Wednesday, September 1, 2010

What's in a name?

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:

Chantele Sedgwick said...

I really like M. E. Cunningham. It has a nice ring to it. :)

Karen Jones Gowen said...

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.

Melissa Cunningham said...

Karen, you kill me! That was funny! I'm liking it too.

Old Kitty said...

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

Jennie said...

i also vote for M.E. Cunnhinham! love it! good luck!

ali cross said...

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!

Nicole Zoltack said...

I like ME Cunningham. Or how about Emmy Cunningham? To play off ME

Angie Ledbetter said...

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.

C.J. said...

I really like M.E. Cunningham. Go for it.

Kathi Oram Peterson said...

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. ;)

Summer Ross said...

M.E. Cunningham is easy to read, nice to say. I like it.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

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

Liza said...

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! :)

Colette Martin said...

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.

LTM said...

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