Signed, Not Yours

What’s in a name? For writers across time, the answer has often been simple: everything. A name can open doors or close them. That’s why, across centuries and genres, authors have chosen to write under names that aren't their own. A pen name, sometimes referred to as a pseudonym, is a fictitious name an author uses in place of their real name. Whether to navigate the rigid constraints of their time or to explore new creative paths, pen names have served as both shields and stepping stones.They reveal just as much about the writer's world as the writing itself.

For some, it was to be able to publish their work within societal constraints or expectations, as seen in the cases of George Elliott (Mary Ann Evans) and Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell (The Brontë sisters). These women wrote under a male-presenting pen name in order to avoid the prejudice and restrictions that female authors had to endure. Mary Ann Evans wrote Middlemarch, which appeared in eight installments and features a combination of intersecting stories set in a fictional English town. The variety of these stories presents different social issues from the nineteenth century, with many maintaining relevance to today’s society. Her first work was arguably well-received, with critics praising the intellect, philosophical depth, and sharp social observations. Eventually, her works began to be mistakenly attributed to other authors, and she reluctantly revealed her identity. Despite this, she continued to write under the name George Elliott because she believed it was a part of her identity as an author. The Brontë sisters penned Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Agnes Grey, which allowed each sister a place in literary history. Their novels challenged Victorian norms and explored the different forms of human exploitation. Audiences assumed these three were men, and each novel got its own reaction, ranging from readers feeling unsettled and confused to instant praise and compliments. However, some time after the deaths of Anne and Emily, Charlotte revealed their true identities to ensure their legacies and for each author to receive credit for their works. Each of these women wrote some of the most renowned works of their era, presenting equally complex and distinct ideas as the male authors of their time. It is saddening to think, if these individuals had written under their real names, they would not have faced the same praise and success. It is their pen names that allowed them passage into a space typically reserved for men, and in doing so, challenged these very systems. 

Not all pen names are adopted out of necessity; some were chosen out of reinvention or a desire to separate one aspect of someone's life from another. Stephen King famously wrote under the name Richard Bachman to test whether his books could sell without his established name. J.K. Rowling, seeking a separation from association with the Harry Potter series, wrote as Robert Galbraith, although her identity was soon uncovered. Nora Roberts was a well-known romance writer and chose to write as J.D. Robb in order to delve into a genre outside her wheelhouse. These three had already gained their literary fame and legacy, and used pen names to escape just that. For authors like them, it is unlikely that their works would be received without some sort of bias or expectations. Their previous works inadvertently contribute to a certain standard and style that these authors are held to. A pen name creates a blank canvas for these authors to create freely, conjuring whatever form of narrative they choose without being handed a certain brush. 

Pen names offer a unique lens through which both the audience and author can perceive writing. In taking on a new name, authors claim space in the literary world that might not have welcomed them otherwise or with the same enthusiasm. Audiences can consume works without having a preconceived notion or prejudice about the individual behind the writing. It’s such a simple, yet incredibly powerful, tool for authors to be able to create and share their work, even if it means under a new identity.