I grew up watching Jem. Remember her? Her dad left her a really cool machine named Synergy who could transform sweet bookish responsible Jerrica into rock star Jem via a pair of really awesome star-shaped earrings.
When I'm not writing as Destiny, I'm writing under the other name, my "real" name. Most of the time, I'm Jerrica but every now and then I get to be Jem. Why not mix the two and come out as a part time erotica writer? Well, that's where it gets really interesting.
I'm an introvert. This is my experiment. I want to see how a pseudonym affects my writing process. So far, I've noticed that it is quite a different experience to write and publish as Destiny. It's better. I think it is because my ego doesn't get involved. I don't criticize myself to the same extent that I usually do. I'm not as invested in how my work measures up. It's easier to let it be.
When I write under my other name, I'm self aware. Far too self aware. I often wind up disliking and discrediting my own work because I outgrow it. This is common. Most writers experience this. I do what I can to make peace with what I perceive as failure by learning and pouring my new knowledge into my new work. Again, not unusual. Every artist does this. It's how we grow.
As Destiny, however, it's a relief to discover that I don't do this. I have published a few stories. I see some flaws and, miraculously, they don't haunt me. Why? Maybe it's because I don't have the same expectations of my erotic material. Maybe it's because nobody but a handful of true confidantes knows my secret. I'm not sure.
What I do know is that having a secret identity gives me a lot of pleasure. I love having my own little fantasy world to turn to where I am an altogether different manifestation of myself. It's like being a super hero or a drag queen - totally awesome.
I'm still getting to know who Destiny is, and how she thinks. And how Destiny is different from "me". I love being Destiny. It's great fun.
