Cozy Mysteries discussion

I think it may have to do with different publishers, which is largely the explanation as to why audio narrators have done that. Or, perhaps, they had a series (or book) that didn't work out well, so they want a "second chance"?

John wrote: "I think it may have to do with different publishers, which is largely the explanation as to why audio narrators have done that. Or, perhaps, they had a series (or book) that didn't work out well, s..."

This is a helpful answer, I actually get irritated when an author has several pen names and almost hesitate in reading anything of theirs, but after your answer maybe I will cease to be so harsh thinking on the matter.

I write cozy mysteries and just did a one-off book in a completely different genre but used my same pen name. My pen name is, however, an alias and I'm quite glad it is. After an online interview on CNN, I received a death threat---I guess he wasn't a cozy fan---and was grateful that he had no way easy way of tracking me.

Oh wow, Nancy. That's scary. Good thing you had a pen name. But, I agree with all the reasons stated above. The pen names don't bother me too much, however, many times the real names get out anyway.

In the "old days" they wrote different genre under different names. Readers sometimes are fickle about their favorite writing another genre and won't even try it. Sometimes it had to be a male writing and sometimes it had to be a female writing the genre.

Often a writer wants to try something and doesn't want their popular name to suffer if it doesn't go well.

AND publishers have prejudices too!

I have more than a couple of series written by authors using different pseudonyms and each has a different publisher. I always figured that was the main reason for different names within the same genre....

One more reason for aliases is that sometimes the first time an author is published, she is working with a plot-line that originated with the publisher who insists she use an alias in case she doesn't work out, they can hire another author to continue the series. If she does work out, and then sells an original series idea to a publisher, she'll take her own name or a new aliases that is hers alone. For some of our favorite cozy authors that was the only way they got a start.

Norma wrote: "One more reason for aliases is that sometimes the first time an author is published, she is working with a plot-line that originated with the publisher who insists she use an alias in case she does..."

I didn't know that. Interesting - I wonder if that is why the second book in a series is often better than the first...

Just curious, does anyone know of an author who switched genders with their penname? For instance, a man using a female alias for writing romances.

ஐ Briansgirl (Book Sale Queen)ஐ wrote: "Just curious, does anyone know of an author who switched genders with their penname? For instance, a man using a female alias for writing romances."

I believe Tim Myers has written a few mysteries using a woman's name.

Karen wrote: "John wrote: "I think it may have to do with different publishers, which is largely the explanation as to why audio narrators have done that. Or, perhaps, they had a series (or book) that didn't wor..."

Generally I do think it's the publishers. However authors who write in more than one genre don't always like to use the same name in each one. I have...but that's just me.

I'm an author writing in both the cozy mystery and romance genres, and I'm using the same pen name for both. In my case, I'm using my initials instead of my first name because there's another romance writer in Canada with the same name. I don't want to switch names between genres because I'd like my readers to be able to find all of my books.

CM wrote: "I'm an author writing in both the cozy mystery and romance genres, and I'm using the same pen name for both. In my case, I'm using my initials instead of my first name because there's another roman..."

I feel the same way, CM. I wonder if the nom de plume is on the outs. Hope so!

I chose to use a pen name because there is another cozy author whose name is so close to my real name, I didn't want any confusion between the two of us.

Annie wrote: "I chose to use a pen name because there is another cozy author whose name is so close to my real name, I didn't want any confusion between the two of us."

It does seem like that's the reason most authors end up using pen names. I put my middle initial (Robin P. Nolet) to clear up any future confusion, though Nolet (rhymes with 'okay') is not a common name.

I've wondered the same thing. I recently asked one of my favorite authors the same question as she writes under three different names. She said it was required by her publishers. It is frustrating because I'm sure many of us, when we find a great new-to-us author, go look for a back list. Oh, well, I suppose we can consider doing the extra leg work of finding out what other names they write under as detective work ;)

Caroline wrote: "I've wondered the same thing. I recently asked one of my favorite authors the same question as she writes under three different names. She said it was required by her publishers. It is frustrating ..."

I think if you google them you can usually find a clue. But some authors books under other names are quite different. Francine Matthews, for instance, writes thrillers under her own name (and using her former CIA analyst background, I'm sure!) but under Stephanie Barron she writes the Jane Austen mystery series. Her books are great in both genres, but talk about completely different personas!

Robin wrote: "Caroline wrote: "I've wondered the same thing. I recently asked one of my favorite authors the same question as she writes under three different names. She said it was required by her publishers. I..."

I wonder if they need 2 completely different writing areas.

Shirley wrote: "Robin wrote: "Caroline wrote: "I've wondered the same thing. I recently asked one of my favorite authors the same question as she writes under three different names. She said it was required by her..."

haha, doubtful! I'm lucky to have one space I can call my own! ;)

Shirley said: "I wonder if they need 2 completely different writing areas.

LOL! Or have to wear a different writing hat. Couldn't hurt! I guess I'll find out what works if my publisher decides I should write my next series under a new name. I admit it will feel odd. Maybe I'll opt for a new hair color??

Mary Ellen Hughes

Mary Ellen wrote: "Shirley said: "I wonder if they need 2 completely different writing areas.

LOL! Or have to wear a different writing hat. Couldn't hurt! I guess I'll find out what works if my publisher decides I ..."

I would need a different atmosphere if I were writing a mystery vs a romance. Maybe a change of candle scent or pillows or music would do it. Clothing ... cloak vs negligee ... just a thought ;)