How about pseudonyms?

Nimbus Wolfsbane · Post by **Nimbus Wolfsbane** » 09 May 2014, 13:34

I understand using pseudonyms a long time ago especially in the case of women as publishers often discriminated against them because of there gender.

SWilder · Post by **SWilder** » 09 May 2014, 18:42

Firstly, I read an article where J.K. Rowling said she wanted to see if people would read a book without her famous name attached, for the Casual Vacancy. In fact, I only found out about it and tried it after she combined her profiles. So to some extent, she was testing. Although I appreciate authors that use their real names, there are terrific reasons for not doing so. For one thing, some of us write about topics that are controversial and only intended for like-minded audiences. In the wrong hands, these books could result in dangerous reactions (or a fatwa, in Salman Rushdie's case, for example). I prefer to write part-time, while maintaining as much privacy as possible. Many writers who seem bold in their subjects or articulations are, in actuality, sensitive introverts, like me.

We experience the spotlight of alot of attention as a very painful thing.

Also, if one has a second career, the association of an employee with a particular genre or ideology expressed in fiction could harm one's employment. For all these reasons and more, I think it's great for writers to take control of their brands and identities, before someone else does first.

chiliabowl1998 · Post by **chiliabowl1998** » 13 May 2014, 09:09

They can have any fake name they want, as long as they write great novels, Im okay

CuriousJorgi · Post by **CuriousJorgi** » 29 May 2014, 13:30

I don't care either way. I care if I enjoy the story and characters the author created; not the author's name. As mentioned earlier, "What's in a name?"

chibi_kitsune · Post by **chibi_kitsune** » 11 Jun 2014, 18:26

I've never really thought about this much. Thinking on it now, I would have to say no. If the content of the book is good, then that's what really matters.

Elizabeth Rogers 47 · Post by **Elizabeth Rogers 47** » 13 Jun 2014, 14:45

I think it can be a useful tool for an author who writes more than one type of book. She might want one name for historical essays, another for children's picture books, and still another for romance. She might do this just for fun. I don't see anything wrong with it.

Bigmama1 · Post by **Bigmama1** » 14 Jun 2014, 22:50

Using pseudonyms doesn't really bother me. However, I have to wonder when I see an author using three or four different names. As Colleen McLain said, there may be a good reason for using one and the one she listed is certainly a good reason. I have acquaintances that say, "I don't like books written by women." They will rarely even give them a chance and there are some really good women authors out there!

That is why when citing a reference in written works the writer must use only initials and last name. There was a time when it was the general assumption that scholarly references were better if written by a man. So they changed the citation rules so it is not readily available whether the author is male or female.

Everyone is entitled to their privacy and that is another good reason to use a pseudonym. Fame does come with a price.

thsavage2 · Post by **thsavage2** » 14 Jul 2014, 15:08

I don't think it is a big deal if the author wants to do it, whether to receive honest feedback, free themselves of preconceived notions, etc. I think the problem is our culture in some cases. JK Rowling used her initials because she didn't want it to be immediately obvious that she was female. Ditto George Eliot and the Brontes, although they were writing during eras of more overt sexism. To use another Rowling example, like with "Robert Galbraith," I think it was to get away from the HP shadow. Stephen King also used a pen name to see (quite bravely, I think) if his books were selling because they were good books or because they were written by Stephen King.

SidnayC · Post by **SidnayC** » 14 Jul 2014, 16:37

As a writer myself I use a pseudonym... I want to separate my personal self from my work. Marilyn Monroe... Nicki Minaj did it in the music world... so why can't writers?

Gravy · Post by **Gravy** » 18 Sep 2014, 21:15

I don't mind authors using pseudonyms/pen names.
I do wish more would treat it as an open secret with their existing fanbase though.
Seanan McGuire is very open about also writing as Mira Grant...this allows her readers to decide if they like her writing enough to try her other works.
Other authors have done the same thing and it gives me as a fan of their books a chance to enjoy more of their writing.
On the other hand however, if I never know the other names they write under, I can't read those books...no matter how much I may want to...and that, to me, seems like cutting off your nose to spite yourself.

skyfallDancer · Post by **skyfallDancer** » 18 Sep 2014, 22:17

I like pseudonyms. I think it doesn't really matter what name an author uses when writing, though.

mich2491 · Post by **mich2491** » 11 Jun 2015, 22:45

It can be freeing to hide behind a name. I was surprised by the J.K pseudonym, here i have been waiting to see what esle she will write and i could have already indulge in some. Not big on mystery storys but i would like to see if she writes as well as under her own name. Like Michael Crichtons older work still good and again different genre but well written, not all referenced out like his later work but good.

Javabean321 · Post by **Javabean321** » 11 Jun 2015, 23:17

Whatever works for them! Some authors find a new following under a pseudonym writing different subject matter than what they normally write. They might not normally find that following under their more well-known name.

johappy · Post by **johappy** » 14 Jun 2015, 20:31

It does bother me! XD

I feel as if I've been lied to....

RussetDivinity · Post by **RussetDivinity** » 14 Jun 2015, 21:45

I've been considering writing under a pseudonym myself. I've got drafts in various different genres, and I think it might actually be easier on my readers if I have two different names. Those who want to read my fantasy/sci-fi stuff can read under one name, and those who want to read more romantic things can read under another name (possibly one that actually sounds like a romance author instead of having an unwieldy German last name).