Two Writers, One Name: A Case of the Name Game

A fellow writer posted on a forum I frequent saying she discovered another writer publishing under her name. This caused her concern because the other writer was less experienced and might publish less than stellar work which editors could might if they googled her name.

Somehow I wasn't terribly sympathetic to her "plight" - after all, I have one of the most generic All-American names imaginable. It didn't occur to me early on in my career that maybe I should include a middle initial or write under a pen name to distinguish myself. And I certainly didn't assume that I was the first "Susan Johnston" to publish an article (in fact, there's another Susan Johnston who published a book around the same time I launched my website).

I just figured that editors would look at the clips I sent them and wouldn't bother with the 42,400 results that come up when you google me. In fact, I did include my middle initial (a vowel) in my email address and it's a common source of confusion for people, which makes me think it might not belong in my byline.

I posted a response saying that I wouldn't be terribly concerned if I were in her position and that editors would focus on the clips she sends them (esp. if the newbie writer's articles are buried deeper in Google). But get this: another writer actually said that she received a copy of the other Susan's book and for a fleeting moment, she thought maybe I had taken a break from career and lifestyle articles to pen a children's book about princesses and bubbles. I find that funny, but I still don't think it's a major problem.

Just in case this issue keeps you up at night, there are a couple of ways to secure your writerly reputation. First, buy your domain name! That is a sure fire way to take control of Google search results. Alternatively you could marry someone with an unusual last name (joking) or add a middle name or initial to personalize your byline.

Now it's your turn. Am I making light something that should be taken more seriously? How do you deal with a "doppelgänger"? Leave a comment and let me know!

What To Do With Old Business Cards

Remember how cool it was the first time you got business cards? I was so excited that I took the old cards left by my predecessor and pasted my information on top of hers.

Ah, how times change...

Since I left my job, I discovered a stash of my old business cards that are now obsolete (don't worry, I have business cards with my freelance info, too). It seems a shame to waste perfectly good paper, so I came up with a couple of alternative uses for business cards:

Bookmarks: I have quite a collection of bookmarks, but somehow I can never find them. Business cards to the rescue!

To-do lists: they are perfect, pocket-sized option for scribbling a few notes (assuming I don't loose them afterwards).

Gift tags: the right size but probably the wrong sentiment. Doesn't exactly scream "Happy Father's Day," does it?

Are there any more creative ideas I've missed?

For those who prefer to actually use their business cards, Entrepreneur.com has an article on Smart Ways to Use Your Business Card.

Two Left Feet

Friday evening the boyfriend and I met up at a formal dinner and dance downtown. Work ran later than I'd hoped, so I dashed home to change into my dress and grab my black beaded purse. I even bought new shoes a few days beforehand. Unfortunately, when I went to put them on, I realized that I'd bought two left pumps and no right one. Some good that did me! Note to self: put out important outfits the night before to double-check shoes and accessories.

You Know You're Working Too Hard When...

You email your mother saying, "I'd love to contribute to this year's Christmas letter, but I'm really swamped right now. When is the submission deadline?"

She wrote back saying she could work around my schedule. Thanks, Mom!