I'm supposed to tell you a bit about myself. I don't like talking about myself, really, but here goes:
I'm 28 (4 times over), am married, have three amazing children, and own a whole herd of pets. My real name is not Krystal Wade. I may as well tell you all that it's Krystal Dehaba. Wooo. Big secret. Honestly, my biggest regret in my writing career has been to take on a pen name. Mostly because I feel like I lost me when I took it on. Now that we have THAT out of the way . . .
I am a political account jack-of-all-trades by day and mother, wife, and writer by night. Meaning no insult to my day job, I prefer the mother/wife/writer. I'd love that to be full time, but alas, it has yet to pay . . . well. I live in the culturally and historically rich state of Virginia and have been here since 1997. Before, I lived in a place that shall-not-be-named. Long-time readers of my blog can probably figure that out.
Speaking of the blog, I quite honestly don't know what mine is about anymore. I started it to share pieces of me with the world. I wrote a lot of short stories about my childhood, a lot of current stories from my every day life, and a bunch of flash fiction. Then I did a shameful amount of self-promotion. Then I did a lot of nothing. Then I shared the promotional love. Now, I mostly just post about my kids or things I've done with my family over the weekend.
I miss my flash fiction. People seemed to like it. Maybe I'll do some more of that in 2013. Or maybe I'll try to write more books.
By the way, I've written three (SELF-PROMO!!). But this year I'm really struggling to write. I've always enjoyed allowing my creative side to roam into blue fields of tan butterflies (???), but there is a story I need to write that's making me question what kind of writer I really want to be. Do I want to continue with fiction? Or do I write the very real, very painful story of my teenager years as a piece of fiction for the world to see? What do I want the world to learn from Krystal Wade--err, Dehaba?!
What does the world want from me?
Nice to meet you. I like a diverse blog. Thanks for dropping in on thefeatherednest.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Thank you for hopping in here!
DeleteAloha,
ReplyDeleteIf you're asking, I would say what does Krystal *want* to write :)
In my humble opinion, you should write for yourself first and if it's worth reading (in your opinion:) others, like me, will be waiting in line :)
GOOD LUCK, thanks for the follow - and right back at you dotcom :)
Krystal wants to write things that people will enjoy. She doesn't want to hurt people, even though she thinks her life story will help a TON of people. There will definitely be some who cannot handle it. I WAS a teenager though, and a troubled one at that. I really LOVE writing fantasy. So, I think I'm going to keep doing both. I'm going to write my life story as I can handle it (because it's not easy to rehash), and I'm going to continue with my fantasy--or whatever else.
DeleteI see what you mean now! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome to meet you. I shall go check out your books now...
Thank you. I hope you like the books!
DeleteHi Krystal,
ReplyDeletePerhaps you should do a name-switch ala John (Cougar) Mellencamp and just be Kristal Dehaba Wade? Just a suggestion--which I am full of.
Lovely to meet you, and I shall return again to visit and borrow a cup of sugar.
~Just Jill
P.S. Write everything
Write everything. Excellent advice! I shall take it! And I think I'm going to work Dehaba into this website somehow...
DeleteWrite whatever is in you heart--whatever is speaking to you the loudest! Keep trying different things until one of them starts screaming for you to finish it and you'll be good to go. :) And flash-fiction is always fun!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about a pen name. For years I kept my academic work and my RPG separate. I published academic papers under my real name and RPG stuff under "Web Warlock". Now I kinda wish all that stuff I had done before was still connected to "me".
Hey you stopped by my blog, hit me up at timothy.brannan@gmail.com.
Thanks and great to meet you!
Well, you know what I want to read! But what do I know? ;-)
ReplyDeleteYes, Derek, I'm aware. I'm working on it! Just for you. It's a slow process. :-P
DeleteKrystal nice to meet you. I get the pen name thing. There's another author out there with my full name (and even place of birth and religion) who has NYT bestsellers under her belt..... I was told though that because we write in different genres it'd be okay.....hopefully so! I do have to say I don't use my first and last name on the internet anywhere (except Facebook and Linkedin). :) Keeping my life private, yo. ;-)
ReplyDelete28 four times over. Hahaha. Love it.
ReplyDeleteWait...
Wait...
How old does that make me? Criminey!
Love you to pieces, Krystal! You'll figure it out and whatever you do will be brilliant and wonderful because it will be a reflection of you and that's what you are.
Also, does anyone else hear the beginning of The Humpty Dance when they read the name of this blog?
Delete"And just let me introduce myself. My name is Humpty. Pronounced with an "umpty"."
No? Just me?
Love you, too, Sus! I couldn't do it without your support; that's for sure!
DeleteNice to meet you! Your house sounds like mine with a whole herd of pets!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you. I also regret having a pen name on-line, especially since mine is Pukeko - the name of a really stupid bird, but who knew I was going to write so much.
ReplyDeleteI am a new subscriber. Love your style. It's nice to meet you. I did the blog fest too, linked mine to my name.
Haha. Well, Pukeko is kind of unique. I like it. But it would be nice to use our regular names, right?
DeleteWe share a Triberr tribe yes? If not, I know I've seen you on Twitter. My blog keeps changing, too. I lived in Virginia many years before Husband Unit and I moved out west. It is a beautiful and rich state.
ReplyDeleteYep. We share a tribe, but I'm taking time off triberr at the moment. I'm sick of all the different things I HAVE to log into every day. I'm trying to cut back. Plus I feel in a lot of ways Triberr has made Twitter very link-heavy. :(
DeleteHey, it's good to see mine isn't the only blog that's all over the place. :)
ReplyDeleteIf you're interested in flash (sorry, self promo), I share a prompt post every Wednesday and you have a week to write. Anyone is welcome to join in the fun, and it's whenever you have the time.
I'm going to check out your flash fiction! Prompts are always good!
DeleteNice to meet you. It is hard to decide what to write and "who" to be as a writer. I often wonder if I'll choose a pen name to hide behind if, ahem, when I get published! Christy
ReplyDeleteJust keep trying! You'll get there.
DeleteI guess I shouldn't consider a pen name. I've thought about it, but I don't want to become someone else. My blog is all over the place sometimes too! I like flash fiction too, but I haven't done enough of it in a while. We should both do some! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of decision as well. After three books, do I continue writing or pursue music?
ReplyDeleteWhy not do both?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, Krystal. I had thought about using a pen name but wasn't sure. Now that I've read your post, I'm thinking that's not a good idea. Thanks again for stopping and commenting on my blog today!
ReplyDeleteA herd of pets? You should post a pic of all of them together! And I have you as my Author of the Week! Good luck with everything. Thanks for posting the Linky List. ANd thanks for participating in the Re-Introduce Myself Blogfest!
ReplyDeleteHA! I could never get the herd to sit together. Three cats, two dogs, a turtle...I feel like I'm forgetting something.
DeleteI dunno, I think Krystal Wade has a nice ring to it. :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Krystal! Glad you hopped into the fest! I totally think you should write it. I keep toying with the same idea about my college years and the insanely cool but dangerous underground club experience I had. Maybe.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, glad you liked Harriet Plotter. I'd like to send you one as a thank you for the kindle. I's be my pleasure, so I'll email you for your addy, if that's ok with you. Talk to you soon! :)
YAY! I'm so excited! :-) Hope you're LOVING that Kindle, missy!
DeleteLove doing Flash Fiction, and wondering why you regret using a pen name?
ReplyDeleteI didn't and wonder if I should have?
I think you should write the truth, I say that and still debate with myself over my own story. It's hard to go there, not because it is the truth, but because it will hurt other people. I struggle with that the most. It's why I write fiction, it has the truth in it but it's well hidden!
Write what makes you comfortable!
Because if I had used my actual name, that would be ME. The true me I walk around as every single day. This Krystal Wade person has become someone I parade around as at night and on the weekends. Frankly, I'd like to just be me ALL the time. My daughter said, "Your last name is Wade, not Dehaba." I had to have a long talk with her.
DeleteIt's just not worth it. Honestly, most people can figure out my name anyway....
Fiction or non-fiction? You might have to let your heart guide you. I always loved writing fiction, but I discovered I'm better with the non-fiction. It's not something personal like yours, but it's just what comes out of me best.
ReplyDeleteHi Krystal. Nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteI started my fiction journey writing flash fic, and it's still my favourite type of writing. It's a great form of practice to develop concise and tight writing skills...
Pen name versus real name? I haven't really thought about it...
Wow, I could have written this. I'm still trying to find myself. Some days I think I have an idea in mind, and then I stumble. And I so get you about my blog changing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun blogfest. So glad it lead me here and to meeting you.
Hi, Krystal,
ReplyDeleteGood to meet you. I feel a bit of sadness in "your" story.... I think you NEED to write Flash Fiction again... it will bring a spark of passion for writing.
As for "your" other story.... WRITE IT.... It doesn't mean you have to share it. I know how you feel. I have had several horrors in my life ... being an unwanted child to a degree, a ten year bout of crippling arthritis, weight issues, etc. But writing about these does help you and OTHERS who may be experiencing similar situations.
My second novel was LOOSELY based on my relationship with my dad. My father was in the Military for ten years, and even though he had been a civilian when I was born, his regimental ways had never changed and he NEVER understood his creative and artistic son. Need I say more. Anyway, as I had sent my novel to CP's and posted a few excerpts on my blog, a new blogger friend read the excerpt and asked me if I would send her the novel. She had been seriously abused as a child. I did of course. I received an email in a few days. She needed a breather. It was all TOO real for her. I told her stop reading, the last thing I had intended do was to make anyone hurt. She told me NO.... it was the best therapy for her. When she had finished, she contacted me. Basically she stated, that my novel was the first one she had read(she is a woman in her 70's ,,,, so she's read a LOT) that handled this situation with sensitivity and honesty.... not for shock value. I was stunned and pleased. I had helped one person through... I made me think how many more. I working through my situation, I was helping others. Just think of how writing YOUR story will help others and it will help you face your past pain.
Sorry about the long winded comment, but I hope it helps in making your decision.
Take care.
Michael
Your comment is long-winded because you have experience. I WANT my story to reach the world. I want it to help people. But it's so very difficult to write. I only manage bursts. One day I'll finish and share. I know it won't be well-received by many, but my story could definitely help young people. Thank you for stopping in. :-)
DeleteI just reread the comment.. sorry about the typos.....
ReplyDeleteHi Krystal, nice to meet you. I like reading blogs like yours where the authors post things that are interesting and meaningful to them rather than sticking to a set formula. There's also nothing wrong with a bit of self-promotion. Having three books under your belt kind of gives you bragging rights! Also I'd love to read your flash fiction and your biographical work. I say if you feel the urge to write it then you should.
ReplyDeleteHello, Krystal Dehaba, I like your decision to use your real name. Of course I'm prejudiced. You're a good writer, period, so your material has to be your choice; it is a difficult one indeed.
ReplyDelete