Deciphering the Pen Name

Pen names! Fun, creative, and… a complete headache. How do you pick one? Why do you pick one?

Let’s start with that: you don’t have to go by a pen name. But if you’re worried about your privacy, or that your name is too ordinary for your extraordinary writing, or you simply don’t want your grandma to know you write spicy fae romance, then a pen name is the right move for you. A pen name could be an alter ego that allows you to explore different genres, and it is a great tool to build your author brand.

But how do you pick it? As someone who has grappled with this decision myself, I understand the struggle. So, I put together a list of things to consider before you choose your pen name to help you navigate the process more easily.

• Determine your author brand

Your pen name is an integral part of your author brand. Consider the genres you write in and the tone of your work. Are you a romance writer with a flair for the dramatic? Is your general vibe more mysterious? Edgy? Spooky? Soft and contemporary? Your pen name should reflect the essence of your writing style and the expectations of your audience. Consistency is key when building your author brand, so choose a name that aligns with your literary identity.

• Brainstorm ideas

Brainstorming is where the real fun begins. Let your imagination run wild and explore different paths for your pen name. Here are a few ideas how to do that:

• Word play

Get creative with language. Pick words that mean something to you and mash them together. Whether it’s a clever pun or a poetic fusion of meaningful words, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to play around until you find a combination that feels uniquely you. And the best part? Your pen name doesn’t even need to be real (existing) one. Go wild.

• Character inspiration

You’ve always loved this one fictional character? Identified with them? Cosplayed as them and kept artwork of them on your walls? Great! Draw inspiration from that. Let your literary heroes guide you towards that perfect name.

• Go sentimental

Consider names that hold personal significance to you. Is there a special person in your life who pushed you to become an author? Who always supported your dream? Someone you want to say thank you to? Someone who defined the person you became and inspired you? Or was it a place? A city or a street where you lived and wrote your first story? That librarian who opened a whole new bookish world to you? Pay tribute to their influence by incorporating their name or a meaningful reference into your pen name. Not only does this add a layer of sentimental value, but it also ensures that you will not get bored of it or want to change it later.

Here’s the part where I share how I picked my own pen name. I knew from the start that I wanted to write Bulgarian folklore-inspired fantasy worlds—even if it was vaguely scratching the folklore surface, I wanted to sprinkle my cultural heritage into my books. So, my pen name had to reflect who I am and what I write. I also wanted it to sound Eastern European-adjacent, but also to mean something to me.

So, my grandma Milka, who encouraged me to read and write the most, and my grandpa Yordan, who nurtured my love for nature and tiny villages, became Mildanoff. I’ve run through a couple of pen names and this one just felt right. Felt like me.

I hope that little guide helps you with the pen name struggle. Remember, there aren’t rules set in stone when it comes to pen names. The key to finding the right one is to stay true to yourself and your creative vision. Whether you’re crafting a whimsical or a sleek pseudonym, embrace the process with an open mind and a sense of adventure. After all, your pen name is more than just a label—it’s a reflection of the stories you tell.