Saturday, June 26, 2010

On Choosing a Publishing Name

I decided in high school, after finally getting my signature to a state of calligraphic excellence, that it was a sign this name was truly mine and I would never lose my last name.

However, as a huge fan of historical record keeping and genealogical efficiency, and out of solidarity with my very-soon-to-be husband, I would like to have his last name as well.

I am now faced with imminent marriage and the simultaneous publishing of my first science journal article, and must decide how I will define myself professionally.  This decision has seen weeks of emotional turmoil though the obvious solution, simple and logical, took a while to sit right.

As a research scientist, I want to be identifiable and easily associated with my work.  My maiden name is so Ellis Island-unique that there is not another soul on earth who has it to whom I am not related.  I would like to continue being affiliated with my clan (read: my clan is notoriously and hazardously crazy, and it is not so much the affiliation to them as to my father, and to honor my parents, that is a strong need).  My fiance's last name is strong, but ever-so-common.

This is the obvious and logical decision:

Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden

My point of contention has been whether or not to use both of our names in publications.  If my pen name is solely my maiden name, I am ignoring his profound role in my accomplishments (read: without such support and enthusiasm for my own ambition and ardor, my productivity would certainly be less colorful).  However, if I use both of our names professionally, the uniqueness of my maiden name is countered by the addition of his common one.

Does it make a name less strong to have two parts?  In terms of identity, I don't think so.  But in terms of a pen name, it does help them to compliment one another: our last names do not compliment one another.  This clash is the caveat.  Perhaps it is mostly because I am new to the idea, or perhaps it is because (as an amateur script editor for a film maker) I know that a character's name is strongest and most memorable when it does not trail on being degraded by mumbling as a telomere by replication.

Ultimately, the name is mine and if at least part of it is memorable in publication, then I am satisfied.  And if we have children along the line, they will take his name, because history has enough obstacles to accuracy without having to negotiate when names were anagramed, traded or ultra-hyphenated.   Therefore:

Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden HisLast

However!

At this point in the rationale, the fiance himself finally feels it appropriate to chime in again.  His original wish was that I take his name.  However, his evolved stance is that anyone who knows me well enough on a social/personal level for me to care will know me as Mrs HisLast or Dr Maiden.  Therefore, rather than have my pen name be Maiden HisLast, he votes for the original scenario of a solitary, solid last professional name.  Therefore, the final consensus is:

Legally: Maiden HisLast
Socially: HisLast
Professionally: Maiden