Using multiple pen names has a long tradition among writers. But the digital age has made it harder to create and present work under different names.

Platforms like Facebook and Wordpress let you create a single persona and expect you to produce everything under one name. It’s better for their business (only one of you to track) and makes sense from a computer point of view. One login, one identity.

But that's not the way people work. We all maintain multiple personas for different parts of our lives. We show different sides of ourselves to different people.

A practical way to write under multiple pen names

Having separate pen names for different topics is liberating.  It’s a green light to stretch out and explore new areas.  

WriterShelf is the first writing platform that lets you create as many pen names as you like using a single account. It’s easy.

Use different pen names for different genres

If you want to write about travel and cars and music, the things you say on those topics don’t have to step on your opinions on politics, education or relationships. And they all can be completely independent from works of fiction or poetry you publish.

Tailor each persona to its audience

A pen name is really just a jumping-off point in building a voice. WriterShelf lets you create a rich identity for every pen name composed of multiple elements.

We use a range of clues in real life to create the sides of ourselves we show to different people. Different dress. Different language. Different posture. WriterShelf gives you the same tools.

• Pen names themselves are flexible for creating unique and meaningful names. They can be realistic or fantastic and longer names or special characters are not a problem. You can even update individual pen names as you go along.
• Every pen name also lets you associate an image to provide a visual reference and deepen the meaning of the name.
• Alongside the pen name, an author tagline further frames the way readers understand your pen name. Your tagline can reinforce the topic or genre or you address or communicate a specific point of view.  Your tagline provides an instant reference for readers to understand the pen name.
• Finally, at the foot of each article, you can present free-form writer bio to give readers links, imagery or more information about the pen name.

Together, WriterShelf pen name elements let you create a complete picture for readers about the persona behind the work.

And, of course, WriterShelf gives you privacy.  You can write more freely when your real identity is not on the line. So go ahead, write steamy romantic poetry without people at work finding out.

Join WriterShelf today.