To really get into the spirit of things, let’s create a writer alter ego. Not using your pen name, if you are writing with one, and not a version of your real name. And not your brand. I’m talking about a fun, exciting, kickass persona that’s just for you. One that gives you confidence and makes you feel like anything is possible. One that motivates you and busts through boundaries and fears. One that makes you feel free and ready to take creative risks.
As Walt Whitman said, we contain multitudes, but too often these are imposed upon us by others and by ourselves in response to what others expect of us. Is anyone really authentic? What does that even mean? Some days we’re brave and sassy; some days we’re wise and quiet. We’re rule followers and rule breakers. We’re warriors and explorers and magicians.
If you’re on social media then you are already curating your identity. In this exercise you’ll take that much further, and I hope it will empower and inspire you.
Take some time to consider these questions/options:
If you won $5 million dollars in the lottery and could run off and live anywhere and be anyone, who would you reinvent yourself as?
What was your favorite Halloween costume?
Favorite comic book character or movie character or book character?
Favorite historical figure or time period/era?
Do you have any nicknames?
What’s your favorite city or country to visit and what cultural traditions did you experience there?
Who do you secretly wish you were—a rock star? A brilliant scientist? An astronaut?
Do you use tarot or oracle cards? Pull those out and look through them. Set aside the cards you’re drawn to for ideas.
Are you interested in any particular myth or god/goddess in mythology?
Who says your alter ego even has to be human? What about an animal, an elf, or a half human, half animal.
Let’s play around with names to spark your imagination. There are so many fun and fierce name generators out there, but this one is the motherlode:
This name generator HAS IT ALL: anime, mermaids, vampires, pirates, sci-fi, Marvel, Doctor Who, elves, dragons, witches, knights, Shakespearean names, Star Trek, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Witcher, His Dark Materials, Minecraft, Dune, Zelda, Harry Potter, DC Comics, mad scientists, detectives, and on and on.
Reedsy also has a terrific character name generator with names for archetypes, from mythology, medieval names, and more, in different languages.
If you’d like something a bit less dramatic but still with some personality, use Reedsy’s pen name generator.
Once you’ve settled on your alter ego (take your time with this. Play around. Try some on. You can change it whenever you want), it’s time to bring it to life.
Write one sentence about who you are. What makes you so kickass? What is it about this alter ego that’s so liberating and makes you feel powerful?
Here's an example from Doctor Who: River Song is a time traveling archeologist, a flirt, and a badass action hero who's afraid of nothing—except the Doctor forgetting her.
Give your alter ego a catchphrase that you can whisper to yourself to give you courage, to keep you going, to dare yourself to try something new. River's famous words are “Hello Sweetie” and they've been used in goosebump-inducing ways.
What could you wear that would epitomize this person? What’s their signature style? What symbolizes their vibe? A hat? A cape? Some fake elven ears? A jumpsuit? Mini-skirt? Feathers in your hair? A wig? Jewelry?
Really have fun with this. Have a full on steampunk outfit made and wear wrist cuffs and a fucking top hat baby!
Remember, it’s for you. No one will know and no one will see you in it, unless you want them to.
Unless you have an alter ego party! Which I am absolutely suggesting you do with writer friends and go on some of the writing adventures together that I’ll be sharing with you.
You can also inhabit this alter ego when you are writing, stepping outside of other people’s expectations and your own, for a new perspective and spontaneity.
To keep this vibe going in your “real” life, take a selfie wearing whatever you’ve chosen and use it for your cell phone wallpaper. Print out the image and keep it in your wallet. Find something small that symbolizes this alter ego that you can carry with you or keep on your desk at work or in the car. There are many wonderful surprises on etsy and ebay. Thrift and consignment stores and flea markets are great places too. Go with your writer friends!
I would love to hear the name you chose and all about this magical version of you in the comments.
Now go on to your first writing adventure!
Happy writing,
Chris aka Iphigenia Hawk