I started submitting stories to magazines when I was fourteen years old. So the subject of what name to publish under always lurked in my mind. You know, just in case one of those stories got published.

Let’s face it, Stewart is a fairly common name, and it seems to be a good name to be writing science fiction and fantasy under, because the Stewarts have more than their share of the book shelf. I can think of at least three, and there are probably more. George R. Stewart wrote Earth Abides. Sean Stewart is a very good writer and has won the World Fantasy Award a couple of times. Ian Stewart writes hard science fiction.

When I get published people will mix me up with Ian at least–probably because of the hair. Even when people know my name, I still get called “Ian” or “Alex.” And when they do get my name right, many of them spell it wrong. As a little kid, I never could figure out how I could get a mediocre grade in spelling when my gradeschool teacher couldn’t even spell my name right on the report card. It seemed so hypocritical.

So I think it’s natural that I’ve considered writing under a pen name. I’ve had the opportunity to take writing classes from some of my favorite science fiction and fantasy authors. Dave Wolverton suggested I write under the name “Isaac Knight.” Scott Card thought it silly that I would want to use any name but my own. And Brandon Sanderson’s response was simply, “Stewart!” said in a Scottish accent.

And that’s what sealed it. Rather than appear to reject my heritage (this is probably what it would seem like to my extended family) I would embrace it and magnify it. This is what will distinguish me from the other Stewarts. I will be the Stewart that says, “Stewart!”

Thus the Scotsman.

In the next few weeks I’ll add the Tartan and then the kilt. Maybe we’ll get a Claymore in here somewhere.

Until tomorrow then: “Virescit Vulnere Virtus!”