The name of the pen!

This morning, I’m juggling with the idea of names. Character names deserve their own post – so I’ll leave them for now. But what about author’s names – noms des plumes?

I used my name, Elizabeth Gates, in full (never Liz) when I was a journalist because it lent a sort of gravitas to my persona. And dealing with huge issues as I did – life, death, injury, cynical greed, fatal incompetence etc – gravitas was precisely what I needed.

But now, as a writing and communication coach and story-teller, I introduce myself as Lizzie Gates. A family name and – although I’m a professional still – this hints at a more approachable persona than the more formal Elizabeth Gates.

However, now I’m writing fiction, I have had a blinding insight into the whole ‘name’ thing. I can chose my name to fit the genre.

I was always drawn to writing comedy and I saw myself doing this under the name of Poppy Winthrop. But, for my historical novels, I’ve chosen to write under the name of my great-great-grandmother, Abigail Newsham – because she lived at about the time when the action in my current magnum opus is taking place.

What fun we can all have with names.

Short Story Workshops

ARE YOU A WRITER?

OUT OF THE BOX
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A series of 10 weekly workshops on

The Short Story

Facilitated by professional writer and writing coach Lizzie Gates, these workshops will look at technical issues such as character, plot, theme, setting and style as well as issues such as wellness for writers, time management, managing your creative life, what to do with feedback, competitions and markets and much more!

Cost: £10 per person per workshop

Come and join us!
Series starts Thursday 21st January 2010 7pm - 9pm
@
The Conservatory, Thornthwaite, 28 Park West, Heswall, Wirral, CH60 9JF


Telephone: 0151 342 3877 or 0796 961 8890 or email Elizabeth@lonelyfurrowcompany.com for further information

Naming the rose?

Names are powerful - so much so that the Yogis say, when you feel you understand who you are, you should choose a name to reflect that knowledge. My name is Elizabeth. This I feel connects me to a long Quaker tradition in my family. But its diminutive, Lizzie, allows me to show my playful, joyous side. It was given me at birth but as my second name. My first was used by teachers and friends and family up until the point at which I realised it wasn't working for me and never had. I still feel a shock if someone uses that one - and some people from my past still do. But my choice is Lizzie or - more formally - Elizabeth.

Similarly, when choosing names for a character, you have to take infinite care. Compare Dickens' use of names with your own. None of his were serendipitous. Gradgrind, Pecksniff, or Agnes, they all conjure images which resonate with the characters he portrays.

And - if you are choosing a nom de plume - make yourself fully aware of the possibilities attached to any name you're considering.