Nom de plume is a term of French origin, which translates to "pen name" or "literary pseudonym" in English. It refers to the practice of an author adopting a different name than their own when they publish their works.
A nom de plume allows writers to conceal their true identity, often for various reasons such as personal, professional, or social purposes. Authors may choose to use a pen name to maintain anonymity, separate their different writing styles or genres, or even to avoid potential biases or prejudices associated with their real name.
The use of a nom de plume is not limited to any specific literary genre or time period and can be found throughout history. Well-known authors like Samuel Clemens, who used the pen name Mark Twain, the Brontë sisters - Charlotte, Emily, and Anne - who published under the names Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell respectively, and the renowned French novelist Amantine Dupin who is recognized as George Sand, all exemplify the frequent adoption of this practice.
The term nom de plume encompasses not only the pseudonyms authors may choose for themselves but also refers to the pen names assigned to anonymous or unidentified authors. This can include contributors to newspapers, magazines, or online platforms.
In summary, a nom de plume is an alternate name adopted by an author to publish their works, giving them the opportunity to distance themselves from their true identity, whether to maintain privacy, experiment with different writing styles, or for other personal or professional reasons.
