Pen Names...

This is a topic that comes up a lot. I'm always interested in how an author came up with their pen name, and why they decided to use one.

I'll go first:

Catherine, as many of my author friends know, is my real first name. I thought it would be easier to respond to if I recognized it during a chat or in the off chance that someone recognizes me on the street. LOL -

Bybee, is a family name... but I didn't finalize on Bybee until after I made sure there wasn't another Bybee author out there to compete with shelf space. I read somewhere, from an author blog, to make certain that the .com was available for the pen name you've chosen.

So there you have it... how Catherine Bybee came to be!

What's your story?

How many books do you read a month?

Here is a subject that many writers are familiar with.

As a writer, reading often becomes 'something I used to do'. But not me. I make a point of reading at least two full length books a month and several 'snippets' in between. First because I want to see what all of you are writing. I want to be supportive to my author friends. And that means I actually buy your books directly from the publisher. Yeah, I can save a few pennies by going on a discount site but I'm not going there if I don't have to.
I find it completely necessary to read what is being published out there. Both to inspire me and to encourage me. I try and analyze how an author keeps me on the edge of my seat, or how they keep that sexual tension so bloody high I curse at the phone when it rings.

Most writers don't take the time to read. Yet reading is what started almost every writers journey to publication.

Take the time. Sit back and read a book. It will make you a better writer in the end.