Do you remember how I was unable to find a title for Unforeseen Dives? That time I asked you, dear readers, to help me out. I needed the title in order for my friend and artist Melanie Bourgeois to include it on the cover art. (No, I’m not targeting self-publication. I’m targeting Authonomy and I need a cover to publicize my book on there. Plus, banners and goodies are always good to promote this blog.)
This week, Melanie send me a picture of her work in progress. After asking her if it was alright, I am presenting you a sneak peek of the upcoming cover for Unforeseen Dives!
Have you noticed the big missing piece of information on there? Like, I don’t know, the author’s name!
That’s the problem I need your help with today. Though, editors usually help picking a pen name, I would like a temporary, sellable one for this cover. Why a pen name? Because my real French last name poses problems to French-speaking people so I can’t even imagine what headaches it’ll bring to you English-speaking folks. I’ve worked in a bookstore and lived the hell of looking for a book when the client doesn’t know the name of the author nor title. An author’s name needs to be easy to remember. Mine ain’t.
Aheïla has been my web identity for a while but it isn’t necessarily a good start for a pen name (though including it could lead people back to this blog).
My real first name is Emilie. That’s”famous author” related so I would keep it. My real last name starts with a P.
I brainstormed with a few friends and came up with ideas. I need more suggestions. I need more opinions. I need your input!
Here is the list so far (in no particular order, after eliminating a few silly suggestions):
- Emilie Prescott
- Emilie Post
- Emilie Preston
- Emilie Prichard -> So far, opinions on this one are controversial. I like it because it use the P and my father’s name is Richard (so instead of using his last name I use his first) but according to a certain New Yorker it’s “dusty” and sounds too old. So, classy or wrinkly?
- Emilie Ryan -> An NaSty joke and a bit too common
So, what do you think? I’m open to suggestions that don’t start with a P. Should I add the “A” initial as a middle name/cameo for Aheïla? Is it a lost cause?
Help!
July 27th, 2010 at 7:38 am
I sent you an email!
July 27th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Got it. I’ll reply later.
Do you like the cover?
July 27th, 2010 at 8:50 am
I can’t help myself, I still like “Prichard” (with or without a T) best. There’s some punch in it, the other ones are too smooth — not to say that, for me, Prescott and Preston are the ones who sounds wrinkly… ^^ (I’m not taking “Ryan” as a last name seriously, should I? XD)
As for the cover… I can’t say anything less than what I said last Saturday: that’s a cutie I wouldn’t hurt! ^^ You must be really impatient to see it completed.
July 27th, 2010 at 10:31 am
I kind of agree with you. That’s why I would like to have the opinion of more English-speaking folks on that particular question. 😉
July 27th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Whaddya mean you’re not taking Ryan seriously … LEAF!?!? <<< Sorry, couldn't help myself. 😉
Ryan is actually a surname as well as a first name and I kinda like it … 😉
July 27th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
‘Cause you’re a fool, maybe?! 😉
July 27th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Gee, thanks miss! *dies laughing*
July 27th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Always there to help!
July 27th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
You know, THIS is the exact reason why I made sure to add “as a last name” to my first sentence… ^^ I may be too kind sometimes. *Laughs*
July 27th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
It’s funnier to be NaSty
July 27th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
I asked a couple of co-workers. They like Pritchard. I can’t explain why!?!? Kidding. They really liked Prescott.
If you don’t know why not to use Emily Post, your etiquette is seriously lacking. There’s a pun in there. 🙂
Btw, I have no trouble with your last name. Why even French-speaking people do is confounding.
July 27th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Not being familiar with American authors of etiquette books doesn’t mean I don’t have any. I’m French, remember? You’re using our word for the concept. Might as well say we thought you etiquette. 😛
So they didn’t like Prichard but they liked Prescott? I can’t put my finger on why I’m not sure about that one. *shrugs*
And you’re comfortable with reading my name. Would you be able to spell it or even recognize it if you’ve only heard it? Are you sure most of your friends vould pronounce it right? *laughs*
July 27th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Of course I can. I don’t see the problem, but then I’m good at spelling and French words/names are no problem. Btw, re-read my earlier comment. I said they do like Pritchard. They like Prescott better though. I, on the other hand, am still partial to Ryan, but I may not give you permission to use it. I haven’t decided yet.
July 27th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
I thought you meant you were kidding when you said they liked Prichard. Wasn’t sure where the kidding applied. 😉
You wouldn’t let me use Ryan? Really? *flutters her lashes*
July 27th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
I was kidding about saying i don’t know why they like Pritchard. Btw, i love the cover!
July 27th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Then why do they like it? *laughs*