Gloria Lloyd is not my real name. This has caused confusion, including several concerned friends who thought I was the victim of identity theft and a brief rumor that I was getting a divorce. Fear not, loyal husband, Lloyd is only an alias!
Why use a pen name? Privacy, for one. The internet and especially social media have grown increasingly toxic. If someone is truly determined to track me down, that little layer of anonymity might not help (just ask Elena Ferrante), but it does provide at least the illusion of protection. In a time of book bans and vicious attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, it seemed prudent to insulate my family as best I could. But fuck you to the censors and banners; I’m going to write snarky fun stories with diverse representation. If that’s not your thing, feel free to read something else, aka that doesn’t smell like cinnamon. IYKYK.
From a creative standpoint, anonymity can also be quite freeing. Oh my gosh (insert clutching pearls), what will the neighbors think of my weird paranormal reality dating show book or its steamy sex scenes? When it’s not me writing—wife, mother, daughter, sister, former school board member (ahem)—I can smack down the inner critic, and that frees my authentic muse to come out and play.
Lastly, pen names are fun! When searching for an alter ego, I wanted a name that was easy to remember, simple to spell, wouldn’t be confused with another author, and would put me on a good shelf. Once I had a shortlist, I confess I went to a large chain bookstore (which shall remain nameless) and scoped out where certain pen names would position me on the fantasy shelves. Nestled between Fonda Lee and Sarah J. Mass seemed like prime real estate!
Why Lloyd? I love layers, multiple meanings, and hidden Easter eggs. My work is littered with them—a single line, an image, or even a character name. The Princess Bride and Star Wars are prominent, but there’s also plenty of Buffy, Star Trek, and others scattered throughout. Geek cred to anyone who spots an Umbrella Academy or Firefly reference! The layered meaning of Lloyd, however, dates farther back.
My pen name pays homage to The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. (Yeah, Kaitlyn’s surname isn’t a coincidence either). The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King were the first fantasy books I binge-read—and then read again. And again. While I adored many other stories, that series and its plucky misfit characters are forever emblazoned on my heart. After all, there’s something special about your first love. The deal was further sealed when I discovered this quote on writing by Lloyd: “The journey is the treasure.” Not the gold you steal from the dragon or the glory of winning battles, but the friends you make and the things you learn about yourself allong the dusty well-travelled road. Above all else, this exemplifies my author experience.
So, I hope you’ll join me for the journey with Gloria Lloyd. Let’s find some treasure together.
Gloria Lloyd 