Very Few Know That I Write And I Intend To Keep It That Way

Being Invisible

I thought long and hard about having a pen name. Do I really need one? Why the hell am I writing? I’ve written nothing that would lose a job, cause a huge family rift and other fallouts.

I wanted a pen name because I wanted a safe space. Space where I could have a voice and write about subjects that interest me and hopefully others. I’m certainly not a little shrew in my real life, more like a roaring bull in a china shop and I am happy. But I wanted a writing life that was separate from my own life, reading and writing about new thoughts and perspectives on things. Linking up with other writers and readers and getting feedback. It’s been like jumping out of the fish tank into the garden pond and I’ve loved every damned minute of it.

And what of payment for your writing. I’m not only here for the money that's for sure. I enjoy writing and look forward to my reading list which has become part of my morning when I wake up. My cats, however, do appreciate that Mummy’s membership fee is covered and they get a few tins of meat out of it.

We are all here because we enjoy writing. It's a common thread that runs through and links us but there are other reasons too. For some it is a safety valve, for others, it puts food on the table. For many, it is the growing of a good side hustle. No bad thing in these uncertain times to have an extra income stream however large or small.

All writing that gets read increases your knowledge and you can discover subjects that you never thought you would be interested in. Reading a stunning article is like a walk on the beach discovering beautiful shells that you can take home with you and admire forever. My version of the walk on the beach is, of course, the reading list which is now utterly stuffed full with saved articles. And one article leads to another one that you pick up on so the reading journey continues in all its glory.

So whether you write under a pen name or your own name it doesn’t matter. Everyone has their reasons. But a pen name certainly does not mean you fear being identified. A writing life separate from your life may enable you to be freer with what you write about and there are some who maybe write about subjects that they don’t want their families or friends to see. A part of themselves they want to keep private but still share with others.

I’m old enough to remember those battered old journals with a key lock. You journaled every day and locked it down after you finished writing. All very well until you lose the key. I think the internet is a better option as you’ve only got to remember the password. No hunting around the house for the missing key which usually will never turn up.

So pen name, or real name. Whatever. Just keep tapping on.

And press submit.