Should You Use A Pen Name?

What are your thoughts?

Great question from Mark this week!

“Do you use a pen name and is it a good idea?”

I actually do use a pen name, but not on my main Medium account or for any commissioned magazine work. Kelly Eden is my real name.

For some reason, I was nervous to use a pseudonym. I don’t know why!

In 2020, I started writing under a pen name very occasionally when I wanted to write more anonymously. 

Creative Nonfiction Academy Archives

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Why use a Pseudonym?

There are several good reasons to use a pen name:

• Some things you want to write about, but can’t share under your own name because it will affect someone else.

• Or you want to experiment with different topics or styles.

• Or you’re worried sharing your real identity will negatively impact your work/family/personal life.

I have a particular style and “brand” for want of a better word, and sometimes it’s nice to take a break from that and write as someone else. As a fairly visible writer, it’s freeing to write in the shadows at times.

When to Write Under Your Real Name

Career or hobby?

• If you are wanting to build a career in writing, it’s usually a good idea to use your real name. Or at least a name you’re happy to go by for your entire career.

Keeping it simple

• It’s tough to juggle too many identities, social media accounts, emails, etc. Using your real name keeps things simple.

But you can write under both your real name and a pen name. On Medium you just use different email addresses. 

Here are a couple of articles that may help: 

When Parts of Your Story Can't be Told   

Here's how my first month using a pen name went (this is from 2020 so some of the Medium specifics, like what does well, aren't relevant now) 

Here's another perspective from a different writer (The editor of An Injustice) 

Do you have thoughts on pen names?

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Introducing…

I want to highlight a publication each week for those of you wanting to send your work out into the world.

This week, I have a great little publication on Medium to introduce you to.

Six Word Photo Story Challenge

Run by three incredible women, Six Word Photo Story Challenge allows you to unblock your creativity with a bite-sized story.

It’s a lot of fun. Check out their writing prompt for February here.

Have a great week!

Kelly xxx

Check out the Creative Nonfiction Academy Archives Here.