The death of a pseudonym
Are you sure no one else is using that?
I shared some behind the scenes from my Secret Library podcast recording session with Joanna Penn last week, but turns out there was more to share.
As we were wrapping up after recording, Joanna asked me a a seemingly innocuous question when I revealed my beloved pen name, MC Williams.
“Have you done a search to check if it’s being used?”
Indeed, reader, I had not. I simply went with the sit bolt upright feeling in the night of certainly that this was my pseudonym. And now, several years later, I have learned that a reasonably prolific man who is either actually named MC Williams, or who was clever enough to snatch it before me, is already writing series fiction involving murder.
Insert the swearing I’m sure you can understand here. Insert some more — there was quite a lot.
However, it is true that this isn’t the only pseudonym in the world, nor is it one that is so memorable you can never forget it. Or at least I assume that’s the case for people who aren’t married to someone whose last name is McWilliams.
So we are back to the drawing board, everyone. I’ve kept this post public as I’d love your thoughts on what makes a good pseudonym, in your opinion, and any names you think are particularly jazzy.
I’m traveling for a week, this Wednesday to next, and I’m giving myself that amount of time to lick my wounds and just come up with another name, already.
Perhaps this pseudonym is a bit edgier than good old reliable MC? We shall see what my imagination (and yours) holds.
Two bits of fun news:
The much-mentioned episode with Joanna Penn goes live on The Secret Library this Thursday. Subscribe now to get notified when it's live here.
I am running my favorite event of the year again,
Novel Possible, 30 days of writing prompts and easy word count goals.
It’s free for everyone, and we start November 1. Sign up to join us here.
(or visit novelpossible.com)