The End of Jaya Avendel & The Beginning of Layla Todd
I have been writing under the pen name Jaya Avendel since 2017 when I first started sharing my writing online. I originally chose to write under a pen name to keep my personal life separate from my online identity for privacy reasons. However, over the past six years, as I have become more responsible and comfortable writing about who I am, the line that my pen name previously drew between myself and my online persona has become blurred.
This has become more apparent to me since I started university this fall. I am studying Creative Writing and realized that, as I am entering into the company of fellow writers and authors, it is important to me that I make those connections as myself.
In the past, concerns about changing my pen name to my real name have stopped me from making the final decision. I worried that the change would be too jolting or strange for my readers. However, I also realize the longer I wait, the harder the eventual change will be.
Throughout December, as I kept thinking about the year coming to an end, I thought about what I would like to accomplish and experience in 2023. For me, end of year reflections are a chance to seize the moment and step into the new year on the right foot.
Therefore, after much contemplation, I will be stepping into 2023 not as Jaya Avendel but as Layla Todd. I view the transition as a rebirth of myself as a writer and person prepared to pursue my literary passions and dreams, and an acknowledgement of my eventual goal to publish a book with my name on it.
The name change has already taken place across my social channels and on this blog. Several upcoming publications will show my pen name in my author bio, but all other future publications will be credited to me. While no doubt the change will take some getting used to, I hope you’ll take it as an opportunity to reconnect with me and keep following along my writing journey.
Where I was reluctant about laying aside my pen name in the past, I am now excited for this change. I look forward to submitting my writing to journals and magazines, writing on the blog more consistently throughout 2023, working on creator content, and building connections within this amazing community. I will be back in early January with a Reflections on 2022 and & Aspirations for 2023 post, in which I do not meet many of my goals but come into the new year happy and optimistic regardless.
If you’d like to catch up on my last three annual reflections, check out the posts here:
1. Reflections on 2019 & Aspirations for 2020
2. Reflections on 2020 & Aspirations for 2021
3. Reflections on 2021 & Aspirations for 2022
Thank you for following along on my writing journey! I love your comments, suggestions, and support and very much look forward to connecting with you further in 2023.
Happy New Year and may the words flow!
Photo by Rostyslav Savchyn
Bridgette
Wonderful! I’m so happy you are comfortable stepping into this new place. Congratulations.
wendy waters
Bravo! I think this is a fantastic decision Layla. You will fly now without the harness of anonymity. It’s almost like emerging from a cocoon. I have always written under my real name despite the fact that it’s rather boring and dull! Wendy certainly lacks the exotica of Layla. Power into 2023!
Layla Todd
Thank you for this amazing comment, Wendy!
the blighter's rock
Hi Layla a pleasure to meet you after so long ☺️
Karima Hoisan
I think it’s wonderful Layla, this process you decided to go through and especially, the reasons behind it. How significant to choose a brand new year to bring you and your pen name into one…the one whose soul, has always fueled your writing. As you know, Karima Hoisan is also a pen name, an avatar who is 15 years old, and although I can totally admire your choice and the confidence in yourself, I have not been able to do, what you are doing. My respects and admiration and my best wishes for you, at the University too.
Layla Todd
Wow, Karima, what an insightful and amazing comment! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your encouragement. May the words flow!
T. W. Dittmer
Yep! Do what you think is right for you!
Jeff Flesch
How fantastic for you, Layla! I was wondering about that when you last visited my blog and I saw your name read Layla. It’s great, and your name is beautiful. 🙂
Grace
I absolutely love this post, amazingly written. I used to blog under a pen name too, and after a little break I recently came back to blogging as my real name. That connection and authenticity is so freeing and creates stronger writing. I feel so grateful to read you today. Thank you for sharing your story and connecting with us, keep on shining 🤍🤗🤍🤗
Layla Todd
Oo, I love that you too have a connection to the rebirth that is shedding one’s pen name for that deeper connection and feeling of authenticity. Thank you for sharing! ❤️
D. Wallace Peach
I was wondering about the name change, and guessed that Jaya was a pen name. I’m so glad you decided to go with your true name. What a gift of your authentic self to share who you really are. Enjoy the ongoing journey and Happy Writing!
Layla Todd
Thank you, Diana! ♥️
theusedlife
Wonderful! Wishes for a creative and prosperous new year, Layla.
Lucia’s Fiction
Wow, this is great! Best of luck💙
Layla Todd
Thank you, Lucia! Same to you.
Cindy Georgakas
Hi Layla,
love you stepping into what feels right for you this year!
Love it and love my new quill earrings you suggested.
Thanks a lot for sharing them with us!
💗
Jaya Avendel
Love that you love the quill earrings, Cindy! I got a pair of the hammered copper earrings and am loving them too. 😍
Ingrid
How wonderful, Layla – Happy New Year to you! 🌟
Jaya Avendel
Happy New Year, Ingrid!
Michele Lee
Bravo, Layla! Your name change makes sense, and the timing seems right. Both are beautiful names, and your writing is stellar either way! ✨ Best writing and life wishes to you in 2023!
Jaya Avendel
🥰 Thank you, Michele! The timing felt just perfect and I am excited to see what 2023 will bring. May the words flow for you as well! ❤️
Michele Lee
It is good and wise to flow with the feel of perfect timing! ✨ Cheers to a creative and inspiring year!
Melissa
What an exciting step in your writing journey! I’m looking forward to seeing all that comes next from you! Wishing you all the best for 2023 and beyond, Layla! Happy New Year! 🙂
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Melissa! Happy New Year. ❤️
I'm All Booked Up YA
Congrats!! Using your real name is a big step. Happy new year, Layla!
Mayim🪴
cool! your name is very pretty, and similar to your pen name 😂
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Mayim!
Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)
Well hello Layla. Lovely to meet you! I look forward to continuing to read your wonderful work.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Michelle!
According to Chren
It’s great that you’re using your real name now. Happy New Year!!
Writing to Freedom
I’m glad you’re embracing your name as an author and person. Happy New Year Layla!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you! The change feels right. ❤️
Keep Calm & Drink Coffee
A wonderful New Year’s resolution and a path of awareness and maturity to look up to as an example.
A hug Layla!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you ever so much for your wonderful comments, Claudia!
Aspen Hite
Congratulations, Layla Todd! This is very exciting. Best of luck in all your upcoming endeavors!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you so much, Aspen! I look forward to where 2023 will take me. ❤️
Eugenia
Happy New Year, Layla Todd! Layla is a beautiful name, and good for you for making that decision! 💖
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Eugenia! 🥰
Eugenia
You’re welcome, Layla. 🙂
The Sicilian Storyteller
Happy New Year, Layla Todd! All the best to you and yours in 2023! 💫 🕊️
Brendan
Welcome to world of real writers Layla! Though so much has been realized through your pen name. I’ve written under the pen name of Brendan for 10 years online — a useful mask when writing darker truths about oneself. To be a successful (well published) writer, it helps to have your work associated with your name. I gave up on that career decades ago, and I think it’s been a successful enough surrender. Now I think it’s time to give up online ambitions and collect the work I’ve done. Maybe I’ll use my real name. Best of luck to you and thanks for stopping by my blog!
Jaya Avendel
I love that this got you thinking about your approach to your pen name and writing, Brendan!
Happy New Year and may the words flow for you as well. ❤️
Monch Weller
So that’s your real name! In my opinion, it’s a good decision for you to use your actual name. On one hand, there’s the anonymity that comes with using a nom de plume. On the other hand, there’s the pride of having a published work listing your name as its author. Nevertheless, best of luck!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this, Monch! ❤️
ivor20
Hello Layla and I think you have made a sound decision … not that I know anything about the process of having a Pen name … I have always been a member of local writers’ groups and gone to open mic nights for many years …
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Ivor! I feel the change is a great way to start the new year. ❤️
ivor20
A new day, a new year, a new beginning, and no matter what, the sunlight kisses everything … 🌞😍
https://youtu.be/USbg_pd7VUQ
K.Hartless
Happy New Year, Layla. Yay, to you. Celebrate your growth as a writer. It’s inspiring. Cheers to 2023! New inspirations and new lessons.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you! Wishing you all the best in 2023 as well. ❤️
Jacqui Murray
I like that name–Layla Todd. It’s strong, but open at the same time. I’ think this is a good decision.
Smelly Socks and Garden Peas
Lovely to meet the official you, not the real one because you’ve been the real you all along. Hugs from Smell (keeping my pen name)
Jaya Avendel
Love this comment, Jacqui! Thank you.
Cassa Bassa
Happy 2023 Layla! Look forward to reading your new posts.
Susi Bocks
Good for you, Layla! Now watch me forget and slip and call you Jaya! lol
Chip
It’s been a fun journey with you so far! Always moving forward. Nice to meet you Layla! I,m ready for the next leg of the journey….
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Chip! I look forward to following along with your journey into 2023 as well.
M Jay Dixit
Layla is my second-favorite Eric Clapton song. Beautiful name! All the best 😁
Jaya Avendel
😂 Thanks for this awesome comment!
Jaya Avendel
No worries at all, Susi! And thank you for following along. 🥰
Susi Bocks
Always! 🙂