Renee Stevens

Thank you once again to K.C. for once again providing us with a tip for our Tip Thursday! Hope you enjoy KC's thoughts on Pen Names! Pen Name by K.C. Pen name or not to pen name…that is the question. Do you have a pen name or pseudonym that you write under? If not do you really need one? First, you need to think about where your stories will be posted. Are you posting only in an online forum or are you submitting to publishers, magazines or even entering writing contest and competitions where a silly screen name like SexyGymBoy83 might not be a good idea. Choosing pen name is just as important as choosing a title for that brilliant story of yours, so where does you begin? Before you start thinking of a pen name first consider your own. Is it rememberable and easy to spell? Does your name get slaughter every time you meet someone new? Or do you need to protect your identity if you’re writing controversial subject matter. If so, then you might want to consider writing under a pen name. Unless you’re trying your hand at comedy don’t use something off the wall or a crazy pun. It’s usually best to keep it short and simple and most important, easy to spell. You don’t want readers to not be able to find you because they can’t spell your pen name. Did you know that there is a formula for pen names? Several famous authors believe that a 2-syllable first name with a 1-syllable last name sticks with readers. Example: Stephen King (even if he was lucky enough to have a cool real name that worked well.) Also, another thing to consider, if your story gets published, where will your book sit on the book shelf? Pen names with D-L will be at eyelevel on a book shelf. Last, you can always ride on someone else coat-tail. Just because you don’t have the fan base that an established author has doesn’t mean your book can’t sit on the shelf beside theirs. Just because you are not as famous as Hemingway, with the right pen name, your books can be rubbing shoulders on the shelf with his.

Thank you Mark!

Yeah, i stay pretty busy, and while I'm not sure HOW I find the time, somehow I usually manage to. As for the hunting, I definitely know what you mean. On the other hand, I'm not sure HOW people afford to buy meat from the grocery store. I very occasionally go buy a package of already formed hamburgers, but not often. Not just that, but not too long ago when there was the thing going on about the "pink sludge" I was soooo happy that I didn't have to worry about it. Not just that, but I will always have the memories of spending the time on the mountain with my family. The one thing that sucks is that last year, my husband and I didn't get our Elk or our Deer and we were a bit worried about our meat situation, but my brother actually gave us half of his elk to help us get through the year. It's great that our family is into the hunting rather than buying a whole bunch of hamburger from the store.

Thank you Sid, that means a lot to me and you're welcome.

Thank you so much rocky! Glad that you enjoyed it and yes there is a lot that I can explore later on down the road if I choose to. We will have to see what the muse thinks! Look forward to hearing what you think on any other works of mine that you may read!

Thank you for the review Seraph! You have highlighted a few of the problems that I created for myself that could make it quite difficult to continue this story. I do know SOME of that, but others pose a bit of a problem. We will see what happens when my current story is complete. Thanks again!!!

Yeah, you are bad, you just enjoy doing that to people, lol. Don't hold you're breath while you wait though, cause you would pass out before I get more on this written. If I do continue it, be ready for me to pick your brain to get out of the dilemma I created for myself!

LOL... Ya, I know it wouldn't be the first time, but there is so much I'd have to look at, and I may have created a problem for myself if I continue it, but then again, that's why I have you, Wayne, Lugh, etc... to help me figure out those problems I create for myself

Thank you Stephen! At the moment I just don't have the time, but I will probably look at this one again in the future, but I don't have any sort of a timeline on it. Thanks again!!!

Thank you rebel! There would be quite a bit that would need to be addressed to continue this tale, but I am getting more and more inclined to look at more of the possibilities. We will have to see. Thanks again!

Thank you Cassie! We'll see, maybe after Forging Trust is complete, lol. And if I didn't already write myself into a corner on this one, lol.

Thanks for the review Andi! I've had so many people want more that I may continue this story in the future, but for right now I am focusing on getting my story "Forging Trust" out. Maybe after that I'll do more with this story, just have to figure a few things out.

Thanks for the review rocky! You weren't the only one who doubted that the wedding would happen, at least right then. I debated a lot of things with this story, but in the end, happy endings prevailed. I even debated having him come up with something else, but he couldn't start his marriage with this hanging over their heads. Though he had really really sucky timing! Thanks again for the review!

Hey, that works, especially as I am a little late in replying to your review, lol. I'm glad that you enjoyed this little short. I wasn't even sure how the story was going to go at first, but all I had to do was listen to my characters and it all worked out! Thanks for reading!!

Thanks for the review Cassie! No, it doesn't seem like he's very happy, but what's he supposed to do... Glad that you enjoyed this story even though you don't usually like these type of stories. I always try to throw something a little different in. You never know, enough people have asked that I may decide later on to go into a more detailed story with these characters.

Thanks for the review Sam! Glad that you enjoyed the story and that the fact that he really didn't have a choice didn't detract from the story!

Thanks for the review intune! Yeah, I think showing that was pivotal in showing Jordan that Brian supports him, it was Mitch that was the problem. As for what the fight was about, that may be a few chapters ahead, but promise that you will eventually know!

LOL Lisa! I have done the same things countless times, except exactly like what happened in the story! I definitely don't like Shawn's mother and find her completely nuts, but she definitely played a major part in who Shawn is today. The effects on Shawn though are still there and throughout the story, we will be seeing more of how it all affected him. Hope you continue to enjoy and continue to review!!

And thank you for the review! I always enjoy hearing what my readers are thinking and love knowing what parts of the story they are really enjoying! Look forward to hearing your thoughts on future chapters!

Hugz! Glad to enjoyed! Thanks for reviewing!

Thanks for the review Unlikely! Yeah, I really really dislike Mitch, if you can't tell just from the reading. Shawn is turning out to be a bit different (in a good way) than I had planned him. It's amazing how characters seem to have a mind of their own and the best laid plans go askew! Anyways, hope you continue to enjoy!

Thanks intune! Sorry for the late reply! Not only is Shawn anxious, but I loved how him showing up early got Jordan all flustered. I bet you can guarantee that Jordan will be ready early for now on, lol.

Thank you Lisa, sorry for the late reply! I really thought the getting into the heavy stuff so early in the relationship would help show how comfortable both of them already feel. Glad that you enjoyed the date, the kiss, and everything else! Look forward to hearing your future thoughts on this story!

Thank you for the review Unlikely, and I apologize for the late reply! While I don't plan to showcase EVERY date of these two, I felt that the first date was really important and needed to be shown. Glad you enjoyed the date!

Thank you Unlikely! Glad that you are enjoying the story and hope that the upcoming chapters don't disappoint!!!