Concepts of Writing
by Alan Place
Some authors use pen names to hide who they really are for personal reasons. Others chose to use to see if writing under a new name can make a difference to a new genre of sales. I chose to, simply because I felt a type of name suited a type of writing. Al Place gives the impression of a tough, weather beaten cop. Alan Place gives a gentler tone for general reading. P A Canella, the mystery writer sounded academic. Lana Pawcel sounded good for erotica. Anybody who knows me, will soon spot I am not hiding under new names. I will happily tell you it's me, if you ask. What happens if one of your persona becomes very popular as Lana has? I started her as a joke to see what would happen. Now I find rather than thriving in her many readings and requests for stories. I can hardly write for her. What does this say about me? Am I ashamed of writing erotica?Am I a prude and find it disgusting? Am I trying to hide this side of me?
