My Pen Name
Photo by Amee Fairbank-Brown on Unsplash
I write a lot, which means I name a lot of characters, which means I think about names a lot. Sometimes a character springs into my mind with a name attached, but not always. More often, it’s a case of seeing the character first, and getting a sense of who they are and what they do, and then having to find a name for them.
A name that means “strength” for a warrior, or a flowery name for an innocent child. A classic name for an elegant lady or a name with an eerie lilt for a villain. An unpronounceable name for a dragon or a name that begins with O because too many other characters have names that start with S and T and I don’t have any O-named characters in this novel, yet. I’m browsing baby-name websites often enough that my browser must think I have 147 kids.
It makes choosing a name for myself much harder.
A few years ago, I wrote a novel and self-published it as an e-book under a pen name that had tons of thought and depth and meaning behind it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit anymore. The name, I mean. All the websites associated with it have crashed, sales of the book have dropped to nothing, I’ve neglected the social media accounts tied to it… if this pen name were a house plant, it would be the kind you’d be ashamed to leave out on a table when guests came over. Sorry, pen name. I should have watered you more and made sure you had enough sunlight. Rest in peace.
When I started writing on Medium, I just kept it simple and used my name, plus my husband’s name. Unfortunately, that doesn’t fit either, anymore.
So I need a new name! When I asked the wise and wonderful Sieran Lane for advice, ze shared some excellent options and tips based on zir own experience, and ended with:
The sky’s the limit!
Awesome! Admittedly, I got briefly stuck in decision-paralysis because there are a lot of options between here and the sky-limit. But! Then I relaxed and took a walk outside and let it go.
When I came back, I decided to roll with initials. It’s got enough of my name in it to be mine, but not so much that I’d be concerned about publishing academic papers in my legal name in the future.
Next, the name “Wren” popped into my head. Why? No idea. But I liked it.
My friend offered to look up the meaning and send me this insight:
“Wren’s appearance now is a sign for you to be bold and resourceful in all your activities… It is time for you to take charge of your own life or some important part of it… Be confident in your own abilities.” — Feathered Omens by Ted Andrews
“If wrens have come into your life, it is time to ask yourself some important questions… Are you using the resources available to you? Are others? Are you not displaying enough confidence? Are you so wrapped up in daily worries that you are forgetting to sing?” — Animal Speak by Ted Andrews
It feels fitting, to me. Sharing my writing has always been a challenge, but it’s time to use the resources I have and confidently move forward with this aspect of my life.
I’m going to keep this name and let it remind me to hang onto the boldness and resourcefulness this journey requires.
Your support, as I transition from the old name to the new name, is greatly appreciated. I’m still the same writer, and what’s in a name, really?
