When I first started thinking about publishing my books, I thought Kathleen Anderson would be a perfect author name. It was me, but not me. It flowed off the tongue in a historical author-y sort of way. It sounded classy and professional. BUT, it was a name that also belonged to seventy billion other women in the United States alone. Sadly, it is not the name to use when you wanted to be found. As an author, you want to be found.
My agent suggested I find a pen name. I didn’t want a name so far removed from myself that I didn’t recognize it as me, so we settled on Kathleen Joyce. Again, it was me, but not me. I’ve answered to that name a few times in my life. I’ve walked across a stage twice to receive a diploma when that name was called. I’ve felt the dread that name brought when I’d either shocked, angered or extremely disappointed one or both of my parents. That name was written on my birth certificate and my wedding invitations. I could get used to Kathleen Joyce.
Furthermore, I liked the name because it reminded me of the other special people in my life who share the name with me. There’s a beloved niece who shares the first half and an equally beloved aunt who shares the second. So, I designed this website and a Facebook author page under that name.
Fast forward several years to when I receive a comment on my author page asking when my next mystery is going to release. Problem is, I don’t write mysteries. Yup. There’s another author out there by the name of Kathleen Joyce. Again, I have a name that is not suitable when you want to be found as YOU and not someone else.
I sat down with my agent again and discussed it. She looked at my Instagram account and then my Facebook page and said, “Kathy Geary Anderson. That’s you.” She was right. That IS me. No one else (that I now of) has that exact combination of names. If you are searching for me on Google, with those three names you’ll find me. And only me.
So, for those of you who’ve walked this writing journey with me, thanks for sticking with me through name changes and revamped websites. I’m fairly certain this change will be the last.