Ciao, amici! I just finished two big projects. Instead of beginning the next item on my to-do list, I thought I should keep my promise. (I’m a firm believer in staying true to my word.) I’ve been talking about it and dropping hints for a long time. So, here’s my confession.
I said I’d never write with a pen name. Now I am.
I don’t consider it a lie. (I don’t lie.) I believed it when I said it. But things change. At the end of last year, Sterling and Stone was looking for in-house writers and editors. I’ve got two kids in college — applying for a job where I can work all day doing what I love (from the relative comfort of my home) was a no-brainer. So I applied.
And I got the job.
I’m now editing for several of their imprints and writing for three of them. The first of my work to hit Amazon’s virtual shelves is another romance series, the Nightforce Security series. Those of you who have been following me for a while know that this is a spinoff of my Medici Protectorate series. What you may or may not have noticed was that it released under the name Keira Beck.
So, why would I give up an obvious connection between Medici and Nightforce by switching names? Honestly, because it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Sterling and Stone are synonymous with being on the forefront of the publishing world without all the stodgy arrogance and antiquated thinking of the Big Five in NYC. (If you’re reading this and are happily under contract with one of the Big Five, congratulations. I hope it’s everything you’ve dreamed. But that isn’t the path for me.)
Now that you know what’s going on, I can be more open about it. I’ve been editing up a storm for them, genres all across the board. I’ve also been writing. A. LOT. Since January, in addition to the editing, I’ve written five complete novels and two short stories as well as outlined five new works. I’ve also begun marketing under my new pen name. And in 2019, I’ll be releasing novels under yet another pen name. (More on that one later.)
For now, though, I want to thank everyone for their recent support when I releasedΒ Tortured Soul under my name and for the support of Keira Beck’s Nightforce releases: Hideaway and Gamble. Oh, and guess what… the third installment comes out in two days. That’s right; Keira Beck’s Overboard, book three of the Nightforce Security series, comes out on September 27 (barring any minor snafus with the upload).
I never expected to write under a pen name, but I have to tell you, I’ve never been more productive. Much of the thanks has to go to Sterling and Stone, for making the process so writer-centric. Next year, I’m hopeful to release more titles under my own name in addition to under my pen names, but I have to get up to speed at my job first.
In the meantime, thanks for coming on this ride with me!
I’d love to hear your thoughts about writing with a pen name. Do you do it? Or do you think you’d never try to manage more than one name? (Or maybe that’s the only name you’re managing.) Let’s discuss it.
So happy for you, Staci/Keira! Now, send me some of that super writing power energy! How many books/novellas?? In what time frame?? Super writing woman!
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It is a brisk pace, Julie. But I don’t mind. I love writing.
Thanks!
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So excited for you, Staci! Like Jacquie said, you’re an inspiration, and you certainly motivate me. College tuition is also an excellent motivator!
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Thanks, Teri! π (And the college tuition motivation doesn’t hurt!)
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Happy for you, Staci. I know you’ve been burning the candle at both ends and it’s nice to have something to show for it.
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Thank you, Joan!
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You’re an inspiration, Staci. Truly, I don’t know how you juggle so many personas and your editing work on top of everything. You must be very organized!
Congrats on the upcoming release, I WILL be reading it!
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Lots of caffeine, Jacquie. Lots and lots of caffeine. π
Thanks!
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Congratulations Staci… errr… Keira… I’ll try to keep up with you. All of you. π Seriously though, the book sounds amazing! Woot!
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Thanks, Teagan!
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Go Staci! You’ve been killing it lately. Writing that pays the bills is a dream for many of us. I think your decision was a good one.
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Thanks, Craig. I weighed that decision carefully, but in the end it just seemed too good an opportunity to pass up. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to pay all the bills with my work, but chipping into some of them is a great feeling. π
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Really happy for you.
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That means a lot to me. Thanks.
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Sometimes it makes sense to write under a pen name. I am currently doing so and have started this new blog and twitter account in the name of Roberta Eaton. In my case, children’s books and horror supernatural don’t go together, hence the pen name.
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You’ve raised a great point about different genres sometimes needing different identities. You don’t want a young child looking at your full body of work and coming across something inappropriate. (The same can be said for other “cross-contamination” of genres.) Thanks for bringing it up. Wishing you all the best with your new persona!
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I will read your work no matter what name it’s under! I use a pen name for privacy and I have a long Italian name no one can pronounce:) I find it keeps family Denise and writer Denise separate. I’m so happy at all you are are accomplishing and another new release! Yay!
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Well, I’m half-Italian and I married a full-blooded Italian, so I’m sure I could pronounce the name, but I understand privacy concerns. (It’s gotten really tricky online these days.) And I’m with you — I don’t care what name I publish under. The joy is the writing.
Thanks so much for the kind words about my work.
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I bet you could pronounce it, too Staci:)
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I agree with P.H. and John. Pen names don’t matter as long as you’re doing what you love. And YOU are kicking butt while doing it. I am so happy for you, my friend. I’m in awe of all you’ve accomplished and are accomplishing as you move forward. Cheers and I’ll be looking forward to Overboard’s release!
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Well, I don’t know about awe, but you’re one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I can’t thank you enough for all the support. β€
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π
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
Confessions of an author by Staci Troilo.
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Congrats on the new upcoming release and the productivity. You’re doing great work, keep it going! I think you are right to pursue the opportunity and there’s nothing wrong with a pen name in fiction.
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Thanks, P. H. I used to think I was hiding (and I had nothing to hide) if I used a pen name. Now I don’t much care what name is on the cover of my work, as long as I can share it.
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Good outlook.
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If you love it that is all that counts.
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I do love it, John. And you’re right; that is all that matters. Thanks!
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π
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