An Origin Story

I recently realized that it was time to create an online presence, which was a fairly difficult undertaking for this introvert. Putting myself out in the open feels very raw. I wanted to be sure that I represented myself naturally and authentically.

So begged an important question- who am I? Do I write under my legal name, my maiden name, a pen name?

I love my husband dearly- we've been married for over a decade, but his surname still feels like him.

Using my maiden name wasn't a simple choice either. My legal maiden name belongs to a father who I didn't have a relationship with until my teen years. My mom met my stepdad when I was just four, and they married when I was seven, so he was always just "dad" to me. I struggled throughout my childhood to decide which name felt right. If I abandoned the name of my biological father, I felt as if I was abandoning my heritage. The reason that my hair has a reddish tinge and that my eyes are green. But my stepdad, "dad's" name was steeped in sentiment. This man raised me as his own. He is the reason that I love art and writing. He was my greatest critic and cheerleader.

My initial thought was to use my stepdads name, especially since my online presence is a representation of the creativity that he nurtured in me - his name felt right in that sense.

Then I realized that my children share my married name, and they're one of my biggest inspirations.

I talked it over with a writing friend who suggested a pen name, maybe a mashup of all the names that were important to me.

Ultimately, after some research, I realized that pen names are not incredibly popular in the kidlit world, and that it can cause some confusion when it comes time to query agents and sign contracts with publishers. I also couldn't imagine introducing myself in person to anyone by a pen name, or any other name.

Feeling defeated after spending several days trying to decide who I was and walking away with my boring legal name, I realized that there wasn't any reason that I couldn't convey the authenticity I craved in some capacity.

That's when it dawned on me- my nickname, Savi. I have always been Savi- past, present and future. Throughout my childhood, my teen years, before and after marriage, in the midst of my entire existence changing when I became a mother. Through every single major life change which has carried me from birth to present, I have always been Savi. Authentically, Savi.

I know, I know... "A rose by any other name...." and all that jazz, right? But it still felt good to find the right fit.

So, there's a little origin story for you. My intention is to use this space to speak openly and honestly about the highs and lows on the path to becoming traditionally published. I hope you'll stick around for what's sure to be a whirlwind adventure, and hopefully learn with me along the way!

Authentically,

Savi