What’s in a Pen Name?

I recently have had the opportunity to submit to a dark romance anthology.  For those that don’t know dark romance could be defined as a subgenre of romance that explores the messy, complicated, and sometimes twisted side of love and relationships.  Dark romance is not my usual genre.  A lot of the “morally gray” heroes in the genre just sound abusive to me and I wouldn’t let my heroines date them. However, I did have an idea that was a great fit for the anthology.  So, I’ve decided to dip my toe into the dark and spicy waters of dark romance, and that means… it’s time for a pen name.

Why?

Because when my regular readers pick up a book with my name on the cover, they expect a certain tone—witty banter, action-packed plots, and swoony but emotionally stable romantic leads. And let’s be honest, they probably expect fewer, uh, bedroom scenes. The story I’ve written for this anthology is not that. It’s darker, moodier, and yes, much steamier.

In other words, it’s not your grandma’s fantasy romance. Unless your grandma is extremely cool and into antiheroes with tortured pasts.

Won’t Readers Be Confused?

That’s where the pen name comes in. It’s not about shame or secrecy—far from it. In the modern publishing world, pen names are tools. They help readers know what kind of story they’re getting into. Think of it like walking into a bakery versus a steakhouse. You love both, but you don’t want to order a croissant and get a ribeye. Or vice versa. (Although now I’m imagining some kind of buttery, flaky steak pastry and… I digress.)

The reality is, many authors use pen names to differentiate genres. Nora Roberts writes futuristic crime as J.D. Robb. Leigh Bardugo has her dark academia under her real name but uses a different approach for middle grade. It’s not about misleading anyone—it’s about making the reader experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So when I say this new name is the “spicier alter ego of Bethany Maines,” I mean it. It’s the same voice, same storytelling love, but focused on a different emotional and sensual frequency.

Now, picking a pen name is surprisingly difficult. Do I want something evocative and moody? Something a little edgy? Or maybe something just plain fun? I’ve already ruled out “Anastasia Ravenblood” (a little too much), but “Eva Steele”? Maybe. The options are endless—and honestly, a little overwhelming.

So here’s where you come in.

Help Me Choose!

I’d love your input! I’ve created a short (really short—like, blink and it’s over) Google Form where you can help me pick the perfect pen name. No personal data collected, no sales pitches, just your honest opinion and a chance to weigh in on this next creative adventure.

And don’t worry—I’m not abandoning my usual stories. I’m just branching out. Think of this as Bethany Maines… after dark.

Thanks for coming along for the ride, and I can’t wait to introduce you to my mysterious, smoldering, slightly unhinged pen name persona.

Want to learn more about my other romance stories? Check out the romance section: ROMANCE