What's in a name?
that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;
By any other name would smell as sweet;
Very true, Juliet, very true. However, I am becoming more
and more aware that names are much more important to humankind than to the
flowers we select to accent our houses and our gardens or to demonstrate
affection for a loved one with.
Our given name is such an integral part of our identity and
attached to every important document, every earned certificate and recognized
success, every introduction (granted honest information is provided) etc.
I've struggled over the past few months determining whether
or not to write under an alias. I guess what I mean is 'pen name'. I'm no spy
or criminal, believe it or not. The
final decision to do just that has not been an easy one. I'm bound to my name
and a part of me would love it to be my given name that is printed across the
cover of my novel and future writing projects. I've worked hard for the end
result so isn't it only right that me as me is displayed for full recognition?
I love my last name,
passed on quite obviously by my wonderful dad. It's a strong name, one
that I've signed proudly whether on students report cards or at the courthouse
when fighting one of the 300 parking tickets I've acquired in this city
(grrrrrr). It's who I am. So why write under a pen name? For a couple of
legitimate reasons. The main reason being that Jessica the educator is far
removed from Jessica the novelist. I'm not saying that I have a split
personality, just that wearing two hats brings forth associative expectations.
I suppose it's not the easiest to explain my reasoning, but it's the decision
I've made and I'm sticking with it.
The last name I finally decided on after contemplating which
of my relatives and ancestors' names best suit the 'Jessica Ashley' of my own,
is 'Dafoe' after my great grandmother who was a woman to be admired and who
will always be remembered for her loving and enduring spirit.
'Jessica Ashley Dafoe' it is and although it's not my own I
suppose it does smell (or perhaps I should write 'sound') as sweet. It is,
after all, a part of my heritage. I just need to start working on my signature.
Sheeesh, I just perfected my signature for my given name.
Please follow the links below to learn more about the Because I am a Girl cause initiated by Plan International:
For copy editing services check out my site by clicking here
Follow me on twitter: Jessica Ashley@City_Rhapsody
Happy reading!
Jessica Ashley Dafoe
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