THE NAME GAME by Barbara M. Britton

THE NAME GAME by Barbara M. Britton
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 by Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: Claiming Canaan: Milcah’s Journey

AUTHOR: Barbara M. Britton

PUBLISHER: Pelican Book Group

GENRE: Biblical Fiction

SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Daughters of Zelophehad series, (can be read as a stand alone)

TARGET AGE: 13 and up

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR BARBARA M. BRITTON TO THE OVER 50 WRITER. BARBARA DISCUSSES A DILEMMA OFTEN FACED BY WRITERS – WHETHER TO TAKE A PEN NAME OR NOT.

BARBARA IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR WINNER’S CHOICE OF A PRINT OR EBOOK COPY OF EITHER CLAIMING CANAAN.OR LOINESS (first book in series).

THE NAME GAME

Barbara M. Britton

I love to write Biblical Fiction and bring little-known Bible characters to light. With the launch of Claiming Canaan, I have finished a series on the daughters of Zelophehad. These brave sisters were a new-to-me Bible story only a few short years ago. Five orphaned girls secured land rights for women, and they weren’t shy about reminding Joshua about their inheritance of land. Milcah’s story is the culmination of the sisters’ journey to become landowners.

Long before I wrote Biblical Fiction, I wrote wholesome stories with a few mentions of God. One particular story I thought would stay under the bed forever until I received a text from my son. He said someone had stolen my storyline. What? My son had seen a movie trailer for Me Before You. I raced to Amazon to look up the book’s blub. Me Before You was a caregiver story and the hero was severely injured, but the hero commits physician-assisted suicide at the end of the book. That was not my story. I had a caregiver story set after WWI in Alaska and my plot was based on a true story I had heard while on vacation. But, if Me Before You was popular, maybe my story could see the light of day. I sent Until June to my Christian publisher and the novel will see the light of day on June 11^th.

Wonderful, right? Except this Historical isn’t Biblical Fiction. It has ten mentions of God instead of hundreds. My publisher recommended I take on a pen name. A pen name would give me some anonymity, and my readership wouldn’t be confused about the content of my new book, but there is a lot to consider before writing under different names and several names.

Since I’m on The Over 50 Writer, you know that I didn’t grow up with a smartphone or a computer. I’m not that tech savvy. Taking on a new name for my Historical would mean I would have to set up a new website and new social media accounts for this “new author.” I don’t know about you, but social media already takes up a lot of my time. I can’t imagine managing two names in the social media marketing world. There is also the cost of setting up a new website and paying hosting costs. Plus, cover art is genre specific. My Historical set in 1918 will look much different than the ladies with head coverings on my Biblical novels.

Several Christian Fiction authors write various genres of stories under the Christian Fiction umbrella. I have a friend who writes Amish stories, WWII stories, and Romantic Suspense stories. Since I write under the rules of Christian Fiction, I believed I could keep my name and make an effort to brand Until June uniquely.

That’s not to say that taking a pen name is wrong. A pen name does offer some anonymity. And some Mainstream publishers will push for a different name if you switch genres. The Mainstream market is the 99% of books in a bookstore that aren’t Christian Fiction.

Some authors who write in genres that have a predominance of male or female authors might take a new name. I know men who take women’s names when writing Romance. J.K. Rowling and Nora Roberts took on male names to break out in the Suspense and Mystery categories that are dominated by men.

After everything is said and done, an author has to feel comfortable with their career, and the decisions that they make. I have geared my marketing to show the distinctions between my Biblical Fiction and my Historical. Am I giving up on writing about little-known Bible stories? No, in fact I’m writing one right now. God gives me many stories to write, and I hope each story finds an audience that will be blessed by my characters.

How do you feel about pen names? Would you take one as an author? Would you mange two?

Book blurb for Claiming Canaan:

When the tribal elders make marriage a requirement for claiming her land, Milcah bat Zelophehad must find a betrothed straightaway. The only problem in finding a husband is that all her suitors were slain while conquering the land of Canaan. Men avoid her in order to stay alive.

After praying to God to send her a bold suitor, a man from her father's clan plummets from a tree right on top of her. Is this God answering prayer, or a foolish antic by Eli, the war-scarred brother from one of her clan's rival families?

Will settling in Canaan sort out Milcah's troubles, or have her woes just begun?

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN YOUR CHOICE OF PRINTOR EBOOK COPY OF CLAIMING CANAAN OR LIONESS BETWEEN NOW AND SATURDAY, MAY 23^RD AT MIDNIGHT MDT. (US residents only eligible for print copy)

BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.

Patti’s review of Claiming Canaan

Claiming Canaan is the third book in Barbara M. Britton’s Daughters of Zelophehad series. In this conclusion of the series, the daughters claim their land as granted to them. These women, five orphaned sisters mentioned in Numbers in the Bible, have been granted the right to own property in the Promised Land. In this conclusion of the series, the daughters claim their land, but not without struggle and opposition in this male-dominated society.

This book tells the story of Milcah, who is believed to carry a curse since her former love interests have perished in battle. Just when Milcah begins to despair of ever acquiring a husband, she discovers God has a mate in mind she never would have chosen for herself. The other gifts he bestows on her are far beyond any fortune she would have imagined as well.

Like Barbara Britton’s other Biblical fiction books, this novel takes the reader to Bible times with its rich character descriptions and authentic depiction of the times.

Claiming Canaan reflects the closeness of family and the fulfillment of God’s promises to those who obey and honor His Holy Name.

The Daughters of Zelophehad series is a must for readers who enjoy seeing Bible stories brought to life, especially those with which many of us are unfamiliar.

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She is published in Biblical fiction and enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light in her stories. Barb will venture into Historical Fiction in June with Until June. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate.

You can find out more about Barb and her books on her website at www.barbarambritton.com or on Twitter or Facebook.

You can purchase Barb’s books on Amazon, B&N, or wherever books are sold. Libraries can order the series, too.

SUBSCRIBE TO PATTI’S BLOGS HERE.

Comments

NANCY From FL At 8/5/2020 8:42:45 PM

Beautiful cover positive DOT ideas DOT 4you AT gmail DOT com

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Nancy. Thank you for leaving a comment for Barbara.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/25/2020 8:48:17 AM

Hi Priscilla and Naomi! Thank you for joining us and for reading Biblical Fiction. I always say, God has the best storylines.

Priscilla J. Krahn From MN At 5/23/2020 8:53:59 PM

I love Biblical fiction, and this book sounds great!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Priscilla. Thank you for stopping by. This entire series was enjoyable.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/23/2020 6:01:10 PM

Hi Paula. I like Biblical Fiction readers. If you're on Goodreads, you should check out Biblical Fiction Buffs. It's a great group. Thanks for joining us.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/23/2020 5:59:25 PM

Hi Paula. You're right about similar names. I know authors who have Googled their names and have to switch names because their name is already notorious. I use the M. in my name because there was an older movie actress with my same name. Thanks for stopping by.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/23/2020 5:56:42 PM

Hi Katherine. Thanks for joining us. I can see the need for a pen name when you write for kids and then write books for adults. I have friends who write Romance and when they switched to Young Adult books, they took a separate name. I appreciate yo stopping by.

Naomi E Craig From AZ At 5/23/2020 4:32:46 PM

Love Biblical Fiction! Thanks for the opportunity

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Naomi. So glad you stopped by and let us know you were here.

Paula Shreckhise From Missouri At 5/23/2020 2:15:43 PM

I probably would because my last name is hard to pronounce. But I can see reasons to use a pen name. Especially if your name is th3 same ir similar to another author who writes explicit content.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Paula. These are good points you have made. Thank you for visiting and adding to the discussion.

Katherine bartlett From Georgia At 5/23/2020 12:39:54 PM

I personally use a pen name for my kid's books!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Katherine. Thank you for stopping by and joining in the conversation.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/22/2020 10:48:52 AM

Hi Samantha. Thanks for joining us. I was thinking that if an author had the same name as a famous writer, a pen name might be required. There is so much to think about with a publishing name. Take care.

Samantha McFarland From CO At 5/22/2020 10:17:43 AM

Since I meet authors, I prefer real names...but I think there are times when a pen name makes sense. I am intrigued by your books for sure.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Samantha. Thank you for stopping by and contributing to the conversation. Have a great day!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/19/2020 8:53:56 AM

Hi Cleo. Thanks for joining us. I'm happy I didn't take on a second name. I think life would be fairly crazy now. Take care.

Cleo Lampos From Illinois At 5/18/2020 2:10:12 PM

Enjoyed hearing how you delineated you problem. It is one the needs to be talked about. Your book plot sounds very intriguing. Blessings on it as it reaches out to a reading audience.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Cleo. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for Barbara. Stay safe! Stay healthy!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/16/2020 8:59:51 PM

Hi Denise. Thanks for joining us. You are so encouraging.

Denise From At 5/16/2020 4:51:59 PM

Thanks for the insight,Barb. I loved this book!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Denise. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for Barb. Stay safe! Stay healthy!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/15/2020 6:07:10 PM

Hi Jody. I can barely handle one name on social media. You might be able to talk me into two names, but that's the limit for me. Thanks for joining us and commenting.

Jody Day From USA At 5/15/2020 4:33:45 PM

I don't think I could manage 2 names. I think about it sometimes when I contemplate venturing out into another genre. Thanks for this post!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Jody. Thank you so much for stopping by and joining the discussion. Stay safe! Stay healthy!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/15/2020 1:22:20 PM

Hi Kathy. I agree. In today's world, a reader can Google and find out pretty much anything. J.K. Rowling was outed as writing as a man. Thanks for joining us.

Kathy Bailey From New Hampshire At 5/15/2020 9:11:43 AM

Interesting thoughts, Barbara. I wouldn't take a pen name unless I had a REALLY good reason, and I'm not sure those exist any more. It's 2020 for Pete's sake, and women can pretty much write about the same things men can. Women can write, period.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Kathy. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the discussion. Stay safe! Stay healthy!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/14/2020 8:07:20 PM

Hi Roxanne. What a surprise to find the same author penned all the books you read. I think the copyright page has the real name of the author. I appreciate you joining us.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/14/2020 8:04:50 PM

Hi Becky. Thanks for joining us. I like keeping my name. I think I would forget who I was with different names for different books. Take care.

Roxanne C. From New Hampshire At 5/14/2020 9:55:24 AM

I find the idea of pen names very interesting. I learned that dozens of books in different genres I had read were written by an author who used three pen names. I am fine with a Christian author who writes in a different genre as long as it is clean.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Roxanne. So glad you came to visit and contribute to the discussion of pen names. Stay safe! Stay healthy!

Becky Van Vleet From Colorado At 5/14/2020 9:45:49 AM

Hi Barbara! If I were you, I'd keep my same name. Like Renette says, people might have trouble finding you if you switch. I wish you the best with your new book coming out. Blessings always!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Becky. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts in this discussion. Stay safe! Stay healthy!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/13/2020 9:10:51 PM

Hi Renette! Thanks for reading my biblical fiction. I would definitely tell you my pen name. I'm glad you joined us. Hugs back to you.

Renette From Montana At 5/13/2020 8:10:20 PM

Hi Barbara, Love your Biblical fiction. I'd probably never find you if you switched names. Looking forward to Until June! I have enough confusion and yrouble with my real name. If I ever get published I'll just stick with it, it's the one GOD wanted me to have. Hugs

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Renette. I, for one, love your name! Thank you for visiting and joining in the discussion. Stay safe! Stay healthy!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/13/2020 6:44:51 PM

Hi Brenda! I like my covers, too. I have some input, but my publisher is the designer. I may take a pen name in the future. Thanks for joining us.

Brenda Murphree From Mississippi At 5/13/2020 2:15:25 PM

A beautiful cover. If I was an author I would take a pen name. Thanks for the giveaway!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Brenda. Thank you for stopping by and adding your thoughts to the discussion. Stay safe! Stay healthy!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/13/2020 1:46:52 PM

Hi LoRee. I enjoy writing biblical fiction, but there is a lot of pressure to get it right. I don't think I could manage more than 2 names, so I'm keeping one open. I appreciate you stopping by.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/13/2020 1:45:16 PM

Hi Shenley. My publisher does a great job with my covers. I have liked each one. I appreciate you joining us.

LoRee Peery From Nebraska At 5/13/2020 12:23:44 PM

Barbara, I so appreciate the research and imagination of your biblical stories. I also have thought of using a name other than my own, but decided to stick with the one my mother gave me. It's good to see you here.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi LoRee. Thank you for coming by and joining the discussion. I use a pen name (my maiden name) because trying to find the right Pat Gonzales on the Internet can be almost as difficult as looking for the correct John Smith. Stay safe! Stay healthy!

Shenley Ricks From Bridgeville De. At 5/13/2020 11:58:17 AM

I love the cover. Most of the time you can tell by the cover how good a book is.

Reply by: Patti Shene

I agree with you there, Shenley! Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. Stay safe! Stay healthy!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 5/13/2020 11:42:23 AM

Thanks for joining us, Pam. If I venture into Mainstream, I will definitely be writing under a pen name, too.

PAMELA S THIBODEAUX From LA At 5/13/2020 9:16:52 AM

I've often thought of taking a pen name if I venture into traditional romance....we'll see as I haven't yet done so nor have I ruled it out LOL! Great post, Barbara. Good luck and God's blessings PamT