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Topic: Would you use a pseudonym?
| Author | Message |
| coastalwriter | Posted – 1/17/2008 7:03:29 PM | show profile | email poster Here's my situation in a nutshell. I've been a full-time freelancer for ten years. At the start of my career, I landed myself a stalker, who in turn, landed himself in jail for a year. The day he was released, he was back at it again, but thankfully, I was days away from moving 3,000 miles away. I have an unlisted phone number, use a UPS mailbox for all mail, keep my personal email separate form my professional, etc. but he appears in my inbox or on my radar every so often and causes hell and havoc for a bit and then quiets down. A restraining order is out, because I'd have to fork over my physical address. All has been quiet for about two years now, but he managed to track down my mailbox service and called them, stating his name and that he was looking for me. It isn't hard to figure out where I am geographically located thanks to bylines, Google and the sometimes personal tone in my writing. He's even gone so far as to contact publications I write for seeking personal information. I'm seriously considering using a pseudonym from here on out. Will my regular, long-term clients balk? I don't think he's as much a physical threat as he is annoying, and potentially disruptive to my professional relationships, and frankly, after ten years of this, I'm tired of waiting for the next incident. Any feedback on this possibility (or alternative suggestions) would be greatly appreciated. |
| joyeuxnoelle | Posted – 1/18/2008 9:56:01 AM | show profile | email poster May I ask what you write about? You mentioned that there was at times a personal tone in your writing. Unless you are writing a great deal of personal essays that require a real name, I doubt anyone would have an issue with your using a pseudonym if you have a good reason - which you do. Of course this is only my opinion, I am very curious what the editors on the board think. Of course, if you have to refer to yourself in your writing, there is a chance the stalker could figure it out. Very sorry youre going through this. Good Luck. |
| Metro Writer | Posted – 1/18/2008 5:44:27 PM | show profile Usually people distrust those who use pseudonyms, but this is an exception. If you explain the situation to your long-term clients, I don't think there will be an issue about it. Good luck. |
| grammarqueen | Posted – 1/19/2008 3:10:23 PM | show profile Yes, yes, yes. I would use a pseudonym in your situation. And as a former editor, I would very much be willing to allow a writer to use a pseudonym in your situation. |
| write2rachel | Posted – 1/19/2008 4:25:39 PM | show profile I have had writers use a pseudonym. I never asked about it. I definitely think you have a good reason. I use my maiden name, just because that's how I've racked up my clips... I think in your situation, it's actually a good idea. I am so sorry that you have to go through this. Good luck to you. |
| coastalwriter | Posted – 1/20/2008 1:54:24 AM | show profile | email poster thank you! Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I appreciate it! joyeuxnoelle -- I primarily write about travel. Thanks editors for your input. I want to be honest about my situation and put my safety first without being dubbed the problemed writer. Now to come up with a name... |
| Brena | Posted – 1/20/2008 10:07:25 AM | show profile I feel very sorry for your situation. I know what having a stalker is like. Do you think the stalker can figure out who you are by your writing style? Your literary fingerprint? |
| FeaturesGal | Posted – 1/20/2008 12:24:55 PM | show profile I've dealt with stalkers before (none that bad) and, honestly, your safety is FIRST! If you've been freelancing for awhile, you should probably have relationships with these editors. I think most of them would understand your need for this-- it isn't exactly for vanity reasons. I really feel for you. I know how scary this is and how vulnerable it can make you feel. Do what you can to stay safe. |
| rhino writer | Posted – 1/21/2008 11:24:37 AM | show profile I'm sure you've thought about this, but when you're coming up with your pseudonym, don't use any names that are personally meaningful to you -- family names, etc. If your stalker is determined enough (and it sounds like he is), he might be able to figure it out. Try a random name generator or just pick names that have absolutely no personal connection to you. Good luck!! |
| coastalwriter | Posted – 1/21/2008 4:23:16 PM | show profile | email poster rhino writer -- I agree. I'm trying to think of something really unremarkable. My real name is so distinctive, that the thought of having a pseudonym that people could actually pronounce is appealing! |
| coastalwriter | Posted – 1/21/2008 4:23:18 PM | show profile | email poster rhino writer -- I agree. I'm trying to think of something really unremarkable. My real name is so distinctive, that the thought of having a pseudonym that people could actually pronounce is appealing! |
| The phashionista | Posted – 1/21/2008 10:22:48 PM | show profile I was in a similar situation, Coastalwriter. Every editor I had completely understood because I was upfront about it. Stay safe, protect yourself. If they don't understand, drop them. You don't need this in your life. Your safety is more important than a gig. |
| The phashionista | Posted – 1/21/2008 10:26:54 PM | show profile One more thought is to incorporate as an S-Corp if you're making enough money. Then if he calls to find you, the accountants only have you on the books as XYZ Corp., no name. It's not too difficult or expensive to do. You need an attorney, the right forms, and to publish the fact in two newspapers. You apply for an EIN online through federal and state. It might just create another layer for him to try to wade through. Just don't attach your pseudonym to the corporation since that can be found. All your billing runs through XYZ Corp. |
| BurbGrrl | Posted – 1/25/2008 10:28:26 PM | show profile It's not fair! I have a bit of a stalker issue too, though mine is completely harmless and he only surfaces every now and then. Still, it has kept me from promoting myself more?every time DH suggests I build a website and put up my clips, I cringe at the thought of my semi-stalker finding it. It's not fair that weirdos like this determine what you can or can't do to advance your career! And coastalwriter, to confirm what everyone's said, as an editor I would have no problem with you using a pseudonym. Don't let any of them give you a hard time about it. And if any of the pubs include a byline on the "Contributors" page or at the end of an article (i.e. "Coastalwriter travels a lot but always loves coming home to her bungalow in the hills of Asheville, NC") see if they will let you be more general about your location, or leave it out entirely. Good luck and don't let this guy defeat you! |
