In the intricate world of publishing, authors often find themselves navigating the complexities of identity, especially when it comes to pen names. In a recent episode of Author Talks, Kathleen Whyman and Alison May dive into the fascinating journey of writing under multiple identities, the reasons behind it, and the unique challenges it presents. Join us as we explore their experiences and the valuable insights they share about the writing process and the publishing industry.
Alison May, known for her humorous women’s fiction, began her journey as a writer in 2013. Initially, she chose the name Alison May as a way to maintain a level of confidentiality while working at the Citizens Advice Bureau. “I started off just by shortening my real name, and that’s how I became Alison May,” she explains. This decision to use a pen name was born out of necessity and has since evolved into a strategic choice in her writing career.
Over the years, Alison has adopted several pen names, including Juliet Bell and Amelia Berry. Each name reflects a different genre or collaboration, highlighting the fluidity of her identity as an author. “I wanted to leave that publisher… so we came up with a joint pen name,” she recalls. This transition between names illustrates the adaptability required in the publishing world, where maintaining a clear track record can be crucial for securing future contracts.
Alison’s diverse portfolio also emphasizes the importance of genre in shaping an author’s identity. After a brief hiatus from writing romantic comedies, she transitioned to a new pen name, Ally Sinclair, to re-establish herself in the genre. “I did two books as Ally Sinclair, A Season for Love and The Christmas Season, which personally I think are two of my best books, but sadly only about eight people read them,” she admits with a chuckle. This anecdote underscores the challenges of rebranding and the pressure authors face to perform well under different identities.
Alison is juggling multiple deadlines, working on a paranormal cozy crime series under her original name, Alison May, while also writing romantic comedies as Amelia Berry. “I’m going to have a little bit of a break because I’ve kind of done this sort of sprint,” she shares. For authors, managing different pen names can feel like a balancing act, but Alison highlights the importance of focusing on the joy of writing. “Just keep writing. Just keep going,” she advises, reminding fellow writers that productivity should not come at the expense of creative fulfilment.
When it comes to marketing, Alison has found a way to streamline her efforts. Instead of maintaining separate social media accounts for each pen name, she utilizes a single platform to promote her work. “None of my pen names are secret… I own AmeliaBerry.co.uk, but it will just bounce you to my Alison May website,” she explains. This strategy helps her connect with readers without the overwhelming task of managing multiple online identities.
Another essential aspect of the writing process discussed in the podcast is the often-daunting task of copy editing. “Copy edits are my least favourite part of the writing process,” Alison admits. She describes the meticulous nature of copy editing, which involves fine-tuning details like grammar and continuity in the narrative. “The copy edit is really the thing that makes the difference… It just feels a bit woolly if it hasn’t been properly edited,” she emphasizes, illustrating the importance of this stage in producing a polished final product.
The journey of an author, especially one who embraces multiple pen names, is filled with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. From navigating the intricacies of identity to managing the demands of writing across genres, Alison May’s experiences serve as a testament to the resilience and creativity required in the publishing world. Key takeaways include the importance of staying true to one’s creative instincts, the value of effective marketing strategies, and the necessity of thorough editing to ensure a polished final work.
Catch the full interview on YouTube at @authoreventsuk — and subscribe for more inspiring Author Talks conversations.
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