This discussion goes on and on. I’ve seen it for years.
And in the way of human beings, now it’s affecting me, so I’m requesting input.
I understand the difference between having a pen name
for standard romance versus erotic romance, but I have to wonder, is that line
blurring? Everybody knows who J.D. Robb is. And no, La Nora doesn't write erotica, but Eve can be quite the spicy character. J.R. Ward followers know she also
writes under Jessica Bird and both names are on her website. Let’s not forget
the fantabulous Sylvia Day, aka Livia Dare and S.J. Day.
Granted, I have nowhere near the following that these
awesome authors have, for me it’s more a question of getting started on the
right foot.
Now that I’ve been writing for a while, I find myself
wanting to try my hand at other genres. But do I really need to have a
selection of names, one for each?
If so, can I put them all on one web page? If a
standard romance reader discovers I write erotica under another name or fantasy,
paranormal or whatever, will they be put off?
I know some of my writer friends have more than one pen
name. If you had it to do over again, would you still use more than one name?
Ultimately this will be my decision, but terrific
people that you are, you’ve never steered me wrong yet. So speak up. Tell me
what you think.
Speaking from the reading side of it, I read multiple genres and actually prefer an author to use one name or at least be open about their pen names - that way I can find their other work. From the writing side of it, I don't know what I'd do. Maybe use a pen name if I was writing something radically different, which for me would be erotica. But even then I'd probably still be open about having work under another name.
ReplyDeleteI agree with, Sonyna. I like how Nora Roberts is open about and has both on her webpage. I've been mulling over the idea for a few years but haven't been able to put it all together. Let me know what you decided, because I'd really be interested.
ReplyDeleteHave a Sparkling Day!
Hi Sonya and Rebecca! Great to see you.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. If it's an author that I like, and she writes in more than one genre there's a good chance I'll check out her other work.
It doesn't seem like as big a deal as it used to be. But maybe I just want it to be that way to save myself having to deal with mulitiple websites, etc.
Thanks for stopping by. And I'll post the decision when it's made. :)
I think it depends on the person and the genres they want to write. Mine fit together pretty nicely: SF/F and YA SF/F. But if it's children's books and erotica, then I can see the need for a pen name.
ReplyDeleteWhich genres are you writing in?
Contemporary and romantic suspense right now. But I really enjoyed writing the fantasy shorts, so I'd like to do something novel length. I'd really like to try my hand at paranormal because I love it. I'd probably have to self-pub it though, every editor I know is sick of it. lol. And I'm not against giving erotica a whirl either. It would all fall under the romance heading though. I must have an HEA. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a good question. I'm still trying to stick to one name, but I keep wondering...
ReplyDelete