Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
Progress Posts 2016
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29: A book by an author who writes under more than one name
I'm reading The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith aka JK Rowling (discussion topic here). I've read all the Harry Potter books and The Casual Vacancy, which I liked a lot.I think that using a pen name is useless, since we always know who hides behind it. But I guess they have their reasons to do it which I don't know.
What are you reading this week?I'm reading Hopper's Destiny by Lisa Fiedler, who has previously written under the name of Mame Farrell. This is the second book in the Mouseheart series
Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I have read a few other books by this author, she's actually my cousin!
Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I think pen names are interesting, I don't have a preference if someone chooses to use one. Maybe an author does it for personal or professional reasons. Or maybe, just as books allow readers to escape into another world, a pen name allows an author to escape in their writing?
As I re-read my previous comment I realized I haven't been clear enough. I absolutely don't mind when people take up another name that their real name to write, as do actors or singers, but when an author is already famous, I don't see the point in using a new name because the info always leaks.
I would also recommend Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket). That's who I chose. I was surprised how long it took me to remember him, since Series of Unfortunate Events was one of my favourites.
I've chosen The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, who also wrote under the name Victoria Lucas.This is my very first book by Sylvia Plath.
I can understand why some may use a pen name. If you in some other ways are famous or maybe have another job and image to think about, I can see why it's a good idea with a pen name.
I can also understand why authors, who are well-known for a certain genre and who might want to explore a new genre, uses a pen name, since they are often compared with their previous works. But if it gets out right after a book is published, it seems a little silly to me.
Right now, I am reading The Poor Christ of Bomba by Mongo Beti.I actually had no idea he wrote under a pen name when I picked this up until I googled to find out more about him. So, I am changing my January plan to include this topic. This is the first book I have read by him.
His real name is Alexandre Biyidi Awala and his first book was published under the name Eza Boto. It says he changed his pen name from Eza Boto to distance himself from that work. I think he chose to keep a pen name because he wrote about controversial topics and his political views left him wanted in his country. I can't say I blame him for writing under a different name.
-What are you reading this week? The Ice Twins-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)? - No, this is a new to me author.
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes? I'm indifferent - I can understand the usage of them and its up to the author to do what they feel comfortable with!
It was not intended, but the third book I'm reading is my B option for the book by an author who writes under more than one name: The Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb (discussion here). She also has books written under Megan Lindholm, but I never read any of them.
-What are you reading this week?by Robert Galbraith/J. K. Rowling
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I've read everything except Casual Vacancy
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I think most of the time the author does it to branch out into something slightly off -brand so understand why they' want that. But in 2016 obviously everything s a google search away and so...
- I am reading The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North, who writes under two other names. - This is my first book by this author.
- I think pen names are fine. This author writes YA fantasy under her real name and adult fiction under two different pen names. I think it's just a way to differentiate her writing style/genre.
What are you reading this week? Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb/Nora RobertsHave you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)? I've read books by Nora Roberts, but not by J.D. Robb.
Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes? I think it depends. Nora Roberts is mostly known for romance and I could see why she would want to write a pen name to write a different genre.
I started off the year reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling, who also goes by Robert Galbraith
What are you reading this week?Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler, also known as Lemony Snicket. For some reason, it took me a ridiculously long time to think of him for this category.
Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I've read The Basic Eight, which was written under his real name. And I've read the whole Series of Unfortunate Events and most of the books that go along with it (Lemony Snicket: The Unauthorized Autobiography, for example), which are under Lemony Snicket.
Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
In general, I don't really see the point of pen names. Everyone usually knows who the person is anyway, so I don't think it really accomplishes much. I can see why when they're writing in a genre very different from what they usually write, but even then I don't see much point.
Having said that, I liked the brilliance of publishing the Series of Unfortunate Events under a different name, since Lemony Snicket is practically a character in his own books. When I was younger, I thought that was really interesting and even now I think it's a pretty unique idea.
-What are you reading this week? Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)? I've just read the first in the series Assassin's Apprentice and when I realised she also wrote under the name Megan Lindholm I thought it was a great chance to read book 2 in the series for this challenge.
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I don't really care either way. I guess I'm less likely to realise they are the same person so probably less likely to pick up books written under a pen name.
What are you reading this week?Blaze
Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I am a huge Stephen King fan. I've read most of his works and am working my way through the rest of them as fast as I can. I've only read a few of the Bachman stories though. The Regulators (and its twin Desperation) is my favourite so far.
Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I like the idea behind this. King, wanting to test if people liked his stories or just his name, chose another name and started releasing stories that way. He was found out pretty quickly, but it is an inspired idea.
I read An Offer He Can't Refuse by Theresa Ragan who also writes under T. R. Ragan for my ninth week's read. I have not previously read anything by this author under either name. I understand wanting to use different names for different book styles...T.R. Ragan book are apparently darker and grittier which might not be what I would look for based solely on what I enjoyed after reading An Offer He Can't Refuse. If however, I enjoyed the writing but wanted something darker, I like knowing that T. R. Ragan books are out there to try. I enjoy reading all of the various books by Jayne Ann Krentz (Amanda Quick, Jayne Castle, Stephanie James, etc.) but know going into one what to expect based on which "name" she is using. Same with Nora and JD.
What are you reading this week?Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith
Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
everything! all the Harry Potters, Casual Vacancy, and now up to date on all the Cormoran Strike's.
Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I definitely thought it was a good idea for this series. It is too different from Harry Potter and I would think she needed to see if her writing this particular genre was good enough without her real name forcing the mark. And then there is always the misconception that men write crime better than women. Ha. I believe she showed tham that is not true!!
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What are you reading this week?The Scottish Play Murder by Anne Rutherford aka Julian Lee aka J. Ardian Lee aka Julianne Lee
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
Nope, but I do have another book by her to read in the future.
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I think it makes sense for authors who are associated with a genre, but want to try something new. That's what my author does--writes mystery on one name, romance on another, etc.
I'm reading Career of Evil, by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling). I've read all the Harry Potter books. I think that writing under a pseudonym would be a useful tool initially if you wanted to get honest feedback on the book, rather than having it prejudged on your previous successes. However, I do agree that in this day and age, everybody invariably finds out.
I'm reading Career of Evil, by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling). I've read all the Harry Potter books. I think that writing under a pseudonym would be a useful tool initially if you wanted to get honest feedback on the book, rather than having it prejudged on your previous successes. However, I do agree that in this day and age, everybody invariably finds out.
-What are you reading this week?I am reading The Cuckoo's Calling, by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling). (Also reading for our BOTM!)
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I've read the Harry Potter series, but this will be my first time reading one of her books written for adults.
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I think there are plenty of good reasons for a writer to use a pen name. In Rowling's case, because she is so well known as a children's book author, I can appreciate why she would want to inhabit another persona for a series as different as this. I think even when the public finds out about a pen name it can be a useful signal that this work is something different.
-What are you reading this week?The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith a.k.a J.K. Rowling
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I've read all the Harry Potter books and The Casual Vacancy which I enjoyed immensely.
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I can understand why super popular authors want to write under a pen name. It helps to let their writing stand on its own without the expectations of the hyped fan base. It's pointless when the secret is out though!
-What are you reading this week? The Cuckoo's Calling-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)? All the Harry Potter books and The Casual Vacancy.
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes? Stick to one name- this is easier for readers.
Mod
Like so many, Cuckoo's Calling
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I've read the Harry Potter books
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I think when they are strongly identified with a certain style/genre, its good. I did not know this was JK Rowling when I started the book, not sure how I would have approached it if I did.
What are you reading this week?What the Night Knows
Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I have read several things by Dean Koontz but not from Aaron Wolfe, at least not that I can remember.
Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I really have no opinion on this. I'm sure authors have their reasons for doing it, especially if they have been pigeonholed into a specific genre of books and want to break of out that.
-What are you reading this week?The Cuckoo's Calling
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)? Yes! The Harry Potter series!
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I think it was a good idea for this book. It's so different from the Harry Potter books that having a pen name means readers will be less likely to expect something like Harry Potter from this book.
-What are you reading this week?The Cuckoo's Calling
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
The Harry Potter series
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I think it makes sense when the genres are as different as these.
-What are you reading this week?Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
The entire Harry Potter series
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
It doesn't bother me when authors use pen names. It makes sense to me that if an author got popular in one genre, that using their name to write in another genre might be difficult.
-What are you reading this week?The One That Got Away by Simon Wood aka Simon Janus
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)? Nope! New author for me.
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes? The author has reasons behind different pen names- let them create under whatever name they wish.
-What are you reading this week? Add me to the heap of folks reading The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (really, JK Rowling) for Week 29.-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)? I've read several books, but not all, of the Harry Potter series.
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes Sometimes I guess a pen name can provide freedom for authors to depart from their established genre. Recently, I heard author Hanya Yanagihara describe Hilary Mantel as an author of great flexibility, having written such contemporary, brilliant fiction novels early on in her career as Eight Months on Ghazzah Street and then changing it up completely with the amazing Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, both works of historical fiction.
But I've also read that it's often the publisher who requests that the writer use a pseudonym when they switch genres. As usual, it's all about the cha-ching.
The switch in genres worked well for Mantel without her having to choose a pen name. With Rowling's celebrity status, I really can't see the purpose of her doing so. It's certainly not for lack of money!
What are you reading? 
Have you read anything by this author?
I have been pretty intimidated by this author as he mainly writes horror. Not my fav genre but I have heard and bought 11.22.63. I was enjoying the writing but put it down to read other books. I want to get back to it.
Do you think pen names are a good idea?
Most authors that have other pen names usually used it either for different genres or when they first started. But it can be a double edge sword. A die hard fan will try to read all of their works and enjoy the growth or variety of books written. But it may make you feel the work is less than stellar. I have never been too bothered by he use of pen names.
What are you reading? The Long Walk by Richard Bachman
Have you read anything by this author?
I've read one other Bachman book, Rage, and ten with the name Stephen King.
Do you think pen names are a good idea?
Seems like it. Though, with the internet being what it is, they are probably not as distinct as they once were. I like how Iain Banks used Iain M. Banks to differentiate his non-SciFi and SciFi works.
-What are you reading this week?I reread Harry Potter och Dödsrelikerna by J.K. Rowling
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
Only the Harry Potter series.
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I can understand the use of another name if it is a very different genre.
What are you reading this week?
Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I just delved into JK Rowlings other famous series finally this year. I'm sure everyone has heard of it, Harry Potter?! Anyone? Anyone? lol I enjoyed it very much and because the work under her pseudo name is also my preferred genre, I wanted to get into this series as well.
Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
Absolutely! It's a tool like anything else in marketing to broaden one's horizons on reaching the masses. It is a good idea on many fronts. Some people may not prefer to read female authors, and it opens up that market. Many may only think of her as a child and fantasy writer, so may not believe in her skills as a suspense or mystery genre. Also, there may be much anticipation and maybe they wanted their other works to stand on their own without their previous fame getting in the way. I am unsure of whether the mass public knew right from the start if she was the author, when she first released this series under this pen name. I mean, most of us are aware today, but I don't know if the knowledge was there from day one. She's been successful regardless.
-What are you reading this week?
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I have read books about Isak Dinesen but not by her as either Isak Dinesen or Karen Blixen
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
In the modern era, I think that pen names are unnecessary and misleading. When female authors were not accepted as in the 19th Century, I can see the need for females to write under a masculine name. There is a book Nom de Plume by Carmela Ciararu which I plan to read that sheds more light on this subject.
I am sorry to say, this book is not one I can finish. I read a book about Dinesen entitled Isak Dinesen: The Life of a Storyteller by Judith Thurman which was a much clearer narrative and much more engaging. Dinesen is larger than life, a strong presence. I guess that reading ABOUT her is much more powerful than when she describes her own life and herself.
What are you reading this week?I'm also reading The Cuckoo's Calling
Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)? The Harry Potter series
Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes? Think it is probably best for a different genre. It still seems a shame that she has to use a male's name.
Could not finish Out of Africa so am reading Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll who was born Charles Dodgson. Dodgson was a mathematician and wrote some treatise on the subject under that name. He is much better known for his children's story, especially those that were fantasies. Sylvia Plath wrote under more than one name as well. Victoria Lucas was her pen name and it was under this name that she wrote The Bell Jar, her only novel (according to Wikipedia). If I have time, I will read this too.
I want to recommend Nom de Plume: A (Secret) History of Pseudonyms for those of you who have been turned on by this challenge. I have to say this has been my favorite clue so far. I read the book and learned SO much about some of the authors who have chosen the path of using aliases. I met authors too who I had never heard of and now plan to read some of their works as well.
^That explains a lot. I'd seen that book title with both author names and thought that they were just two books with the same title.
-What are you reading this week?Finding Audrey
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)? I have read books by both Sophie Kinsella her other name Madeleine Wickham
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I never really thought about before, I imagine for some authors it might help get a new fan base interested.
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I just finished reading The Cuckoo's CallingYes, I have read the Harry Potter series but not any of her adult books.
I think thag autheors sometimes feel pigeonholed into the genre they are known for and use a pen name to try something new.
-What are you reading this week?
The Ice Twins by S. K. Tremayne-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
Nope
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
It can probably be useful if you want to break into a new genre or try out something new, since people don't have a pre-conceived notion of what kind of author you are. Or if you want to be anonymous for some reason.
That is, if it doesn't get out before release...
Mod
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
Yes, I've read quite a few of his books and am trying to read all of them.
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I think it's good in theory, especially for very popular authors like JK Rowling, but it doesn't seem like it's very effective. Now that so much is talked about, largely due to social media, it seems like the name is revealed pretty quickly and doesn't really make a difference.
-What are you reading this week? 11/22/63-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)? Yes, I read a lot of the horror novels by Stephen King when I was a teen/young adult. I haven't read anything by him in awhile but have heard good things about this one. I've never read anything written under his pseudonym.
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes? I think they're a good idea for some authors who write in several different genres.
What are you reading this week?The Stand by Stephen King
Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
Absolutely. Like lots of people, I read a lot of his books when I was a teen/YA. I found he really messed with my head & sent me to a dark place, so I had to stop reading him. This is my first by him in around 20 years.
Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
In the past, I can see they were essential in some cases - particularly for women who wouldn't have been published or read if they wrote under their own names. And now, if it helps the author's creative process, why not? They can do what they want as far as I'm concerned, as long as authors still keep writing books.
What did you read?Brotherhood in Death by J.D. Robb
Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I've read EVERYTHING by J.D. Robb, some of the books several times! I've only read a few books under her other name, Nora Roberts.
Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
In some cases, yes. Some authors are writing for two different genres. However, in some cases, they are just muddying the waters or doing it for profit.
What are you reading this week?Shaman's Crossing
Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I am not sure. Megan Lindholm is a name that I have heard, but since I have only started to keep track of the books I read last year I could not tell you. :( Thank goodness I found goodreads and can keep track now.
Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
There are many different reasons an author may wish to write under another name. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet?" I think that the name does not matter, their talent does.
-What are you reading this week? Cloven Hooves by Megan Lindholm, also know under the pen name Robin Hobb.-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
Nothing under Lindholm but I read most of Hobb's books :)
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
Female authors seem to have a harder time to sell their books so a pen name seem useful for them. It's probably also a good thing to have several names when you want to publish in new genres without disappointing your fanbase (like JK Rowling).
-What are you reading this week?The Basic Eight by Daniel Handler
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
I have not. His other books are the unfortunate event series by Lemony Snicket. I have seen that movie tho!
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?
I could see it being useful if you're trying to break into a new genre because already associate your names with a specific style or genre.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Missing You (other topics)The Carnivorous Carnival (other topics)
Naked in Death (other topics)
The Silkworm (other topics)
Under the Dome (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
J.D. Robb (other topics)Michael Crichton (other topics)
Emily Brontë (other topics)
Nora Roberts (other topics)
J.K. Rowling (other topics)
More...
Suggestions for this week:
J.K. Rowling aka Robert Galbraith
Nora Roberts aka J.D. Robb
Stephen King aka Richard Bachman
To discuss the book, don't forget to add it in the A-Z folders or join the existing discussion.
Progress Post:
-What are you reading this week?
-Have you read anything by this author before (or under their "other" name)?
-Do you think that pen names are a good idea or should the author just stick to one name for writing purposes?