Daily writing prompt

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

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(A Hundred Word Plus Narrative)

I sat at my typewriter and relished the satisfaction of typing the last sentence of my manuscript. The mental imagery of the previous few hours, and actually, the last few months, was suddenly evoking feelings of joy and optimism, in contrast to the original feelings of frustration and uncertainty. This experience was indeed a great moment to embrace until it was followed by a sudden flood of questions unrelated to the challenges I had overcome during this year-long project.

One question that stood out was whether to use my actual name as the author. Pondering this thought, I was immediately inclined to use a pseudonym. While I was elated to complete this monumental task, I was already becoming apprehensive of its reception. What if the manuscript is rejected? Or, worse, what if it’s accepted but the reviews are nothing but dismal? At the very least, having an alternate name provides anonymity for the sake of self-preservation.

Then again, some of my close colleagues may view my use of a fictitious name as cowardice, followed by comments such as the proverbial, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” But why should that concern me? It’s my manuscript and, therefore, my choice. Yet, I wouldn’t want a different name to create a sudden distance between the written work and the person who worked tirelessly to achieve its completion.

Perhaps a pseudonym that doesn’t immediately reveal the person behind the name but still offers some clue may be the option to consider. Perhaps I could consider presenting a variation of my actual name. Perhaps it could be a name that is essentially the same but is conveyed differently, such as presenting it in a different language. Perhaps turning my name into its foreign counterpart would create just enough anonymity while also adding an exotic, colorful vibe. Perhaps adding this layer of mystery to the story about a mystery will make for an even more compelling book for its readers.

Or, perhaps a foreign name is an unnecessary caricature of a sleep-deprived writer who has no reason to overthink this question. Perhaps I should stop thinking about the draft altogether and take a much-deserved break to clear my mind while enjoying the captivating sunrise.

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