We authors need to get our names out there. If no one knows
who we are, we’re most probably not going to sell many books. But the process
of becoming “known” to readers is a daunting one, especially for small press
and self-published authors.
When my first Malone mystery was accepted by a publisher, my
mother asked me what pen name I was going to use. “Maybe,” she said, “you
should choose a name that’s easier to pronounce than Gligor. Don’t most
writers do that?”
Our conversation reminded me of an article I once read. It
was an interview with actress, Jacqueline Bisset. When the interviewer told
Jacqueline that he’d heard several variations on how to pronounce her last name
and asked her which was correct, she replied, “Biss-It, like Kiss it.” I think
that answered his question.
So, back to the answer I gave my mother. While I don’t see
anything wrong with using a pseudonym (sometimes a writer has a good reason to
do that), I prefer not to. Why? Because Gligor is my family name and I’m
proud to have it. As far as the pronunciation goes: Gligor rhymes with tiger.
So, when you’re looking for a new (to you) mystery series to
read, I hope you’ll remember my name and check out my books.
Janet Evanovich's name is a tough one, but I sure remembered it. Gligor should be a cinch. And the books are so well-written that anyone who reads one will remember your name. Hmmm. Marja McGraw, my name. I wonder how many people will remember "Marja." : )
ReplyDeleteI hope you're right, Marja.
DeleteAs to your name, I think alliteration - M for Marja and M for McGraw makes your name memorable. And your books definitely are!
That was an interesting blog post, Pat. I also have problems with my last name. It's been pronounced many different ways,from Cutlet, to Coulet. Someone once asked if I was related to Robert Goulet. And almost everyone adds another t to the end, making it Cullett. I have to remind them it's two l's and one t. Even my ex-publisher spelled it wrong on my royalty checks. Just think I could have married a young man with the last name of Christie. That would have made remembering my last name much easier
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I know what you mean, Evelyn. I've heard Gil-gore, Glee-gore and other variations of my last name. I'm thinking of putting my typing tiger image on my blog permanently. LOL
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