The Meaning Behind the Name

So, you want to know the meaning behind the pen name? I mean, why not just use my real name, right? Well, here’s why.

I am notorious for being overly sentimental and emotional, and it took me a long time to be okay with that. Honestly, there are still times when I question myself or think something is wrong with me. The truth is, I’m just highly sensitive and an empath. Why does this matter? Well, it led to the creation of Ruby Jo Arthur.

Ruby is a play on my maternal grandmother’s middle name – Ruth. Jo is a shortened version of my real name, as well as my paternal grandfather’s name. For years, I had toyed with the idea of going by Ruby Jo. It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Then, life decided to throw a curveball.

For as long as I can remember, my grandfather on my mom’s side could not tell you how his middle name was spelled. Was it Arthur or Author? It became a running joke in our family. In April of 2024, we lost him after a tumultuous and rough couple of months. To say it shook me would be an understatement. It’s hard to grieve one person, but when that one person held the role of two, the pain is even greater.

Anyways, more on that later. I’m sure it is easy to decipher where the ending of the pen name comes from. Arthur was a natural fit to the ending of the name I’d already been toying with. Thus, Ruby Jo Arthur was born.

One day recently, I FaceTimed my mom and told her about the name. She immediately knew where the origin was from and liked it. She pointed out that Ruby was also the name of my papa’s mom. Jokingly, she said, “You’re Ruby Jo Arthur, the author” which I have gone over multiple times in my head, and I love it. It adds an extra flair to the meaning behind the name and pokes at the fact that Papa never knew how to spell his middle name.

So, hello. Welcome to the family loves. I am Ruby Jo Arthur, the author. I primarily write poetry and fiction, but as I am currently finishing a degree in Creative Writing and English, there may be other types of writing scattered throughout. Take time to read through and follow along on Facebook or TikTok. I’ll post finished pieces in this blog until I get something published, but this will also serve as an outlet for everyday thoughts and ramblings.

Talk soon! Love y’all.