I've got a decision to make and I want it to be the best I can come up with. Here's the thing. A few people have said that the name M.J. Cunningham--which I was going to use as my author name--either reminds them of Michael Jackson or MJ on Spiderman. Not that either of those makes a huge difference, but I'm not sure I love it either. And there's already a MJ Cunningham on Google.
Then a friend suggested M. Ellsworth Cunningham (Ellsworth is my maiden name). I like that a lot, but it's freakin long! Does that matter? Some suggested M. E. Cunningham, which is fun and I like. My editor liked it too, but said in the end, that it's up to what I like best. LOL Of course. Wish she said that about my ms too! (not really)
So, what do you all think? I did a poll on facebook and a lot of people had ideas. Some thought I should use my whole name, which I will do when I write stories not for kids. But my middle-grade/young adult name will be what I choose for The Eye of Tanub. Sigh. It's not like it's that big of a deal, but it's a HUGE deal! LOL You authors know what I mean.
Give me your thoughts! Thanks
15 comments:
I really like M. E. Cunningham. It has a nice ring to it. :)
You're right. M. Ellsworth Cunningham is too long. Especially for a middle grade novel. Those 5th grade boys will look at the author name and say No Way. This book is too long! (I had 8 boys so I'm kind of an expert on boys LOL.) So I vote for M.E. Cunningham. Sounds really cool. Kind of like Me Cunningham, You Jane.
Karen, you kill me! That was funny! I'm liking it too.
I vote M.E. Cunningham too!! I quite liked MJ Cunningham but now that you put the idea of MJ meaning other people, I think M.E Cunningham sounds just right!!
GOOD LUCK!! I love your new pic! Take care
x
i also vote for M.E. Cunnhinham! love it! good luck!
Well, I am totally brand new here, but I'm gonna give my opinion anyway! LOL
I like MJ Cunningham. I don't think its associations are anything to worry about.
Next, like I like ME Cunningham best.
I totally get why this is HUGE! Good luck!
I like ME Cunningham. Or how about Emmy Cunningham? To play off ME
M.J.E. Cunningham? You'd certainly stand out with three initials! :) Came by from KarenG's bbq. Nice blog & I'm following now. Will be back.
I really like M.E. Cunningham. Go for it.
I went the rounds over this very question on my first book. I had thought I wanted to use a pen name with my YA novels, but then when it came right down to it, I used my real name.
My publisher bought a romantic suspense from me, and I had to come up with possible pen names. I understand the reasoning and gave them some, but I'm hopeful in the end they'll let me just use my name.
Oh, what a writer goes through. ;)
M.E. Cunningham is easy to read, nice to say. I like it.
J K Rowling did pretty well, didn't she?
I think you should go with your instincts. In writing they never lead you astray. I wish you nothing but success in your publishing dreams. Roland
I'm new here too, from KarenG's BBQ. M.E. Cunningham has a rhythm, and as writers we have to respect that. I however, love including my maiden name, since it was the name I went by for so many years and I hate to think that part of my life disappeared when I got married. So my sentimental vote is M. Ellsworth Cunningham. Someone said Emmy Cunningham. How about Ellie Cunningham?
Imagine how good I am at making decisions! :)
Popping over from Karen's party. I would go with your full name. Although-- there are some who think that female authors cn't be taken seriously. So if you want to do the initial thing then M.J. Cunningham sounds quite distinguished.
I like ME Cunningham--or! I like Liza's suggestion--unless you think that's too girlie for MG boys...
What about Ellsworth Cunningham? ;p
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