Thursday, March 25, 2021

Having a Pen Name, Good or Bad?

Hey readers,

For those of you who aren't familiar with this term, a pen name is a name used by a writer instead of their real name (like a pseudonym). A popular example is J.K. Rowling. Before I started my blog, I have seen quite a few bloggers using a pen name and I thought it was a good idea and I got one for myself. 

Some people think that having a pen name is bad or simply pointless. I think it is more of a personal choice. I can understand why one would choose to use a pen name and why someone else would not. It doesn't really matter as long as you are happy with your choice.

You might know me as "ThatUnknownBlogger" or as "Inna" (which isn't my real name). I prefer using a pen name because I rather not reveal who's behind this blog for the moment. Being an introvert, this blog is basically like my personal journal. Besides, I am simply a blogger who writes for herself, there is nothing for me to worry about for now. 

There is no specific reason why it is good or bad. If you do use one, you must have your own reasons, right? Some people use it to hide their identity. Others believe it to be "cool" or unique, something that people remember you by. Again, as long as you are happy with it. So, if you want to get a pen name, go ahead! 

Do you have a pen name? Did you ever think about getting one? 
I always love when people tell the story of how they got their pen name so if you do have one, let me know how you came up with that in the comment! 

Also, I was finally able to make a signature for my blog and I am super happy with it! If you want to make one for your blog, comment below or message me, I'll be glad to help!

~Thank you for reading & happy blogging~



28 comments:

  1. I can certainly see the benefits of using a pen name, but I can only think of one negative, that people might only know you as your pen name after you pass, which just seems less than if it was your real name

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    1. Yeah that's true! You definitely got a point there. :)

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  2. I’ve always been known as me on my blog but can see why some people want to be private, maybe because of their job or they share personal things!! I think it makes you more relatable to use your actual name and identity!

    Corinne x
    Https://skinnedcartree.com

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    1. That is true! I only use my pen name to hide my identity for personal reasons but at the end of the day, I guess using your real name is more advantageous in the long run. :)

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  3. I don't have a pen name but I can certainly see why some people might choose to have one - it's all down to personal choice and what works for you at the end of the day though :)

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    1. Yeah, exactly! It is a personal choice. Everyone has their reasons. Thank you so much, Lisa! :)

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  4. This secret identity is soooo cool. I should have met you before, you should have written this one a year ago, and I should have read this a little before I started. lol

    Damn...I don't know about you, I would have felt like 007 (Now, day dreaming).

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    1. Hahhaha yess, should have written this long ago and met you earlier too. xD Well, it is cool for some and pointless for others, depend on your perspective :D

      Hahha Nadeem, you make me laugh! :)

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  5. I have come across so many bloggers that use a pen name to write and I think thats okay because that gives them a freedom to express themselves better via their blogs. And its mostly introverts who do it. I myself am an introvert but I haven't kept a pen name and thats because I really didn't think I would be blogging for this long. Maybe I should have? Well, its okay I guess.

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    1. Yeah exactly! hahaa, a total introvert here too. You could if you wish to. Thank you, Ronald!

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  6. I don't have a pen name but I don't have a problem with those who use pen names. Personally, I feel like different people have different opinions of different things. I for one would never use a pen name on my blog because I don't want a secret identity and I feel like it's my blog, my space, my creative outlet, a place where I can say and be anything I want and I wanna be me as much as possible. This could be due to the fact that I am an extrovert haha but that's okay. A pen name is cool as long as you are okay with it. I see your reasons for having a pen name and they are valid. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Yeah, I totally get that. Having a pen name or not is up to you. Each person has his/her reasons. Hahaa yess, I feel it is mostly introverts or authors who uses a pen name. x) Thank you, Ruth!

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  7. We don't have a pen name (there are 3 of us behind The Grumpy Olive) but we have never even thought about that! I think it would be cool, and to each one their reasons - we stand behind anyone's choices really x

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    1. Omg, 3 people behind one blog! That is so cool! Hahah yeep, agreed! Thanks, Simona!

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  8. Interesting post. When I started blogging, I wanted to express my feminine self and my public name is harshly masculine (Ralph). So I adopted Ally for the blog and it felt right. Now my close friends all call me Ally instead of my other name even when presenting as male.

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    1. Wow, that is great that you found a name that suits you. Ally is nice, simple & cute, I love it! I am glad you found yourself an identity that makes you happy :)

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  9. It all depends in my opinion regarding a pen name on weighing the advantages and disadvantages of using one while blogging.

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  10. I don't have a pen name and i haven't thought about getting one but that would be fun to consider! Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Interesting post! I use my real name, but not my photograph, so I'm sorry of anonymous!

    Sarah

    www.volubleblogger.com

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  12. At one point I was writing poems under a pen name. For poems I would definitely publish under a pen name. However, I am currently writing a book and when I publish I will be publishing under my legal name.

    xo Erica

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    1. That's interesting! It makes total sense. Wow, can't wait for your book to get published! :D

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  13. Interesting discussion. I don't have a pen name for my blog, but I can definitely see why some people would. If you're using your blog as more of a journal of sorts, then yeah, you might want to "hide" your identity. I'd love to be a published author someday but I could see myself having a pen name if I chose to write in a completely different genre than what I get started in, etc.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Yes, exactly! I just write for fun and not anything that needs to be hidden but I still prefer using a pen name. Sure, if I write something big (a book or be published anywhere, I'd use my real name). Thank you, Lauren!

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  14. I can understand the purpose of a pen name but I like to think of my blog as a representation of me. I feel a pen name would create an unrealistic persona for myself.

    Helen
    Tea in the Tub

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    1. That is totally understandable, Helen. Thank you!

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Comments are always appreciated. Please leave the link of your blog so I can return the love and appreciate your blog as well. Thank you! :)