Looking Back on My First Pen Name
An exciting journey through the experiences of my last pen name and the valuable lessons it taught me.
Welcome to Behind the Pseudonym, a newsletter where I share the journey of starting a new pen name—from the inception of a story idea to the thrilling moment of book launch and beyond. If you'd like to embark on this adventure with me, I warmly invite you to subscribe and join me on this writer's odyssey.
If you are a paid member, then you’ll get access to the behind-the-scenes intricacies, the challenges faced, and the victories earned along the way. If you are not a paid subscriber, then you can receive the upcoming week of posts with a 7-day free trial.
Welcome back to the latest edition of "Behind the Pseudonym"! In this newsletter, we embark on an exciting journey through the experiences of my last pen name and the valuable lessons it taught me. Join me as I delve into the personal story behind the success and unveil the mindset that fueled my writing adventures.
The Unveiling of My First Pen Name
On January 31, 2020, I took a leap into the literary world by publishing my first short romance under a brand new pen name, with no established audience to support me. It was a thrilling yet nerve-wracking moment as I ventured into uncharted territory.
By April, a mere three months later, the effort began to bear fruit. My pen name was gaining momentum, and I found myself earning over $3,000 per month in royalties—a testament to the potential of following my own coaching advice.
The journey of my first pen name is chronicled in The Pen Name Chronicles 2020 where I share the emails and insights I gained during those transformative months. Paid subscribers can access those emails HERE.
Cultivating an Empowered Author Mindset: When “Fuck it” Works
Throughout my years as a coach, I came to a profound realization about the impact of our own self-imposed pressures. The desperate need to be successful often holds us back, while contradictorily, energetically “letting go” often propels us forward.
In a move to validate the effectiveness of my author coaching, for myself more than anyone else, I said, "Fuck it. I'll do it myself." I gave up any expectations, let go of any pressure, and wrote some short and steamy romance novels.
This change in mindset proved to be a powerful catalyst, empowering me to take bold actions without fear of failure.
Even if my efforts didn't yield the exact results I aimed for, it wasn't a loss. Instead, I saw it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Having the freedom to experiment and the courage to explore new approaches played a pivotal role in my success.
I discovered that taking calculated risks and being willing to quickly adjust my plans were essential elements in forging my path as an author.
I learned on a deep level that we, as writers, hold the reins of our creative destiny. Every word we pen has the potential to shape our narrative and define our writing identity. By adopting this mindset of empowerment and self-belief, I became the author of my own story.
As you embark on your own writing adventure, remember the transformative power not giving a fuck. Believe in your abilities, dare to challenge yourself, and embrace the unpredictable nature of being an author & entrepreneur.
Trust that every step you take, whether small or bold, contributes to your evolution as an author.
The Roadmap to Success
The success of my last pen name can be attributed to several key factors, each contributing to its upward growth:
Passion for the Genre: The foundation of my success lay in my profound love for romance—a passion that had been with me for over three decades. Writing in a genre that ignited my enthusiasm and dedication made the creative process a joyous endeavor. This genuine passion resonated with readers, creating a strong connection between my stories and their hearts.
Building a Backlist: Recognizing the importance of establishing a presence in the literary landscape, I adopted a strategic approach. Publishing a 10,000-word book every two weeks allowed me to swiftly build a robust backlist. As my collection grew, so did my visibility among readers, opening doors to further exploration and discovery of my work.
Resilience in the Face of Criticism: I faced criticism, as all writers inevitably do. A reviewer once noted an excess of inner monologue in my first book. However, I chose not to be discouraged. Instead, I embraced this feedback as an opportunity for improvement. With tenacity and a commitment to honing my craft, I transformed critique into growth, refining my writing to meet the expectations of my readers.
Spot-On Branding: My pen name's success lay not only in the words penned but in the identity crafted around it. Meticulously tailored to resonate with my genre's audience, my book branding proved to be a guiding beacon for readers seeking tales that spoke to their hearts. This thoughtful branding made it effortless for readers to find and connect with my work.
Community Support: Embarking on a pen name journey alongside a like-minded author friend proved to be invaluable. We inspired each other to stay accountable to our writing goals and to push through any obstacles that came our way. In times of doubt, we lifted each other up, reminding ourselves that perseverance leads to progress.
(Note: In the Pen Name Chronicles 2020, you get screenshots and actual numbers of every step.)
Embracing the Unknown
As I embark on my new pen name journey, I find myself filled with excitement and determination. Reflecting on the lessons learned from my previous experience, I am eager to apply the best practices and strategies that have proven successful. Armed with the wisdom gained along the way, I stand poised to embrace the uncharted territory that lies ahead.
Through this newsletter, I am thrilled to share every step of this fresh adventure with you. Together, we will explore the highs and lows, the victories and challenges, and the myriad of emotions that come with being an author.
I invite you to join me on this exhilarating ride. I am deeply grateful for your support and encouragement, and I look forward to our continued connection as we embark on this new chapter together.
Hugs & happy authoring,
Ella
Next up: Outlining for a New Pen Name
If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of my first pen name, consider getting the Pen Name Chronicles 2020 by signing up for a paid subscription. Discover the insights and strategies that shaped my writing adventure, and let's embark on this new pen name odyssey together!
Keep an eye out for the next edition of "Behind the Pseudonym," where I go into detail about how I started outlining the first book for my new pen name.
"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm."
- Winston S. Churchill
I love this so much.