My name is two syllables long. It comes from the Hebrew language meaning “God hears,” and is sometimes such a tongue twister that it’s shortened to “Ish” for the sake of brevity.
Typically, in an encounter with someone new I am asked if I am named after the narrator in “Moby-Dick.”
“Call me Ishmael” is the common response that pours from people’s lips as generously as uncorked wine.
In truth, it was picked from holy scripture by my father, like a citation for guidance.
And this blessing has yet to fail me.
For writers, our names are as important to us as our pen and pad.
It has everything to do with our credibility and reputation.
Our names outrun us to new places and are the first and last line of defense against slander and false allegations.
For a writer to share themselves with an audience larger than their inner voice takes unbelievable courage. It is a testament to their desire to tell the truth.
