Personal Vs. Professional Boundaries: Why I Used a Pen Name for Five Years

Last week I announced the startling blog-revelation that I had been writing under the pen name of Bradley J. Moore for the past four years. My new e-book, “At Work as it is in Heaven” had just been released by Patheos Press, and I decided to use the opportunity to reclaim my true identity, J. B. Wood.

Although some were surprised, I can’t say the twittersphere was exactly burning up in gossipy shock. I’m not that important, and the switcheroo wasn’t such a big deal.

All the same, for those who have followed my writing, it certainly begged the question: why did I feel the need to use a pen name to begin with? Was I trying to hide something? Was I embarrassed to be transparent with my friends and co-workers? Was I leading a secret double-life?

Several years ago I had authored a business book, which is one thing. But now approaching midlife, I felt called to write from a deeper space, to dig around in my soul a bit and produce something more true and substantial than the typical know-it-all business advice. The problem was, however, I wanted to share it with the world – not just as a professional, but as a person.

But was it possible to reconcile my role as a discreet professional while still baring my soul?

I was a little skittish about revealing my inner thoughts for fear that they might not gel with my professional image. I do have one, after all. I’ve worked hard for it over twenty five years, and it’s important enough not to screw it up with some stupid personal venting. That kind of thing happens all the time. Plenty of people have gotten fired over some nonsense they posted on a personal blog.