From Anne to D’Ann

Ten years ago this month my first novel released. It was a time of dreams come true in so many ways. But there was one dream I didn’t see realized in that moment—my true name on a book cover.

When I received that first publishing contract from Bethany House, they had one request of me: a pen name. Why? A couple of reasons. First, they had historical author Deeanne Gist under contract. For whatever reason, they determined they didn’t want to have two D’Ann’s (Deeanne) writing historical fiction for them. Also, my apostrophe was deemed problematic. And I understood that. I dealt with it every day. I agreed to tweak my name mostly because my introvert self was relieved to publish and promote under a different persona. With a bit of background in acting, I was able to to play the part of an author when I was Anne, whether in public or online, instead of just being forgettable me.

After a few years, my contracts ceased. By then I’d been Anne online for so long it felt odd to change. And I worried if I did get another publishing contract, they’d want me to stay Anne to capture those readers who still lingered with me. But few years ago, my feelings about a pen name started to change. Maybe it was turning 50 and realizing I was comfortable in my own skin. Maybe it was the Lord pushing me to take a risk and trust Him. Whatever the motivation, I woke up one morning and secured the web address dmateer.com in hopes that one day I would write under my given name.

I had no idea that a couple of years later it would happen!

All of a sudden I’m right back in the thick of things. Today, I am officially launching my new website—www.dmateer.com—as well as Wings of a Dream by D’Ann Mateer! (The content is the same, only the cover is different!) It is now available for purchase again—kindle pre-order is .99 until Sept. 22! Print will be available as well. And isn’t the cover gorgeous?

Over the course of the next few months I will relaunch my three other novels, all with new covers and my real name. I also intend to do audiobooks of all four novels, which has never been done before. And my Guideposts mystery novel, which will be part contemporary, part historical, will release in November 2022 and will have my name on the cover as well.

And so after a decade as Anne, I return to my real self. And I’m not only happy to do so, I’m ecstatic! And so very grateful to the Lord for continuing to do what I never imagined possible. I stand humbled and amazed.

P.S. If you want to help me spread the news, run over and take a peek at the new website then share something from its or pre-order and/or share the book. Or find the new me on social media (some accounts simply changed the name, others required new.) But most of all, just keep joining me here as we talk about life and fiction.

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D'Ann Mateer

Inspired by novelist Eugenia Price, D’Ann’s dream of writing historical fiction with an element of faith began in middle school, though her serious drive toward publication took a bit longer. D’Ann is the author of four historical novels and one novella, as well as a contemporary short stories in a compilation volume. D’Ann and her husband of 30 years can be found in Austin, TX when they aren’t touring historic sites or visiting their grown children.

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