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As you will see, along with my new married surname (‘Smith’), I’ve decided to revert back to using my given name, Alianore (pronounced ‘Eleanor’).
This is for a number of reasons, some of which I thought it might be nice to share.
This is for a number of reasons, some of which I thought it might be nice to share.
Firstly, my nickname, Nell, was chosen *for* me by a year 1 teacher when there were 5 others in the class called Eleanor. I was landed with ‘Nell’, and that was that.
In all honesty, I’ve never really liked it. 20 years later, I’ve decided it’s time to reclaim my name.
In all honesty, I’ve never really liked it. 20 years later, I’ve decided it’s time to reclaim my name.
Secondly, I had previously thought that ‘Alianore’ was too complicated to spell or pronounce, and therefore ‘Nell’ was simpler.
However, since Neil keeps on getting all the credit for my work, I figured I might as well embrace a name that people *know* they can’t spell and therefore might actually pay attention to when writing.
Thirdly, I - for various reasons (I won’t detail them here but you can ask me if you want) - want to take my husband’s surname, and ‘Nell Smith’ does not, in my opinion, flow very well. Alianore Smith, however, is fab.
Fourthly, finally, and perhaps most importantly, ‘Alianore’ is the name my parents gave me, and I think it is beautiful.
So, here I am. Mrs Alianore Smith. Nice to meet you.
FYI: I will still be answering to ‘Nell’, and will likely be ‘Alianore Goddard-Smith’ for a few months to help with the transition professionally and in terms of my publishing.
