Today’s guest is a woman I know as Pat Van Wie. i know her to be a multi-talented editor, writing teacher, and author. Can I help it if she’s all mixed-up? Please welcome my friend Pat Van Wie, et al to Help From My Friends Friday ~ Donnell
By: Pat Van Wie
Author Pat Van Wie
I should know better than to moan to another author about any particular writing-life issue. In this case, the lament was to Donnell about juggling my two pseudonyms and the books attached to each. So, of course, she said, “Would you write a blog post about that?” Ha!
“Sure,” I said. “I have a lot to say about pseudonyms. After all, I’ve written under three of them.”
It is, however, never that easy once you sit down to write something . . . anything . . . that might interest readers. I mean, really, do you all care about the highs and lows of author pseudonyms? The only question I regularly get from readers is ‘why’?
So, how in the world did I end up with three pseudonyms?
It started with the sale of my first book . . . oh, about 100 years ago. At the time, the publisher who bought my book required their authors to take pseudonyms. My understanding was that although no one can own your legal name, a publisher can own your pseudonym and thus keep you from developing a readership and taking it with you to another publisher. (That policy has changed, but it was the reality at the time.) And, being new and excited about someone wanting to publish my book, I didn’t hesitate to sign on the dotted line.
Thus, Patricia Keelyn, my first pseudonym was born and, yes, my publisher owned it. Did I care? No. (Remember that new-and-eager-to-publish thing?) However, the issues started immediately. Since “Keelyn” is my father’s middle name, it created a bit of grumbling from my mother. Why hadn’t I used one of her family names? And although that is a family vs. publishing issue, I should have seen right then that the whole pseudonym-thing was a trap.
I wrote five books for that publisher before selling to another publisher whose take on writing names was completely different. They ‘wanted’ me to use my real name. Besides, there was the little issue that the Keelyn name was still owned by my first publisher. So, I started writing under the name Pat Van Wie, but three Van Wie books later, the publisher discontinued the line. So . . . how did I end up with a third?
Even while writing the Van Wie books, I’d started inching away from romance and down the suspense road. My third name arrived when I sold my first thriller and the whole, ‘what name are you going to write under?” came up again. By this time, I had the rights to the Keelyn name but nobody wanted me to use the same name for my thrillers as I’d used for my romances. As for my legal name (Van Wie), my agent was very much against it. Her comment was that it was “too ethnic” – whatever that means. So, I became Patricia Lewin . . . Patricia Keelyn. . . and, not to mention, Pat Van Wie.
Let me tell you, it was very confusing.
Later, I was able to consolidate the name thing a bit, bringing it back to two: one for my romances and one for my thrillers. At that time, it really was my choice. I could have put any name on all my books, and I seriously considered it. However, I felt that since I wrote two completely different types of books, it would be doing a disservice to my readers not to separate them. I’m still not sure that was the right decision.
So that brings me to the present and the pros and cons of having multiple pseudonyms. I’ve already mentioned the one – and maybe only – pro. No reader confusion. When you buy a Patricia Keelyn book you know you’re getting a romance – or at the most a light romantic suspense. Whereas my Patricia Lewin books are thrillers. The readers know what they’re going to get. I’m not the only author who’s done this, including mega-stars like Nora Roberts and J. K. Rowling. Those authors however have people managing the disadvantages, which can be daunting.
The main problem is that everything must be done twice: websites, blog posts, newsletters, Facebook pages, Twitter accounts – even my Bookbub and Goodreads pages. Not only is it overwhelming and takes away from my writing time, it splits my focus. I’m never quite sure which part of my readership to concentrate on – the romance readers or the suspense readers.
Also, I probably lose some reader crossover, especially from my romance readers who are more like to take a chance on a thriller than the other way around.
So, after hearing my views on multiple pseudonyms, I’d like to know what you as readers think of writers using multiple pseudonyms. Does it drive you crazy? Or are you grateful for the clarification? Since I’m obviously still struggling with whether I made the right decision when I could have put all my books under one name, I’d love to hear your opinions.
Thanks, Pat Van Wie / Patricia Keelyn / Patricia Lewin
About the Book
: Nineteen years ago, Erin Baker’s sister, Claire, was kidnapped from a park in Miami. Although Claire was found four years later, the tragedy had long-lasting effects on both Claire and Erin, who stills blames herself. Now a CIA officer with three martial arts black belts, Erin has dedicated her life to defending those unable to protect themselves. Then a child disappears near her home, bringing up long buried memories, and Erin becomes convinced there’s a link to her sister’s kidnapping case.
When several children go missing near Washington D.C., FBI agent Alex Donovan, who specializes in locating missing children, is charged with heading the investigation. Then Erin Baker shows up, claiming to have seen a potential suspect that fits the description of The Magician, an alleged child abductor so elusive many believe he’s just a myth. Before long, Erin and Alex find themselves embroiled in a horrifying world where children are stolen and trafficked. Now it’s a race against time to find the missing children before it’s too late. But the closer they get to the truth, they and everyone they love become targets for a killer.
With deeply-drawn characters, a relentless pace, and a powerful plot that echoes the most shocking headlines, Out of Reach is a suspenseful thriller that will keep readers turning the pages right up to the suspenseful and nerve-wracking end.
Lordy, I’m so glad I use my real name which everyone assumes is a pseudonym. LOL
Vicki, you’re a walking pseudonym, my friend, and the real deal!
Crossover is important between romance and mystery genres. Lots of readers read both. One of the biggest mistakes I made was agreeing to take a pseudonym for some of my romances and romantic suspense books after publishing my cozy mysteries. I’ve since gone back and “pulled a Nora” by changing Emma Carlyle to “Lois Winston writing as Emma Carlyle.”
Sounds like a smart way to separate your genres, Lois
As a reader, I like authors to use one name. It gives me an idea of style and voice. I don’t care if the person writes two genres.
Mary, I think many readers feel that way. I find pseudonyms very confusing.