I understand why some of the greatest writers used a pseudonym.
They did not publish work under their legal names. But rather, they used pen names instead.
I’ve thought to myself… How can a writer conceal their identity in today’s age?
Back in the 1800s, there wasn’t social media. Ya know?
Back then, A writer could supplant their birth name with an author name and be able to compose about whatever the f’ they wanted to.
A writer could be daring, back then. Pushing social boundaries in their work. Challenging conventional ways of thinking. Cultural norms.
A writer simply needed to be creative. Talented.
And this is not to assert that we must harken to the Victorian era as a beacon of literature. This is just one reference point.
– – –
It wasn’t about having a “brand” back then.
It was about commitment and dedication to the craft. That allowed writers to challenge socially accepted beliefs through narrative.
They understood that readers would take it “personally,” especially if their work was written with great conviction. For this reason, using a pseudonym protected their identity.
… Fortunately, and unfortunately, in the modern age of social media; everyone has a pseudonym…
A user-name. A profile name.
Where users, *I mean people can publicly comment anonymously; recklessly, or poetically.
Where users can make, *I mean influence others to feel good inside… Or, to despise themselves. Because there’s zero in-between. There is no grey area. None-nuance. And if you brand yourself well enough, you too can become publicly recognized as that. Whatever that is.
So long as there’s a market for it.
… As I ponder, how I could conceal my identity as a writer in 2023; in this modern age.
When everything in life revolves around a “brand” … Shoot, if you work professionally, then that’s your brand.
Hell, if you don’t work professionally, that’s also your brand.
… However, I am an artist though. I studied and learned certain aspects of my craft within a classroom. Where I was required to learn the history of my discipline. Including the individuals that composed their work with feathers and ink. Which is called a quill.
This isn’t to infer that one cannot master a craft independently… But how skilled can one be for example, at basketball if they only shoot hoops in their driveway? Doesn’t matter how many hours they’ve put in. Sooner or later, they gotta play against other talented players and see where their skills stack up. Even professional athletes work with trainers who haven’t played on their level. And ever watched the film Karate Kid? It’s Mentorship. ButI digress.
*While the bit was an aside above, the main point is that you gotta learn and experience first before you can then teach and guide others second. Great people are always learning.
Interestingly, the personal/professional conundrum that I’ve encountered is merely the result of establishing a professional career with a creative mind…
Anyways.
– – –
I’ve used several pseudonym’s since I was just a kid.
In real-life. Not on the online. (winks)
And those who’ve known me, or about me, can attest.
Pat has always been an artistic individual. Since childhood.
So, I was “different” back then too. And I’m still “different” today. I was never the fit-in type of person. And ever attempting to assimilate with the collective only made me depressed. However, and importantly, I am not referring to being on an actual team, in a group, or at an organization. Because I do recognize the importance of a shared goal and each person understanding their role & responsibility in achieving it. So, I am not referring to being a “team player;” not here.
Moreso, the reference is my attempt to meet the social expectations of others regarding me, which led me to have an early identity crisis. While I always knew who I was intrinsic; socially I was malleable. I was personable; well, I still am.
I was reserved, chill, laid-back… and whatever other synonyms that you can equate. But I can also admit, that I was nice. Never too nice though, because the minute that I felt that was being taken advantage of, well…
… All the things that I once tolerated, I saw it all happening. I observed it. I heard it. And I felt it. During the moment as well, not after the fact. Fortunately, I never viewed it as being a true threat. Because intrinsically, I was already aware of who I was. I knew what my purpose is and goals are. So, the majority of that time it was entertaining to me.
I am a likable person; I do tend to believe this. However, I was “too nice” to people out of respect for my parents. They truly raised me right. Although, I am not a nice person. I’m kind. Fortunately, I also knew the places where being nice and liked by others could take me.
However, as I matured, I realized that some people where I’m at don’t understand where I came from. How I got there.
And some from where I’m from, don’t know where I’m at. With-relation to perhaps what they see posted by others on social media. Which, I honestly believe created a warped sense of reality that is consistently being disseminated digitally. Content shared around salary expectations and livable incomes. Relationships. So many topics. So many voices. And too many cooks in the kitchen. However, is the impact just generational? Unfortunately, I don’t believe so. It can affect any consumer of social media, especially through significant usage. But I ask, how many of the greatest leaders and the most powerful people are amongst the most followed on social media? That’s a macrocosm of modern society.
The notion extends to our local domiciles as well. Our local communities.
… But interestingly, as leaders elevate in professional careers, tend to interact with the same people. At different events, or in professional meetings. Even social settings. I recall those events and the meetings… I recall what many of the participants looked like but also the caliber of people often in attendance.
But I also know about the process and the journey that it took to be able to engage in those spaces. I know about the personal and professional sacrifices which it required. All of the hardships to reap some of the benefits. But more importantly, to pass that wisdom & knowledge forward onto others, through narrative.
And I was always a nigga in those spaces too. Intrinsically.
I leveled up and I gained real-life clout through my mentorship, volunteering, and my professional work. Like me or not, no one can downplay what I did in my first 31 years alive.
Conversely, game-recognizes-game as well. If you doing it as you’ve done it, then I can respect it. But Pat knows who is who.
Importantly, I quit trying to be liked by others once I realized that most people only like what they want to hear. Or, they want to see. That’s their algorithm.
… I’ve felt as though some, if not many of the colleagues whom I’ve shared spaces with throughout my career couldn’t correlate that those “communities” that we’ve served are the ones I grew up in.
(Yeah, I know that I can speak well… It’s because I challenged myself to elevate myself.)
– – –
“Professional”, I’ve always said is what I do. Moreso, I am enthralled by the impact of my work. My job titles and previous employer have just provided me with some respect in the workplace… I suppose.
However, & importantly, I am a creative. I’m an intellectual. I am a writer. And that’s how I would describe myself. That’s how I’ve always approached my work throughout my professional career.
As I mentioned earlier in this piece, I established my professional career as a creative mind. I moved up and did some dope things along the way.
– – –
Do you want me to write about other people’s lives instead?
I understand that it’s become a trend; popularized by gossip blogs. However, just imagine establishing a career based on telling other people’s stories and commenting on other people’s lives.
Who are you? …
And this is not to assert that public figures’ public actions cannot be publicly discussed. That comes with the territory, I get that.
… I don’t know, but I’ve always been cognizant of one day having my own Wikipedia page and the information that would be on it. And my life’s journey has been sequential thus far. As a writer, I’m understanding that my literature and all other work are part of my story.
I’m going to write about my life.
A good story is not a trauma dump. That doesn’t inspire anyone. That doesn’t empower anyone. It makes others weary, if not dejected. And if bad shit occurred, well that should just be part of the story.
People who ain’t oppressed are making themselves oppressed…
How did they overcome it though? What did they go on to achieve or accomplish despite the hardship? Otherwise, it’s a non-story to me. In literature, we refer to this author’s credibility. What is the author trying to get at? What is the message? Is it to sell content and/or go viral? It is because it’s trendy and it sells? Oppression Olympics.
… People are generating massive incomes profiting off people’s insecurities and lack of self-esteem. Building movements capitalizing off grief and pain.
We don’t want to take heed or accept counsel from successful leaders and entrepreneurs who tell us to get directly to get our shit together. That can reflect upon hardships as motivation in achieving their goals. Also, I am referring to real-life success. Not those 10-minute-long ads that play before your online video.
– – –
The minute that I began reflecting upon my journey and I began sharing the narrative with others. Revealing the realness of the process. The honesty. With transparency…
Well… That’s when people stopped “liking” what they no longer wanted to hear.
Truthfully, that’s just the life of the creative writer. But it’s why certain authors use pseudonyms.
I have gone through all the trials & tribulations of being “different” than other people. And I learned to accept it. It’s what draws people to me.
Conversely, it can create distance from many as well. Certainly, some people will be uncomfortable with my presence. And that is okay, as they will be okay. I suppose.
… Back in the 1830s, a writer could publish a story that was about or inspired by their own life. They could alter the names and change locations in the story and then classify that work as, fiction.
Because what is fiction? …
– – –
Fiction, simply means that the events described in the work did not occur in real life. Fiction allows creative writers to utilize their imagination. To write creatively.
However, can this not infer that creative writers are influenced by real-world experiences? I feel as humans, we are not as complex as we would like to believe. We just gotta image….
Fictional stories evoke the same emotions as real-life stories. Fictional tales can make you happy, sad, mad, or confused depending on the plot. It doesn’t matter if the plot is set in outer space because it’s a love story.
By the way, there is much innuendo in fictional work. I’m just saying… (shrugs)
Sometimes I ponder though, “can a writer use a pseudonym writing nonfiction?”
… From a scholastic & theoretical standpoint, I don’t think so. I don’t know… And that’s why I ponder. It would be like publishing a memoir, under a different name.
However, I’m an artist though. Since childhood. So, what the fuck is ‘conventional’ anyways?
– – –
STANDPAT
… Man, that was a bitchin’ phase, I ain’t gonna lie…
Ahh, yeah.
HAHAHAHA.
Yeah.
I surely blurred the lines with that name.
Although… I did provide a “trail-of-context.”
Interesting time indeed.
Overall, it was worth it.
As for me, I was transparent regarding the inspiration for my pen name/persona (StandPat). And I was communicative regarding the purpose and goal of using that signifier. StandPat. Hopefully, you have conjured through reading through this work a greater awareness, hopefully, a better understanding of my strong comfort level with Pat.
To “stand pat” on anything means simply just that. It means remaining firm in yourself and your decisions. Your choices. Be considerate and deliberate and then stand upon it. Cause’ Pat sho knows fully well who I am. So, I have always stood pat regarding my content. Regardless of the work making certain people, “uncomfortable.” Who cares? It’s not for their enjoyment.
However, this isn’t the 1840s… Also, granted my real name is also Patrick. So, could I fully expect people who knew Pat the person, to be able to distinguish the tone within my literature and other content, as a StandPat?
Providing a “trail of context” means that everything is articulated and explained. Honestly, though, you do run the risk of your message coming back on you, so you better stand pat on your words or don’t speak.
It’s “clips-not-context” culture. The average attention span is decreasing. Anything over 100 words require a summary guide. Less people are watching full videos (Over 10 minutes) or reading entire articles. (Over three paragraphs)
But yet are still commenting and gossiping; formulating opinions/perspectives based on partial or inaccurate information. There are too many virtual lawyers and digital detectives. To hell with enrolling in an actual journalism course, right? However, if you have got an online following, then you can be just that. An “online journalist.” A blogger. Conversely, do journalists even leave the newsroom anymore? Do they conduct outside reporting, or accept outside reports? I don’t even know. It has been some years since I last worked in a newsroom…
I ADMIT, I write long pieces. So, for me to keep readers engaged for extended periods, then my delivery and content as a writer gotta be on-point. It cannot feel as if people are reading 4000+ words or 15+ pages when it’s that long.
I’m sorry but true essays are long yo. And anyone can be profound in 140 characters. Writing one contradiction after another. That’s a result of not standing pat. Anything for likes and follows.
I educated in school (wink) and earned (not, received) my college degree in literature. So, I write with purpose; not to impress with my diction. I’ve studied and written Haikus. And, I can write shorthand. However, I compose all my essays in longhand. And they’re all handwritten.
However, imagine reading hundreds/thousands of words in a text that you cannot fully understand or comprehend. It’s one mistake I see with junior writers. Trying to “sound” like a writer in their work, instead of just being one. By prioritizing their message or the plot, not by overusing multisyllabic words. Unless they’re able to do it well. Because I believe that when public speakers use too many large words that people don’t understand, they’re not seen as trusted & honest. Unless they can do it well, or the crowd is their target audience.
My discourse is direct yet conscious. It affects people in their souls. I’m a soul writer. I channel the pain, trauma, and hardship rather to directly empower. I can’t allow hardship to hold me back. Life happens and it’s always a part of the story. Ultimately, I quit telling secrets years ago. Although I utilize discretion and keep my private life, private. But I will address the journey transparently. But do I advise everyone to do the same? NO.
I despise using the term “trained writer”, but I must delineate and distinguish myself from others. As I’ve been storytelling for a long time. When I write, it’s not for clout. It ain’t for views. Don’t compare me to social media authors. That ain’t my purpose. I am not chasing a following.
Some folks don’t want to hear or see the content. And those involved (directly or indirectly), don’t want to identify the role or part they played in it. The history.
Yet everyone can feel the work. Can resonate with aspects or the entire message. My work isn’t a “brand” … I’m not selling anything. But rather, giving it away for a cost. But hell, I’ve also been giving it away for free for a long time. (See this essay)
That is what “real” is. Wisdom.
– – –
If this were the 1800s, the Victorian period; there wouldn’t be a need to know the identity of “StandPat”. As long as the narrative was up-to-par. Perhaps, I just should write fictional work instead. Establish the plot in a galaxy or a children’s narrative. [Joking, I would never.]
… But I don’t know, but I feel as though pseudonyms and fictionalized work have a similar intent. Distance.
For creative writers. Composers of literature. Not, to be confused with technical writers, grant writers, journalists, bloggers, etc. The similarities are we all put words onto a page. Even though it seems as if journalists are creative writers now.
But importantly, as a creative writer, your work should never “fall in line” because there is no AP style for writing creatively. However, creative writing is absolutely a skill. It’s a talent. It is not innate. And just because a person enjoys doing it, does not mean that they’re good at it.
Unfortunately, in the modern age, skill doesn’t matter much if you don’t have a market for it. External partners aren’t gonna want to partner if a brand isn’t there.
F’ talent. It’s about the recouping and profit.
– – –
Ahhh… Yet again the conundrum that I face; is my thesis: that one cannot successfully use a pseudonym in 2023. But rather must have a persona. Or, alter ego. However, must still be public-facing. And that persona/alter-ego must align with a large segment of society to be provided with fruitful opportunities.
In 1820, a writer could release a novel or essays offering harsh critique towards the greater society. And they could publish their work under a pseudonym, while still maintaining a normal life. Without fear of judgment, reproach, or other potential ramifications.
And if the work was good, then it would get published and advertised. Not because a publisher agreed or aligned with the content. Nah.
However, a writer’s work required originality. No “buzzwords” or trendy topics/common literature themes aka, cliches. Back then, authors couldn’t shortchange the process by generating an online following. But rather, they had to create and build up a genuine following because there was a keen interest in authors. Now, so many writers ghostwrite for other people because today’s a different landscape, and writers are just trying to get paid. And I can’t knock that. I’m open to co-writing.
There are certain writers who any credible publisher should want their work released under their imprint.
However, writers must hone their craft. Over several years.
Baldwin wasn’t always Baldwin. Morrison wasn’t always Morrison. Their literature developed over time. However, their earliest work was an indicator of their ultimate legacy to follow. Could always tell the talent was there.
Their work wasn’t necessarily about making people feel good or feel bad.
That wasn’t the intent. It wasn’t the point.
Good writers tell a story. Everyone else introduces their baggage to the story.
– – –
I feel as though people often do things simply to garner a reaction. And this has become the goal and purpose of social media. Because it’s lucrative and provides financial incentives. However, not often though.
Unfortunately, many people are fine and willing to accept social currency in exchange.
Meanwhile, I sit still struggling to comprehend the importance of people simply knowing who I am. And not even necessarily who I am, but rather what I look like. What personal items that I own, or where I have ventured. Which is all fine & dandy. But, I question the ultimate purpose or intent of sharing this information. To market success?
Fictional literature creates anonymity for writers because there will always be questions by the reader, “did that truly happen? Or, could that be a real-life situation?”
I am of the belief that if the fictional plot feels too real, then chances are it is. Chances are that event or plot likely occurred in real life in some capacity. And the author likely utilized their imagination to write around the real situation. Fictionalize the experience.
A pseudonym is intended to create anonymity for writers. Whether they compose fiction or not.
“Who wrote this work?”
– – –
My ultimate conundrum:
Is that we categorize everyone and then place all similar people in the same pot. “If it sounds like, if it looks like, then it must be.”
There is zero-to-little nuance or critical thought to doing this.
… And I don’t know but perhaps my “artistic cynicism” won’t allow me to acknowledge an individual as being talented or qualified at their craft simply because of their following. It can certainly add validation. As there are many people with large followings that are talented at their craft. Don’t conflate my message, please. This is not one shoe fits everyone tings. Just if it applies.
Reflect upon nuance, then realize how many recognizable figures cannot draw outside of the lines. Due to contractual obligations or social expectations.
How are these individuals ‘rebellious’ with hundred thousand/millions of followers? When they have sponsors to be mindful of. When they’ve got business partners who will no longer partner with the scent of one poor statement or action. So, certain public figures understand what never to express aloud.
However, we’ve all got jobs too. Careers. And most people must watch their mouths. Not just online. But in real life as well.
Everyone is controlled to a certain extent. I’m sorry to state this unequivocally, but it’s the truth. Whether it’s yours or not.
To sacrifice anything for liberation; most are unwilling. So, they compromise instead. They go against their beliefs. Sometimes, they don’t even know any better. And then jettison personal values, morals, and integrity for the opportunity to get, “the bag”.
Tell me that YOU’RE real … That YOU keep-it-real.
Then be yourself on social media. Your true self. And see if all the people remain.
More than likely, are unwilling to take that risk for the audience because that’s not how they made those initial connections. So, they gotta maintain the expectation and public image of themself. Otherwise, people are going to say that they’re acting out of character. From the same individuals who are in character themselves…
What a conundrum though. What’s real?
What is really real?
– – –
I love writing. And I’ve been doing it for a while now. Both learning & developing inside the classroom and out.
I never gave much thought to building an online following. Rather, creating a movement intended to be antithetical to the current status quo.
But that is simply the artist & leader within me.
And to be frank, I am not artistically or socially inspired by the individuals that have been presented to me. Recent public figures. I am not impressed. I don’t understand why I should know about them. The less that I’m on social media, the more I realize how many public figures are known for being known. Or, in proximity to great people. Not for what they’ve contributed to the world. Even their community.
… I was that kid who went to record stores and dug through crates. I was still purchasing CDs as people transitioned to streaming music.
I’ve always enjoyed discovering new artists. The work is pure. The desire is palpable. Their potential is vast. So, if the work is appealing to me then I don’t care if just a few others are aware of that work; I’m just glad that I am of those few.
The “clout” mentality has set society backward. Has many people desiring fame over self-fulfillment. And that if you are not famous and rich, you’re unimportant.
It’s influenced our youth to try and live up to other people’s fiction. Other people’s imaginary public lives.
*Not just the youth too. Adult-children as well.
Eh, I understand why writers use pseudonyms.
As an author, we all want people to read and consume our work. The more readers the better because we want the message or story disseminated widely.
However, at what cost though? How much is worth the compromise?
– – –
I absolutely would like to one-day publish at least one of my projects through a traditional publisher because that’s a part of my craft and I would appreciate being recognized within the literature field.
Granted anyone can identify as a “writer” today. But personally, the recognition by respected authors for me would be special. For them to be able to recognize my skill level and craftsmanship with how I compose literature would mean something significant. I am of that ilk.
I feel there is so much effort required for “branding & marketing” that it can deter from the actual quality of the work. There’s already classism in art. At my university, I can recall how many fellow black English majors I saw in my courses on just one hand. And in my creative writing classes, I remember often being the only one. Others like me could not afford to pay tuition for an arts & humanities academic degree. That wouldn’t guarantee employment for them. And as a nigga in those programs, I understood that I was unlikely to make it into a full career either. (I know the politics)
Instead, I incorporated the knowledge and experience from my program into my professional career. As I stated at the beginning of this piece; I elevated as a professional having a creative mind. Also, finding greater meaning and purpose in my work, allowed me to imagine greater and to create better.
Now, as a result, I have a professional resume with artistic projects and initiatives to my byline. But as a brand, I couldn’t afford to be actively engaged in social media. I needed to have a stable job and career so that I then later afford to release my work without it needing to feed me.
I have a decade-plus of written content riddled throughout my residence. I’ve always been honing my craft meanwhile elevating professionally within my career.
So, I did have much time or interest in becoming “popping” on social media.
And I ask:
When does one have time to focus on their craft when they’re frequently engaging on social media? When do they work? When do they study? When do they practice their craft?
– – –
I often write from my personal experience. I’m not afraid to share about it. I no longer tell secrets; certain people just hear them first. I cannot be guilted with no shame.
If it’s a lie, I will call it out. And if it’s true, I will admit to it. I am very content with who I am. Who I’ve become. It’s why I often say that my work is non-fiction. It’s not conjured up. It’s not my imagination. It really happened. It really happens.
That’s the conundrum, in how I compose and express my creative message. But it isn’t fiction.
Perhaps, I will one day write a fictional book. I do intend to write a novel next. However, I also know what it takes to get into the creative process. So, having a book deal would solidify it. And I’m aware of that formal process: qwerty letters, agents, publishers, etc. And that timeline involved and I’m not waiting years.
As I inquire about publications willing to accept quality work, that will ease my ability to delve even further into the details.
I am comfortable with speaking publicly and being public-facing. That’s been much of my professional career. However, as a writer and I enjoy the mystique. For me, the backstory is as fascinating as the main narrative. And I want people to wonder how I arrive at my many thoughts. My inspiration.
Some of the greatest writers didn’t even publish under their legal names.
Yeah, I can understand & relate to why they used a pseudonym.