Why do people in the 21 st century still use pen names?

Question

What is the need,since unlike the past where psuedonyms where necessary to escape repucrussions by the general public in case of an unagreeable point

Answer 1

Brewster, there are still all sorts of reasons.

Authors tend to be well-known in a single genre. If I become Maryn Bittner, the popular romance novelist (not bloody likely), then people who buy Maryn Bittner books that are taut thrillers or humorous essays will feel cheated, since I did not meet their expectations. So I'd publish in other genres under other names.

If my work was likely to upset or anger people, I could shield myself and my family by hiding behind a pen name. Plenty of celebrity bios that name names do this.

If my writing suggested I did not follow the teachings of my religion, follow the policies of my workplace, or revealed that I broke the law frequently, I'd be wise to use a pseudonym.

If my books or stories were adult in nature, I might prefer that my kids' teachers and my in-laws not see them under my real name.

If my early published work never sold much and is of such quality that I don't want it connected with me, I could separate myself from it by using a pen name.

Answer 2

A few reasons an author may choose to use a pen name:

1. The author prefers to have his personal name not known to the public, for whatever reason.

2. The author is writing in a different genera than is typical to his usual style, so therefore uses a pen name to avoid reader confusion.

3. The author is very prolific and doesn't care to flood the market with many titles under one name.

4. The author used a pen name that may seem more reflective for the genera he is writing.

5. The authors real name is boring and he wants a name that is more interesting.

There's a few reasons, probably could be many more.

Answer 3

Dear Sir or Madam,

Hello!

Following are a couple of resources that talk about pen names:

Pen Name: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pen_name
"Authors may use a pen name to replace a long, difficult, or uninteresting name, or a name likely to be confused with the name of another writer or notable individual, or avoid overexposure. Authors who write in different styles use pen names to avoid confusing regular readers. Some female authors have used male pen names to ensure that their works were accepted by publishers or taken seriously. A pseudonym may also be used to protect the writer, in cases of exposé books about espionage or crime."

Writing tips for writing under a pen name: http://fl.essortment.com/writingtips_rfyd.htm
"Perhaps, they have a funny name or think that they may sell books better with a catchier name. Other reasons for using pen names include privacy, the desire to have one’s work read on the basis of its own merits and not judged by a name that is known, or simply because it seemed like a good idea at the time. Creating a pen name is like being in a candy store and being able to choose whatever you like. If you never liked your name or wished it was more suave or hip, now is your chance to create the perfect name for yourself. If you are trying to market a certain kind of work, pen names can be especially useful in creating a mystique about your work. Think of a romance novel penned by Cassandra Lovelace as opposed to one written by Murray Jones."

I hope these are helpful to you!

Yours,
Mary M. Buck, MLS
The Library is a resource, not a building. Librarians are where you are - online! Find your local Library at http://lists.webjunction.org/libweb/Public_main.html.

Answer 4

Perhaps authors reach a point in their career where their previous works and reputation precede them when they publish future works... a pen name can be nice, because it lets an author branch out from 'familiar territory' (from both an author's and the fans' perspective) and do something new / different, without having to worry about disappointing fans' expectations of the author.

For example, if a well-known fantasy author wants to write a piece of suspenseful fiction about a marriage gone bad in mid-90's Ohio... fans of dragons and magic might be disappointed to read something like that when they expected dragons and magic from their favorite fantasy author.

Answer 5

For the very reasons you list, and for privacy in life; these things haven't changed much since the past...

In fact the general public is just as fiesty and litigious as ever, and many an author wants to continue in an observant role, quietly writing more, and they wish not to be in the limelight, ever.

Answer 6

We're liars. Well, as a fiction writer, I'm a liar, at least. It doesn't feel like a stretch making fake names for myself when I make fake names for imaginary people all the time.

I agree with a lot of the reasons already listed, but I think many writers also believe it's fun.

Answer 7

Here are some more common reasons: either they do it because 1) their surname starts with a letter toward the end of the alphabet; if it started with, say, C, more people would notice and but their book. 2) they simply just don't like their real name.

Answer 8

It is obvious that Jesus is God. Hence the Trinity. Jesus forgives sins. So He is God. e.g. Mark2 Jesus is the Creator. read John 1 and 17; Hebrews 1. So Jesus is God. All power in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus. He is with us always till the end of the age. read Matthew 28: 18-20

Answer 9

Many many valid reasons here, just adding one more.

Tradition.

Some people simply like behaving how their heroes may have a hundred years or more ago.

Answer 10

Are you a freelance writer who would like to understand much more about how to earn excellent cash doing what you appreciate? If you want to advance your writing job