If you do, why do you write under a pen name? Is it because you’re very shy and introverted, and/or the subject matter requires you to hide your identity?

That’s what I’m sort of struggling with at the moment. This current work in progress is a story that’s been banging around my head since 2013, and about half of it involves my former life. Since I live and work in a pretty conservative town, I am not brave enough nor willing to publish this work under my real name.

I feel a little bit of guilt over this. Guilt over being a wheeny, I suppose. Maybe once I become a successful writer, and can ditch the day job, maybe I’ll expose myself. My life as a stripper was a very fun and informative span of time that I’m not at all ashamed of; it just would not be a welcome confession in my current state of things.

Anyone else out there know what this is like?

AK