if your given name is the same, or very close to another famous person, you might change it to make yourself more distinctive (or your agent or publisher may suggest you change it.) 2) you might have a long or difficult name, such as Zaj'c or Szczepanski, and again, it makes more sense to you or your publisher to use a pen name. 3) You may simply want to keep your writing life and private life separate.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Dragon Gal — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:34:07 -0500

Kiwi-kauri-kid, I'd probably go with C. Wynyard. But what about Lee Wynyard, without the C? Just a suggestion. I love the last name, by the way!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Smartiez101 — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:07:21 -0500

Okay, so I've narrowed it down to: Nicole Stone Anne Stone T.A. Stone lol, all of them have my mother's maiden name. xD

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Lilia Sparks — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:57:09 -0500

I LOVE the name Blaise. Maybe you could drop Carlin and just be Blaise Young. Or C.B. Young works just as well

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Lilia Sparks — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:58:35 -0500

Anne Stone sounds a bit bland... Though I like both T.A. Stone and Nicole Stone.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:17:55 -0500

I like Nichole Stone.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

lyrwriter — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 04:07:57 -0500

I don't know if you ever shorten your name in real life, but what about Jess Jordan? I think that has a nice ring to it, and it's shorter than Jessica Jordan (save yourself some hand cramps when you get around to doing book signings). :-) But I don't think there's anything wrong with J.A. Jordan either.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Cezanne — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:17:08 -0500

I think Nicole Stone sounds the best. (: My penname is Cezanne Knight - yes, Cezanne, like the painter Paul Cezanne. x). Any thoughts?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Lainylovesyou — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:40:42 -0500

Hmm... It's really intreaguing and I think it would work really well! :) I've never heard of Paul Cezzane, either, so you're probably good. :) Well... mine is probably Elaine Brookes. It's a code pen name. :) But does it sound too... I don't know, cliche adult writer?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:54:34 -0500

I like it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Princess Binky Lemontwist — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:31:40 -0500

Elaine Brookes? Maybe just a little too generic. I think I am gonna stick with Yeidi M. Gonzalez cuz even though I have a lousy last name, my first name fixes that problem. XD

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Ink_Stained_Midnight — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:28:53 -0500

Yeidi M. Gonzalez...I like it a lot, actually. Your first name is so excellent that I may have to steal it for a character, and I personally like your last name as well. I have a dilemma over using my initials and last name or my first and last name. J.A. Stokes is definitely preferably to Josie Stokes in my mind, but I'm probably biased because I hate my first name.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:26:07 -0500

J. A. Stokes? Depends what genre you're writing, but yeah, it is better... Definitely not taken, or, well, I don't know that. But that two-initials thing is used a lot, especially for fantasy. If I can't get published as just "H", I don't know what I'll do yet. I just like it, and can't come up with anything better. Any thoughts?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kyletin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:22:56 -0500

Well, I think if I were you, I'd honestly think about the possibility of not being published as just "H". It might be mysterious and cool, but it's excellent you're thinking of a back-up. Planning is wonderful, and I'm glad you're looking that far into your future. Perhaps you get a certain feeling from your pseudonym of "H". I would first task you with identifying what this is, and then try to find out why you think it gives you this feeling. I personally enjoy the word vibe, but it's possible that others find that a bit too esoteric. I'm not talking about Aura colours here! :D After you find this, I would go attack Wikipedia. No, don't just attempt to Wikipedia names, that'd be silly. HOWEVER, if you know of a certain time, war, person, etc. that you like to read about, you might find a name that you really like, but is also functional. Then, you can match it with a surname, to form an alternate pseudonym, should "H" not pan out for you. I'd honestly stay away from baby names sites. While they might have a lot of nice names all in one place... after a while, all those foreign names start to see fairly normal and you might become relatively disillusioned. I wish you good luck, and let us know how you fare!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kyletin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:25:31 -0500

I tend to go by the name of Roderich when writing online, so I'd probably choose something along the lines of Roderich Southway. What do you all think? It perchance sounds a bit too old-fashioned? I'm not trying to sound too wonky here, but I don't want to be too crazy or childish, either. My real name is too easy to be confused (ask any telemarketer, native to my country or not), so that's definitely not going to be the case, unless it is encouraged. Hahaha. :2

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kyletin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:47:44 -0500

I think it'd depend on what you want your writers to think of you as. I think Lilia Sparks sounds more free-spirited. HOWEVER, I personally prefer S. I. Leicht. If your book may also be attractive to men, you should try not to choose a name that might scare them off. :] After all, some might not want to carry around a book written by something too shiny, whether it's about zombies or not. Just my two cents!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kyletin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:49:56 -0500

I agree with this one. I think Kelsey O'Brien is nice-sounding and not too flowery, while still letting people know you're a female. :] It also sounds knowledgeable to me!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

caprici42 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:00:29 -0500

Personally, while Joan Roberts is okay, I like your real name so much more. Bethany, Joni, Robertson...all more interesting than "Joan Roberts" (which reminds me too much of Nora Roberts, with the same amount of letters and staid first name). I don't know...it sounds old Hollywood glamour, which equates to not modern. Totally fine if your name is that, but I do think your own name is so much prettier. :)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

caprici42 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:08:17 -0500

I like Jenna Knight too :)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

caprici42 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:24:29 -0500

I've been thinking about this issue a lot lately, and I'm not a huge fan of initials or pen names that are wildly divergent from the original. In any case, my real name is Erica Caprice Deel. While I really like Erica Caprice, I think it might sound too flowery in some contexts, and, well, go do a google search. I definitely don't want to be associated with xxx torrents. Erica Deel, while kinda bland, is at least straightforward and easy. And it's unique, surprise surprise! There aren't too many of me in the world, apparently. The other option, presuming I get married before I publish, would be Erica Parry. Though I do like the idea of keeping personal and public lives somewhat separate. Thoughts?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kyletin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:18:17 -0500

Oop, I think it might be best to stay away from the Erica Caprice, then. D: That's a shame, though, because to me, Caprice reminds me of music. I liked that. While people might not know that woman, we don't want anyone to google that name, expecting to find an author, but instead getting confused as to whether a xxx "actress" wrote their favourite book or not. You might get tired of people asking you questions about it in interviews once you're famous. ;D I personally prefer Erica Parry more than Erica Deel, as far as how fluid it sounds to me... I also think it'd be less likely to be misunderstood as Erik Aparry, in comparison to Eric Adeel.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

caprici42 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:46:52 -0500

I really like Roderich (I assume the ch is a k sound?), but it seems like a mouthful combined with "Southway". I'm not sure what your real name is, so I can't make any real suggestions. Maybe find something simple and one-syllable to offset the uniqueness of Roderich. Though really, I don't think it's as much a syllable thing as it is the different ways your mouth needs to move to form those two names. It just doesn't feel fluid to me when I pronounce it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:05:47 -0500

I like Erica Deel. But, Caprice Deel should work as well.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:08:03 -0500

Why do you hate Josie? I like it. I prefer Josie Stokes to J. A. Stokes since there is already a fairly popular J. A. who writes as J. A. Janice.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Jadedgently — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:00:39 -0500

I have this feeling like it would be fun to have a pen name, but at the same time... if I were ever to get published, it would be nice to see my real name on the cover, you know? My name's Rebecca Lynn McCann. Too many C's and too many N's if you ask me. I was thinking of either Becca McCann, which seems pseudo unique, or R.L. McCann, which seems kind of stiff and sterile, but what do you all think?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Jadedgently — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:04:29 -0500

Erica Parry, has a nice ring to it, but Erica Deel is also nice and sensible. It is probably what I would pick, for the reasons you shared. It's easy to pronounce and spell, and doesn't really have any connotation in my mind, so you start off with a clean association slate, if that makes any sense, haha.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Jadedgently — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:10:49 -0500

In print, I like the ascetic look of Roderich Southway, but it's a little uncomfortable to pronounce. What about Roderich South? It's still very eye-catching in my opinion; I would remember it :) Alternatively, it could be Rod Southway, but that seems a bit more hokey to me, like a street name or something; it might also not really fit you, I don't know. It's all up to you :D

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Jadedgently — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:14:40 -0500

I like it as well. It fits well together... somehow. Anyway, you've made me go look up Paul Cezanne. Very cool.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Jadedgently — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:18:04 -0500

T.A. Stone is my favorite; it's really powerful. But if you're writing romance or something more to that effect, I would go with Nicole Stone, which is also nice. I like Anne Stone, but at the same time it doesn't seem as memorable, and 2 one-syllable names together is kind of... less pleasing to the ear (I'll say that, acknowledging how cheesy it sounds)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kyletin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:50:06 -0500

I typically am not a fan of shortening names, but for some reason Becca McCann seems to sound good to me; I think I am biased against R.L. McCann simply because of R.L. Stein pops into my mind! I think the "Intital. Initial. Last" is a good system, but I feel it's becoming quite trendy lately... Which genre are you most typically interested in writing for?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Clairabel — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:21:55 -0500

I like Becca McCann, it sounds fresh and young. Becca Lynn McCann, although slightly more unique, and fits quite well together. Mine is just Claire Hayes. I mean, my full name is Claire Louise Hayes but... in all senses of the word, my name is dull.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kyletin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:01:07 -0500

I think most people tend to be at odds with their names, because they didn't really get a choice in the matter and we love choices. :] For example, I personally like both of the names Claire and Hayes. Maybe not the Louise so much no. No offense meant, but Claire Hayes makes you sound younger and easier to relate to; the Louse seems to make me feel you write in an old style, maybe. Just my opinions, as I read them! :D

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Ksimpson1998 — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:04:45 -0500

Thanks! I hate that I have been made fun of for my last name! So tired of hearing The Simpson's theme song!!!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

msnotsoclever — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:24:17 -0500

I think your name sounds very professional, actually. I'd pick up a book with your name on it! Mine is Raine August (Raine is short for Lorraine, which has been in the family for a long time. I think it's also my aunt's middle name... and my gran's middle name...)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

ElliMelody — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:21:14 -0500

I like yours! I don't like my last name and am not creative enough to come up with a decent penname. My only issue is that nobody realizes the extra 'n' at the end of my name makes it female, so they all call me "Brian" not "Breanne". But alas: Bryann L.W.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Toxicjinx — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:45:01 -0500

I love the L.W. it gives it a little memorable flare. I kind of like Breanne, though, rather than Braynn, but that's just food for thought. XD; I think it's a wonderful name either way! <3 <3 <3 Mine is REALLY AMERICAN DX Like, I'm tempted to change my pen name to Braun or something, or my first name to Marie, I just...My name is Hannah Carmack

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

mackenziebradley — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:49:36 -0500

my real name is Hannah too :) I like your name as is for what it's worth, though I could be biased as a Hannah. I think it's a pretty cool name :)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

mackenziebradley — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:52:27 -0500

My pen name is Mackenzie Bradley. My real last name is basically impossible for most people to pronounce correctly and I've worked as reporter before so I don't want the fiction I'm writing to get mixed in with the journalism when people do google searches in the future (/loftyambitions) Mackenzie is my middle name and Bradley is my father's middle name. I don't know about the cadence of the two names together, but I'm pretty attached to them.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Zaramora_Gladen — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:16:26 -0500

My real name is Xandria Raemyn Quichocho, but NO ONE will EVER get that right (I know. NO one gets it right nowadays) but I've grown attached to my real name after trying out several pen names. Maybe I'd just put X.R.Q (pronounced Zirk!) or Raemyn Quichocho, or Xandria Raemyn. It'd get somebody's attention, though.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Loki Laughs — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:17:40 -0500

Personally, I think that Mackenzie Bradley might get to be a little bit of a mouthful. Mackenzie Brad might work, though.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Loki Laughs — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:25:29 -0500

My full name is Hilary Jordan Rohr, and I was planning on going by either H. J. Rohr or J. Bennett. Bennett was my maternal grandmother's maiden name. I have never been overly fond of my first name, and a lot of authors go by their initials these days.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Zaramora_Gladen — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:26:39 -0500

I like J. Bennett. Sounds.... inticing! And H.J. Rohr.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

CountryGirl13 — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:18:08 -0500

I'm debating on whether or not to do a pen name for myself. My last name just sounds so... tough. My pen name's Annabeth Christine, but I think that's too girly, since I tend to write dark stories. Suggestions?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

ESylvia — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:24:33 -0500

I have it down to 2: Harper Anderson (for a fun pen name. Nothing to do with my real name, although it does have something to do with my family) or E.A. Sylvia.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

the_truthful_lie — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:47:42 -0500

i like Elizabeth Cameron. it has a really nice ring to it...

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

the_truthful_lie — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:03:20 -0500

Well, I have a few reasons as why i have a pen name, if you're interesting in knowing why... 1 - My first name is boring and well used. It is Rebecca. At my primary school there were 3 Rebeccas in my year level and another couple in other years. I don't even like the name 'Rebecca' much... 2 - My last name is horrid, and it's always getting confused with the town Hahndorf. My last name is acutally Hamdorf. I really wouldn't want that on a book, and besides i dont want anyone to say, did you read that book by Rebecca Hahndorf? Or even if they say it right, Hamdorf, it's not very impressive. 3 - I want to keep my writing life and personal life as seperate as possible. i'm generally a private kind of person. 4 - It's a tribute to different parts of my family, my pen name is Beka J. Shaw

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:11:31 -0500

Hannah is a great name. Go with Hannah Carmack.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:12:46 -0500

Mackenzie Bradley sound good. I like it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:15:26 -0500

I like Xandria Raemyn. It has an exotic ring to it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:18:57 -0500

I'm somewhat partial to Bennett. Hilary Bennett would work. While initials are being used with mor frequency these days, some of us would rather know the author's name.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

bloodonmytypewriterkeys — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:28:19 -0500

Harper Anderson sounds fun in a subtle way, like an inside joke or a hidden smile. E. A. Sylvia sounds very literaturey. They're both lovely. I also have two. For the novels I wouldn't mind my parents reading: Maggie McGuire. For the novels my parents will never see a single page of: Angel R. Anzhelin.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

skymessenger — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:02:24 -0500

Maggie McGuire doesn't have the most ring to it. Add a little something more to Maggie and I'd totally go for it through. And Angel. R. Anzhelin is pretty clever. Like it!!! I hate my name cause no one pronounces my last name correct (despite it being 5 letters) and my first name is too dang popular (not Mary or John but still over-used), Mine: Skylar Kiran

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

joeypie101 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:19:36 -0500

the name i would use on my books would be Joseph Lenehan

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Relocation — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:02:27 -0500

Marie Laurent is what I use for erotica. The only quip I can think of with it is that it's a bit common. Marie's my middle name, and my first name is also quite french, but I'm Canadian (not Quebecois) with roots in England, Czechoslovakia and mostly Holland, so I don't know where they came from. But it sounds better than Vanderveer or anything to me, and I think the name flows well. Too bad it's so common, though.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Princess Binky Lemontwist — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:37:11 -0500

Thanks, Josie! my mom made up my name but there are other people who have my name too. LOL! Yeidi isn't pronounced like Heidi though. It is pronounced Yay-D. Just in case you were wondering. :P

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:09:32 -0500

If the phonetics of your last name match the spelling, go with it. Otherwise, it will probably be mispronounced.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:13:00 -0500

There is nothing wrong with a popular name. I like Skylar and I don't recall any authors with that name. A lot of last names are mispronounced and that could be annoying for you. Of course, once you become famous, everbody will pronounce your name correctly.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

CB_Young — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:55:01 -0500

It's debatable, as I'm a touch attached to my first name, but I like my middle name as well. Hm. C. Blaise Young?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

joeypie101 — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:28:18 -0500

they do. thanks for your opinion

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Writer_Pen.Named_Firefly — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:49:48 -0500

@Relocation: I like yours! Sounds pretty and mysterious. I really haven't thought much about my author's name yet. My nick-name, given me by an old friend a long time ago, is Firefly. I would love to use that as part of my name since it fits me so well, except that it's also the name of a popular movie that I've never seen. Anyone else think that might be a problem? How's A.S. Firefly (my first and last initials, and my pen name)? Can you think of a better way to mix it up?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Relocation — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:36:45 -0500

I'm not a fan of using Firefly because it's so obviously a penname, but it depends what genre/age you're writing for. For YA, Erotica, or Fantasy, it could work as is though... Of course, it's entirely up to you/the publisher, and that opinion's only mine. You could also work in a synonym or something else related to fireflies.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

XVisiEX — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:35:30 -0500

Ciara Greek is mine >_> kinda kills the whole idea of remaining anonymous now though ah well, there are a few more hidden away

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Relocation — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:13:37 -0500

How do you pronounce 'Ciara'? And 'Greek' is an interesting choice

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

XVisiEX — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:24:51 -0500

(Si-er-rah) same was as Sierra mist. I liked the way it sounded >> Greek was what I picked first, then I finally decided on Ciara

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kyletin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:05:17 -0500

Thanks guys! I also thought Southway might have been a bit difficult to pronounce, but I took that last name from a character simply because I also liked the aesthetics, I think. Roderich South isn't so bad, though. I'll think about that, should I ever use a pseudonym. Rod Southway does seem a bit hokey. It made me chuckle when I saw/say it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

bookmonster — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:36:11 -0500

I've never seen the show. I can't remember where I heard the idea from though.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

jswwrites — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:36:11 -0500

My daughter's name is Kate (Kaitlyn) Wright. :o)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

jswwrites — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:42:26 -0500

My real first name is Jennings. My full name sounds like a law firm - all last names. But I'll probably use first and last real name. My husband uses a pen name for his non-fiction/political writing, and it's really confusing because people call and ask for him by that name and I still can't get used to it (and the kids especially can't!) even after a couple of years. I think you have to decide if you use a pen name whether to just answer to that, or tell people you'll deal with in your "public" capacity what your real name is. My husband sort of stumbled into it, and then missed the first chance to correct someone... after which it's kinda awkward to say, "Oh by the way, you know how you've been calling me Bob for six months? Well, my name is Bill." (Names changed to protect the innocent!)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

alicerabbits — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:11:33 -0500

You said you have all last names and you'd like to see your first and last name in print. Personally, I remember names that flow and Jennings (insert last name) doesn't quite make it. Have you thought about shortening your first name to Jenn?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

alicerabbits — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:12:05 -0500

The name I want to use is D.W. Ellis.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

alicerabbits — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:16:16 -0500

Sorry, don't mean to sound rude about it. I like the name Jennings really (It's my cousins' last name), but I don't really see it as an author-ish sounding. Does that make sense?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

emberwing — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:11:27 -0500

I like D.W. Ellis- it flows nicely I'm having trouble finding a pen name I like. Besides, I feel like I'd want my actual name (Gillian McCracken) to be on the books if they ever make it to a store. Actually, I've done some research on my name- there is an Australian writer with that exact name, though as far as I can tell it's all Australian based and stuff. Anyway, thoughts? Think a pen name would be better?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Airen Rin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:12:15 -0500

Maybe shorten the name to Gill McCracken? Lian McCracken? I'm just going to try going as Krys Taman, though I might change the 'y' into an 'i'. My first name is Krysta. Three guesses what my last name is, and the first two don't count. Thoughts?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Vyctori — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:42:44 -0500

V.A.Taylor or Victoria Anne Taylor

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:11:00 -0500

Gillian McCracken should work just fine.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:15:56 -0500

Krys Taman with the 'y'.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Stratadrake — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:15 -0500

"Victory" with two vowels swapped, eh? Nice, and a bit catchy. Me, I've had this username for about ten years (really!). Back then it was just a portmanteau (I was into RTS games back then, so "strata" derived from "strategy", and I like dragons, hence "drake"), but I've liked the name ever since. I'm also amused that the word "Strata" is the text/name of Firefox's default skin.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

lost in reverie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:33:06 -0500

Stratadrake is a very interesting username! I like it. :) Okay so my real name is Tawnee Calhoun, but I don't think my first name is serious sounding enough for a writer. If I ever do publish anything, I'll probably use T.M. Calhoun, which is my first two initials and surname.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

LisaMDJ — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:50:04 -0500

I actually like Tawnee Calhoun, but T.M. Calhoun looks nice as well. It looks like an author's name! My name is Lisa DeBusk. It's my maiden name, not my married name, but my married name is WAY too common and I prefer using the name I was born with. So it's either Lisa DeBusk or L.M. DeBusk. My novel is the first in a young adult series.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

SaltBlockPolygon — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:40:39 -0500

I like both! They look sophisticated and mysterious. Mine is pretty odd - it's a made up one. Drum roll please.... Andy Shippos. My real name is Elizabeth but I like the ambiguity that comes with a gender-neutral name. I know, I know, "Andy" isn't all that neutral, but I like it. I don't like Andie or Andi.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

mutewitness — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:19:05 -0500

Mine is: K. L. Bott My first initials, and my future last name. I also thought of doing Lynn Kelly, but then I thought it was sort of stupid, switching my name around. I'm going with K.L. Bott.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

firelight_cinderbrick — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:59:37 -0500

I'm a Gonzalez too. And I plan on getting married to a guy with an epic last name. Not too keen on common surnames as my name. Or I could just use a pen name because mine's too common.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

firelight_cinderbrick — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:04:19 -0500

When I read Rachel Ness Dante, the first thing I could thing of was R.N. Dante. I'm probably reading too much authors who use initials instead of first and second names.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

firelight_cinderbrick — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:08:01 -0500

I like your name. It has a great ring to it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

firelight_cinderbrick — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:24:55 -0500

I'm a fan of author names with initials. K. L. Bott is okay but it sounds a bit awkward. My real name is Spanish sounding and is really common: Margarita Isabel C. Gonzalez. I'm very strict with the C. It represents my individuality, well to me at least. I'm pretty sure I saw a dozen Facebook pages with that exact name. Woe is me to have a common name. I considered M. I. Gonzalez but it just sounds weird. Plus I don't want to add my common last name. So here are some pen names I thought up: Odina Corman Maeryn Abel I really like the name Mackenzie. I'm hoping to make a really unique pen name. I'd hate to use a common one. Any peculiar last name suggestions?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

firelight_cinderbrick — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:31:41 -0500

oh right, I have tips for making up pen-names - use google or facebook and search for the name if your going for less common ones - use naming sites like this one :http://www.name-meanings.com/ that particular site is what I used to make up character names, it's very organized, that's why it's my naming site of choice

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Saah — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:48:07 -0500

I really like your real name, it's very pretty... Have you considered something like Isabel C. Gonzalez or... Well, I was going to sat "Isabella Margarita" But then the association with the drink popped into my mind. Maeryn Abel bothers me, actually... Because it's... too different? I tried to think about telling a friend to go check out a book by Maeryn Abel, and I think "Ahh, I'll have to write this down for them... They're going to forget..." But Odina Corman is really good. What about Margarita Corman or... M.I. Corman. I think the issue is that Gonzales is a pretty common surname. (I checked wiki and it said 23rd most common in the US, so...) If you use Corman or Abel, you can use your very pretty actual name as well. :) For my pen name, I was thinking Emily Roth. It's a combination of my middle name and part of my father's last name (Rexroth...) I was actually supposed to be named Emily, but then I was named Sarah instead... so it's sort of like my name in an alternate reality. :)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

miniwriter — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:31:32 -0500

I like that name. It has a nice ring to it. For me, I feel that my name (Sarah Schiffman) just isn't memorable,so I was thinking of using my middle name Elizabeth and my grandfathers last name Carter (mainly because I don't remember him at all and this would be a way for me to do that.).

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

epguinn — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:53:11 -0500

I do like Elizabeth Carter. It's easy to remember and easy to pronounce. As for me, my real name is Ellen Guinn. I've always liked my first name, because while not unheard of, it's not very common (especially for people my age -- early 20s). However, my last name concerns me because it's so difficult to pronouce (I think I've had one teacher in my entire school years that got it right on the first try. For the record, it sounds just like the second syllable of "penguin.") I suppose I could use my mother's madien name, Cosner. It's a lot easier to say. Plus, my mom once told me that she perfered signing "a lovely C" rather than "a big awkward G."

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Relocation — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 02:21:22 -0500

Do you mean 'Victoria' at the beginning of your post?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Relocation — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 02:24:50 -0500

I actually read your name as pronounced, then realized it was supposed to be hard and assumed it was Hween or something.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Horselover150 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:24:26 -0500

I like both your pen name and your real name, both are good. My name is Grace Woodruff, i think that I will leave it like that if I decide to publish anything. Of course, when I get married someday, I'll have to change my last name.XD

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

BlueFeatherMuse — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:49:59 -0500

I like your name! For whatever reason, it just sounds like an author's name to me. I can see it as a Mystery or YA name, but I could be (and probably am) wrong. I HATE my last name. I'm going to save you all the time it will take to properly pronounce it. So when I get published someday, I'm just going to go by "Stephanie Bryn"--my first and middle name. It sounds better than the incoherent jumble I hear when someone tries to pronounce my last name.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Horselover150 — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:53:26 -0500

I like to read Mystery, but I don't think that I wuld like writing it. I do kind of write young adult fiction, though, so good job! I think that your pen name sounds good, it also sounds like an author's name.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

N-K-W — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:40:40 -0500

How do mess up 'Guinn' haha, nevermind, I have a friendnamed 'Gwuen'and everyone pronounces it like 'geeeeuhwen' when it is just like 'gwen'

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

N-K-W — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:48:08 -0500

Haha, my last name is kind of weird, my teachers always make fun of it, and no one is actually sure about my middle name, on my school docs it's 'Kathleen' on my social security card it's 'kathrin' and on my birth certificate it is 'katheryine' so who knows? I like my first name, 'Nicole' I think it suits me. I'm thinking my pen name will just be 'Nicole K. W.' What do you think? Not specific enough? Maybe I'll go with something else. I want it to be memorable but easy to see and hard to confuse with someone else. Maybe 'Wooden N. K.'? That is not my real last name (though its close) it my mums maiden name. Or maybe just 'NKW' Hmm, sorry i'm rambling.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Lisa.Vail — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:47:19 -0500

Nicole K.W. is pretty good, but maybe Nicole W would sound better? Or even taking the 'Wooden', how about changing it round to N.K.Wooden? That sounds like a pretty impressive penname to me! :D I made this account when I was planning on using the penname of Lisa Vale, but after my family insisted that I show pride in the family name, I've ended up resorting back to Lisa Simpkins. Vale is so much better I think, but... maybe L.Simpkins? I could always follow suit and try to use my mother's maiden name, L.Bennett? Agh I don't know!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Lisa.Vail — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:04:28 -0500

Ah sorry, so what I want so far is probably Lisa Vale or L. Vale.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

CountryGirl13 — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:01:43 -0500

So, I'm thinking Remington O'Hara for myself. Remington is a family name, and a gun brand. I took O'Hara from the heroine of Gone With the Wind ;) anyone like my choice?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:52:21 -0500

Lisa Vale

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

MarcyT — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:03:10 -0500

I like Lisa Vale better, though I'm just not a huge fan of initials. I don't know why, since they look so nice on books, but I prefer names. Lisa Vale is pretty, but short enough to remember easily. My pen name is Chrisa Thomas.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kookyness — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:47:28 -0500

I like the name Chrisa Thomas, it has a nice ring, and Chrisa seems unique to me. Which is what you want as an author :D I don't really have a pen name, but my nickname is Kookie :D or Kirky, depending who spells it =p. maybe I should just go with my original name, Kirstie Sommerville, but it seems kinda long. Maybe like Kookie Sommer, seems interesting to me since it has two words spelt differently, which my first name is anyway, everyone spells Kirstie with a y where I live :D but I wanna see what other think =p

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

KatnissGinnyMaxTally — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:19:20 -0500

I think Kookie Sommer has a nice sound too it. Definitely very unique! I've thought of a few pen names I may use, since I can't really imagine my name being on the covers of my books. Which ones sound best? -Clarisse Jordan -Vera Tran -Bridget Argall

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

alicerabbits — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:48:21 -0500

I like Gillian McCracken. It has a nice ring to.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

alicerabbits — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:52:15 -0500

I like Bridget Argall. Clarisse Jordan makes me think of Hannibal.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Harlow — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:53:31 -0500

My pen name? A. (for my patronym) and my surname. My natural name? Ksenija Alexandrovna.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Harlow — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:00:16 -0500

Also forgot - the nickname that I got as a child and the nickname that stuck also starts with A. - Amber. Most people can't pronounce my birthname or the patronym.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Riven — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:19:14 -0500

Hmmm, I think your name sounds cool, but thinking purely of space wise on a book cover, it might be a little too long. What about K. Amber? My given name is Paul Richardson, but I like neither name. I ithink Paul is far too boring a name, and I'm thinking of changing my last name to my mother's maiden name, Daniel. the most common nickname I go by is Rivyn, so I thought if I was to go by a pen name, I might use Rivyn Daniel?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Harlow — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:37:02 -0500

That's an awesome name. There also exists a version with similar pronunciation that is spelled differently - Xenia. Mine is a Slovenian spelling (though it's also something that my mom thought looked better than Xenia and Ksenia - it was between Kseniya and Ksenija for me) Also, I like that name.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Nerine Luna Cyran — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:50:08 -0500

I'm using the pen name Nerine Luna Cyran. Nerine was the name of a character in one of the first anime series I watched, so it's a sort of declaration of my love for anime and everything Japanrelated :P Also, I find the flower by that name pretty. Luna comes from Luna Lovegood, one of my favorite characters in the Harry Potter series, partially because of the amazing Evanna Lynch. Luna is my tribute to both Evanna and Rowling. Cyran was a name I stumbled upon once when looking for names for one of my characters. It didn't fit that character, but the name stuck. So, I'm wondering what you all think. Is it a name you would remember or something you would probably forget? What kind of image (genres, for example) do you get when hearing this name? Thanks in advance for any thoughts ^^

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

myviolettears — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:42:45 -0500

I find it difficult to read, the combination of names. I think o a fantasy writer who isn't selling much. Most would butcher the first name. I like Cyran as a last name though. My name: Louise-Ann Nixon I like the flow, it sounds good to me.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Cheesypriestess — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:48:24 -0500

Don't you just hate when people can't pronounce your last name? It's stupid, because a lot of times, they mispronounce it the same way over and over, and it seems like they should know how to pronounce it. And then, after you tell them how pronounce it, they have to make you repeat several times before they get the hang of it. That even happens with my first name. Yeesh, it's unusual, but perfectly pronounceable!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Cheesypriestess — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:56:56 -0500

I'm a mutt, too! Yay for mutt power! I don't even know where all I come from.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Cheesypriestess — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:57:12 -0500

Pretty!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

WriterWithFire — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 01:21:56 -0500

Louise-Ann Nixon sounds like a writer's name... I like it! It sounds like a mystery writer to me for some reason. "Oooh, did you check out that new Louise Ann-Nixon mystery, it is simply delightful!" Anyway, I like it. I have never been one for pen names myself, but I am not sure what parts of my name I would use. My full name is Thomas William Harwick II T.W Harwick sounds a little too fantasy to me. It is my dream to publish stories in a variety of genres. Thomas W. Harwick or simply Thomas Harwick

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Garneth_Riparian — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:07:43 -0500

I agree that T.W. Harwick sounds fantasy - but adult fantasy, not like "Cara and the Friendly Unicorn" fantasy. Thomas W. Harwick is a bit of a mouthful, and I think people would end up shortening it to Thomas Harwick anyway. My pen name would be exactly the same as my username - Garneth Riparian. A bit look-how-mysterious-I-am, I know, but out of all the various false names I've tried on over the years, it's the only one that has stuck and felt right, if you know what I mean.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

SquashyBananaFace — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:27:21 -0500

I use my name. W.H. Rushing

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Marlin — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 05:33:30 -0500

W. H. Rushing sounds great. Very serious, somehow. It's probably the use of initials instead of the first name(s). My pen name is Marlin E. Meadows, and I still haven't decided whether I think it's silly or sophisticated. I don't think I could use my real name if I should ever publish a book, though, because Marlin is my "writer self", and therefore I think it should be the name that will be on my book. And don't worry, I don't have a multiple personality disorder.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

LibraryMouse233 — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:26:16 -0500

Mallory Destler is what I would pick, since my real name doesn't really have good flow to it.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Arya Svit-Kona — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:01:10 -0400

I like Mallory Destler! It does have a very good flow to it! Now.... I have two that I tend to alternate between. Daisy J. Selzer Arya J. Selzer Daisy is my real name, but.... it feels like it's a name people's eyes are just going to glide over. It doesn't feel like an author's name. Arya has been my nickname for a couple years now and for some reason Arya J. Selzer feels more unique. Like it's my name and only mine and it is the name that I want to have out there. Plus, it looks better on the covers I've made. Er.... yer, I have weird thoughts when it comes to names. Which one do you peoples like better?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

premiumcider — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:05:03 -0400

Well, Arya does sound more "esoteric", if that makes sense. Both are fine, but give off different vibes, but that's ok because I don't judge books by pen names anyway. Now, I have to-and-fro tried to come up with a good pen name... For some reason I have developed a fondness for "Slavic" (sounding) surnames. So maybe something like... J.J. Strzelecki.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Enna-Isilee — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:34:03 -0400

That's a cool-sounding name. It sounds like a sic-fi or fantasy name. One question: how do you pronounce the last name? I'm torn between two: Lyra Wood Sawyer Scott

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Serendipitist — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:14:21 -0400

I really like Sawyer Scott. Something about the alliteration and how they could both be first names. It's very nice. If I had to choose, my pen name would probably be Charlotte Thompson.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Prudence Fang — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:54:55 -0400

Charlotte Thompson? Hm... I like it. It sounds quiet and dignified, yet at the same time, not boring. I have a few pen names in mind. Can I get someone's opinion on which one I should use? L. Chris Christie Lin Noire

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

badgerpride — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:00:02 -0400

I like Noire. I'm not really sure how to pronounce it, but it looks cool. My pen name is Lea Egan. It started out as an anagram of my real first and last name (which is how I got the name Lea), but then I just picked the last name Egan because I like names that start with 'E'.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:22:32 -0400

Christie Lin

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Windee — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:43:26 -0400

I have to admit, I prefer when people use their real names to write books, UNLESS they're writing in several different genres and want to have a little bit of space between the different types of work. It's always felt a little cheap to me when an author won't put his or her real name to their work (and they're only working in one genre), like they're embarrassed of it or something. Anagrams are pretty cool though, especially Lea, though I'm not sure whether I should pronounce it "Lee" or "Leah." I'm leaning towards using E.J. Gowdy, since I'm rather fond of my initials and my last name, or I might use Ellen J. Gowdy. :)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

GoneLookingForMyself — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:04:02 -0400

I think Jessica Verve is awesome! It sounds like the main character of something. :)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

skymessenger — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:06:14 -0400

E.J I like and Ellen. J has a nice ring. But the Gowdy just turns me off. I hate my real name (first name's way overdone, last names hard to pronounce) - Skylar Vienna - Gretchen Larousse - Riley Gardner

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

GoneLookingForMyself — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:11:19 -0400

That happens with my family name all the time. It's pronounced with the F sounding more like a V because it's Welsh, and nobody ever gets that.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

GoneLookingForMyself — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:22:11 -0400

Looking at those three names, I'd have to say Skyler Vienna sounds a little... overthought? I'm not sure how to put it. Gretchen Larousse is a mouthful and makes me think of pasta for some reason. Riley Gardner would probably be the best bet of the three, even if it seems a little odd to me because my childhood best friend's name was Riley. Could I suggest Skyler Gardner? It looks more realistic while still having a nice sound and it comes easily off the tongue. And as for me, I tend to have name crises all the time, so this is a big question for me. Including a couple I doubt would work, because I'd like a second opinion, here goes my options. - Spinner Beech - Kathryn Settle - Maureen Tanafon - Maureen Grace - Jeanette Cameron - Kathryn Madder ...okay, in making that list I think I fell a little bit in love with Maureen Grace. But what are other people's opinions?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

badgerpride — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:24:55 -0400

Well, the pen name is just for online since I don't want my real name out there. If I ever actually published something it would be under my real name. And I pronounce it like "Leah".

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:55:45 -0400

I like Skylar, but I don't care for any of the others. I would probably like your real name.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:58:47 -0400

I would pick Jeanette Cameron. The combination sounds good. I like Kathryn, but not with those surnames.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

S.E. Marshall — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 01:25:46 -0400

I like Jeanette. It's a more uncommon name in my opinion, Mine sounds like an action character's name but I've always loved Jericho West. I don't know why. I just like the uniqueness of Jericho and I've always loved the last name West. So... Jericho West

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

HarleyB — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:22:41 -0400

Go with it. Sounds like a good name.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

sarasvati.river — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:22:39 -0400

Jericho West has a nice ring to it. That's a name that I would remember. I don't want to use my real name for safety reasons--I want to avoid being found by an abusive ex--and I've gone back and forth on several different possibilities. It's hard to find a name that feels like "me". I don't want to do anything too close to my real name, for the same reason. Arya Quinn Quinn is a family name, and Arya is a Sanskrit name like my real name (Sarasvati), meaning "brave". I definitely want some bravery!

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Luxuria — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:58:24 -0400

What a lovely pseudonym! Arya Quinn~ Sounds so professional, and definitely brave to me :D I've always battled with myself over what name I wanted to publish my book under, since I'm not sure if my name has a good ring to it. Could I have an honest opinion, anybody? Real Name: Bailey Adalaide Fields (or just Bailey Fields) Pseudonym: Luxuria De'Voire What do you all think?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

luvinpadfoot — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:20:41 -0400

I prefer your real name to your pseudonym. Luxuria De'Voire sounds a little too romantic and made up. It kind of reminds me of a heroine from an over the top romance novel. Your real name seems fine, but you could always add the A from your middle name if that gives it a better sound. Bailey A. Fields- I think that could be a winner. I'm not entirely averse to using my real name if I ever publish, but I've always associated my writing with another name: Xan Black. It's a derivation of Alexandra. What do you think?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Ink_Stained_Midnight — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:04:28 -0400

Ooh, I like it. Easy to remember and a bit enigmatic, if that makes any sense at all. I dislike my first name, Josie, on the grounds that it sounds a bit childish. I like my surname, so I decided to go with Jocelyn Stokes.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Beastfire — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:27:17 -0400

Jocelyn Stokes sounds like a good name for an author, I'd think. I'm not sure what I'd go with for a name, myself. My real name is Kayla Matt, but I'm kinda iffy on the combination of those first and last names together. Middle name is Marie, so MAYBE something could be done with that. But then again, "Kayla Marie"...that just seems incredibly common. I mean, pretty much EVERY person I've encountered with the name of Kayla had Marie as a middle name, so... yeah. I could go with Beastfire, possibly, considering that I tend to go mostly with sci-fi/fantasy stuff that doesn't always take itself seriously, and I also have the nickname of Twixie. So I'm really not sure what to go with.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Daisy13 — Sun, 13 May 2012 22:52:52 -0400

Marie Twixie. or Kayla Twixie. I like both and would love either as a fantasy writers name. My real name is Brianna Daniel which is boring. I was thinking about using my middle name which is Daisy but everything I come up with that has Daisy in it sounds like something you would call your three year old. Or your dog. People sometimes call me Pixie, so I was thinking about using that. Pixie Daniel just sounds wierd though and Brianna Pixie sounds dumb to me. B.D. Daniel looks like a bad emoticon. I just can't come up with anything good for a pen name. suggestions?

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Buffy871 — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:19:52 -0400

I'm known on the internet as Buffy871, but my real name is Elizabeth Sullivan. I'd probably use that to publish.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Wind Ann Wise — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:29:17 -0400

I'd probably use my real name, Jennifer Fisher to publish, but if that didn't work out, I'd go with my username, Wind Ann Wise.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Thrae Elddim — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:43 -0400

Personally, I prefer Jennifer Fisher. Wind Ann Wise sounds like the username it is, and kind of punny... I've got two: Sitara Thaker Sybilla Deihr

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Aellio — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:44:52 -0400

Personally neither of those sound "real" but they both sound interesting. I've never really given much thought to a pen name. Amanda isn't a terrible name, very popular at the time I was born, I may come up with a different last name as I have enough problems with people trying to spell it now. However with my current "set" of novels I was planning on using a character as the writer, I don't know if that is a great idea, but for at least one I would like to do so. Cyril Jones for my first novel Karina Whithelm with Denver Stevens for my second and Theodore Lambert for my last (and unwritten) novel. Since I made Cyril's little sister a writer I may use her name as a pen name, which would be Lily Jones.

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Kenouni Renashin — Sat, 19 May 2012 06:37:43 -0400

I like Katherine Skye. I think that works :)

Re: Rate the Author's Name Above You

Nikk_E — Thu, 24 May 2012 04:10:46 -0400

@Aelilo I'm curious why you would want to switch between so many names. After all, you're trying to choose a name (or already have a name) that's easy and memorable to build a readership. (At least I thought that was the logic of it.) I understand needing different pen names for very different genres (such as using one pen name for erotica and another for historical fiction and another for sci-fi/fantasy.) All of the names you've chosen, though, are believable names that I think I'd remember. Denver Stevens has a nice ring to it, and I think is my favorite of them all. Personally, I'm planning to choose a pen name because my real name is clunky and people have always had a hard time remembering it. (Which is why I switched to my middle name is 5th grade.) I've tried out a few, but I think my favorite pen name I've created is Madison Proctor. Though my middle name is Nikki which is not as terrible as my first name, which is Jonaree....ew. My other thought was to use my husband"s wonderful last name and use Nikole Damme. I never thought Nikki was a very authorial name...Though I'm afraid that people will pronounce my last name as Damn and not Dam-muh like it's supposed to be.