Mike, the 3 boys, and I are going on a little spring trip. where exactly? ummm. don't know for sure. When? yeah, that's still up in the air, too. We're leaving tomorrow, probably, but is anyone packed? ummm. no. I have created mounds and mounds and MOUNDS of unfolded, clean laundry, but that's as far as my pre-trip preparations have gone. I frequently say of Mike and I, "We're last minute sorts." And we are.
And that sounds ultimately better than 'we procrastinate.'
So. I have to clean, pack, plan, organize um... everything, and i haven't 'pre-blogged' anything of course. But! I don't want it to be all quiet around here while I'm gone... so. Will you help?
When I started this blog my purpose was to build a 'name' that would be familiar to future readers of my many hilarious, as yet unpublished and sooooo inspiring novels.
ha.
But. I didn't really WANT to put my name on my blog. So I'm known simply as Kelsey. And HolyMama. But I've refrained from putting forth my entire name.
And it turns out it just might be time. There might be a real need to have an author type name out there, as a book contract is being mailed to me even now!
In light of the whole privacy issue, I humbly ask you to name me.
Let's keep the 'Kelsey' part, but what about a last name? Not my maiden name. Not my real last name. But I hate to toss out the name I love - the name I got the day I married Mike.
This thought process led me to 'Kelsey Michaels' as an option, but I think there are already a lot of So and So Michaels, and even a Casey Michaels, which sounds almost identical. Mike says, 'keep the last name or use your middle name.' It doesn't sound terribly writerly though. (Kelsey Elaine.)
My mom suggested 'Kelsey Kilgore.' It's a family name, alliterative, and I like it. But it doesn't have the Mike Factor (as opposed to the Max Factor) that I was going for.
Toss out those pseudonyms, y'all! Name me!
please!
PS
Mike just said we can't leave until Saturday since there's just NO way we'll be ready. Yeah. We're last minute sorts.
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Your Comments
I like Kelsey Kilgore...has a texas feel to it too without being twangy or dorky..
i also like Kelsey Kate.... or Kelsey Cate (it looks nice and hip and fresh..both visually and audibly..make any sense)
Kelsey Dane (just random)
Kelsey Cain
Kelsey Kain
ok it is late...i better stop..
ok, i KNOW i'm supposed to be doing laundry (and technically I am) but i had to see what y'all were saying. LOVE the suggestions. Keep em coming!
I wouldn't have thought of Miguel or Michelle , but i like them. and desert diva - those names are so great that if i don't use them, one of my future characters wilL!
Hmmm, well, it all depends on what kind of book we're talking about...
Contemporary? Kay (get it? "K" for Kelsie) Maxwell
Romance? Kelsey Kensington
Suspense? Kelsey Kilgore would work...or how about Kelsey (name of my hometown for a last name)? Like, Kelsey York for someone from New York
or how about first initial, middle initial, and then Maxwell, for that Max Factor vibe??
Congrats to you, Kelsey!! Can't wait to see it in print. I know I adore alliteration, so:
Kelsey Kilgore is my hands down favorite -- sounds hip, has a familial tie, and would look great on the bookshelf.
But if it isn't a winner for you here are some other ideas:
Kelsey Kittredge
Kelsey Karlyle
Kelsey Kingston (puts you right by Karen Kingsbury on the bookshelves, primo spot if you ask me) I think of these things when I have contemplated a pseudonym. Just a tip. Position yourself close to a popular author and they'll pick up your book, too. I know I've done it!
Well, I leave for a few days and you've got all this going on? First, CONGRATS on the contract--woo-hoo! Second, that's so funny about the name thing. Why don't you just go as: Kelsey. You know, like Sting or Madonna, ha. My cousin's a rocker (Dave Navarro) so some thought I should go with my maiden name, which just so happens to be Navarro, but I decided to keep hubby's beautiful name for my book. Anyway, I'm rambling. Just so thrilled for you, and btw, my daughter's middle name is Elaine so I kinda like that too :)
Hey there! I'm back! I see that you have been doing well! I am excited for you on your book contract! That is truly awesome! So this name thing? hmmm.
I think using a real name is better because there are times you should be able to be the real you, like when you have a great book to be proud of! But I guess this is the real world and perhaps it's better to be safe sooo...
I think you should use a last name that it's obvious it's not your real name and it adds a bit of suspense or humor to the whole thing.
Like... Kelsey Von Trapp
okay I'm kidding.
Not good at serious names here.
Kelsey Van Damme (you know, the actor?) he he
okay, I guess I'm no help. Can't be serious for very long and my time expired over an hour ago! xoxox
Congrats again on the book!
Kelsey! Congrats on the book contract. I've been trying to think of some really catchy last name suggestions....but can't think through the fog of the plans we should start to have a blogging reunion in Dallas simultaneous with your first book signing!!!!!
Kelsy WTG Michaels?
Kelsy HM Michaels?
Kelsey.......
Drats....can't get creative here....all I can think about is the blogging reunion!!!!
Congrats!
Diane
Wow, congrats!
I think I would go with my real name. That would feel really cool when you get checks, fan mail and other stuff with your real name.
BUT, I'm guessing you are concerned about people knowing your kids last names from the net.
So, I like:
Kelsey McMichael - all your kids are the "son of Michael".
Kelsey McHale (Michael)
Kelsey Laine, or Kelsey Lane. Or (sneaky sneaky) Kelsey E. Laine (hee-hee!)
Kelsey Austen (half for the author Jane Austen, and half for the city of Austin)- well, I love Jane Austen, I don't know if you do. But it's what I might do.
And finally, since I am a genealogist at heart, I would do some research (Ancestry.com) and pick a name that resonates with you if Kilgore doesn't do it. I will even do some for you if you'd like. I LOVE the research (it's FUN!) and I already have a paid subscription to Ancestry.com.
Anyway, good luck and CONGRATS!!!
Lorie
I do like the name Kelsey Kilgore because it's mine!
Someone wrote "Kelsey Kilgore sounds too perfect--like it was made up."
But it isn't just a made up name.
It really is my name!
As much as I like the idea of using a pseudonym,
I don't like the idea of someone using my name as one!
Sorry,
Kelsey Kilgore
How about:
Kelsey Miguel
or
Kelsey Michelle
which are other forms of the name Michael?