As many of you probably know, I have been leading a double life.
Not my real life, obviously.
But in my career, I have donned a new hat, and a new name. I have, for much of this year, been working on something very different. I’m well into the third book in my dark romantic suspense trilogy and while I have loved every minute of writing them, I have to say I’m very glad I made the decision to take a pseudonym.
Yesterday’s discussion here, about Halloween, reminded me that the jungle is a pretty happy place, not much into chills and thrills. Don’t get me wrong, I love happy stuff, too. I totally get into writing my light-and-funny, sexy contemporaries and love making myself giggle over the humorous twists and turns in my stories. But I have also gotten a real kick out of making myself shiver over the dark twists and turns in these new ones.
I got an author quote yesterday, from New York Times Best-selling author JoAnn Ross (a wonderful writer who I have always adored, and who also started in Temptation!) She said, “Hold-your-breath romantic suspense with one of the most chillingly evil villains I’ve ever read, FADE TO BLACK crackles with dark, edgy danger.” Let me tell you, that totally thrilled me…but it also reinforced my belief that many of you guys are not going to like these books–lol!
So, back to the point, I’m glad I took a pseudonym. I wouldn’t want anyone picking up one of these books, expecting a sexy, funny Leslie Kelly contemporary, and being horrified by the body count. (Though, to be honest, I think the books also have very strong romantic storylines.) Nor would I want new readers who read these to pick up one of my older comedies and get a whole lot more sex and a whole lot less suspense than they bargained for.
But I’m now wondering one thing and I’m hoping you can help me. Do you think it would help me, or hurt me, to make my double identity as well known as possible? I’ve protected the readers with the second name on the cover—you won’t accidentally stumble over something you don’t want to read. Beyond that, though, should I emblazon it on both websites, include it in my bios for both types of books? I would think that some readers who like to read both rom coms and dark r.s. would want to know. IE: If you like my writing in this type of romance, and you like that type of romance as well, give my alter-ego a try! But others, who like only one or the other, might be turned off, thinking I can’t effectively do both types of novels. Or, readers who have tried one of my books and didn’t like it might not give my new ones a shot at all, thinking they won’t be different enough.
Any thoughts on this? I’d really appreciate your opinions!
Leslie Kelly used to say she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up, but then she discovered Nancy Drew books. Being a flashlight-under-the-covers-nose-in-book reader throughout her childhood, she couldn’t think of anything else she’d rather do as an adult than continue to lose herself in fictional stories. Her real life marriage of 20 years to the man of her dreams is a constant reinforcement that happily-ever-afters really can happen…and that they’re worth writing about. Living in Maryland, Leslie spends her non-writing time laughing a lot with the above-mentioned romance hero and their three daughters. Though an author of more than thirty sexy, contemporary comedies, she has recently branched out to write dark romantic suspense under the pseudonym Leslie Parrish.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Great question, Les! I’d never doubt your ability to do both, and it wouldn’t bother me to have the split website as a reader. For example, I know Lori Foster writes as LL Foster and its on both websites and I’d never pick up her urban fantasy because its not my reader preference but it wouldn’t stop me from buying her romances. II’m curious what everyone else thinks!
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I’ve read Leslie’s first book and I’m reading the second one now. (The advantage of being a plotmonkey…I have the manuscripts!) I have to say that of all the romantic thriller writers out there, Leslie REALLY captures the romantic side of the storyline. Yes, the books are gritty. Yes, they’re chilling. But the romance is so strong…I think that romance lovers who are looking for a darker read are going to love these books! And I’m not just saying that because she’s my friend! I’m seriously driven to read this book…my tastes are very eclectic, but like Janelle, I hate being scared (and would NEVER have gone into any haunted houses!) but I love reading Leslie’s romantic thrillers! That said, I’m really curious as to what readers have to say!
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Well Leslie, it certainly worked out okay for Nora Roberts/J.D Robb, LOL
I think it’s a good idea to have both names on your website though, so that your “Leslie” fans know that there is something else out there to try. Many romance fans like something darkier and edgier once in a while.
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I’m glad to know about your dual identity. I love reading both and now will love for your “darker” side.
I understand that you don’t want to confuse new readers that your darker writing isn’t light romantic and vice versa.
Best of luck.
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I think you’re smart to use a second name for this new series so your loyal readers won’t be surprised (shocked) by the darker storylines but I think those same readers would want to know that you have something different out there. I read several authors who use two (and sometimes three) names. I would definitely recommend letting readers know through your website(s), etc. that you’re now using two names.
Good luck with the new books!
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For sure you should tell the world. Your writing is still as great no matter the different direction. I for one, look first for an author I like and then let them take me to different worlds. So please let us know.
Jim
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I’m with Cheryl, it worked for Nora Roberts /JD Robb.I do think you need to advertise on your website(s) with both names. Although I don’t really love to be scared, I do enjoy reading romantic suspense/romantic thrillers. Can’t wait to give your new series a try. When is the release date?
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I agree – I know several authors how write under different names but have no problem promoting both names on their websites. Readers choose which genre they want to read – but maybe knowing that you write a different genre under a different name will have them trying new things and branch out into different genres!! I know I have.
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I would put both names on the websites, but I would do it and specify that it was a different genre (not sure how to do that and hopefully, that makes sense).
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Leslie, first I want to say that I love JoAnn Ross she is so sweet I talk with her on myspace and she is just a doll. Ok now back to the question at hand I think you should tell the readers it is you I would want to know if you were writing under a different name so I would put it on the website a good example of a website is Lori Foster also writes under L.L. Foster if you haven’t been to her home page check it out she has if split diagonally the upper half says Lori Foster and it is in yellow and cheery and it says the lighter side and the bottom half is black and red and says the darker side. I think it would benefit you to make it known you are writing both styles say I like the contemporary and like your writing nut y sister likes the darker stuff then I could say hey I know a great author check her out. that is my two cents.
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I think you should let everyone know. If you make two different sections on your website with your two different names then there shouldn’t be any confusion.
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Eve Silver does this. Her Gothics are under Eve Silver, but her darker paranormals are under Eve Kenin. One website, two sides. Gives readers exactly what they want — and more importantly, what they expect.
Leslie, I’m so looking forward to your book. The romance in most suspense books are too underdeveloped for my taste, so this is great.
Susanne
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I would love to know because I would buy it if I knew it was your work. I read anything, light or dark, it doesn’t matter. And if it comes from a plotmonkey, well, that just sweetens the pot.
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Oh, Leslie! Dudette! I am doin’ the
!!! There’s a reason my blog is called Penumbra – the shadow’s edge. I love a harder edge, more gritty plot line and characters in a read to counterbalance the light-hearted reads of more traditional romances. If done well (and how could you do anything that wasn’t terrific?), this type of book sucks me in. Realize, I come from a RL background of dead bodies and human nature at its worst. Going to a haunted house isn’t all that scary. I would definitely want to know you were writing these books. And most readers are sophisticated enough that “Leslie Kelly writing as *Kelly Leslie*” means this is a book of a different “color” – as in dark. Woohoo! I cannot wait now! :banana:
Website – dual duty, definitely. One side light, the other side dark – or at least a link to the dark side.
You go, girl!
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I’d say have two websites, but have a link between them (Come visit my darker side; come visit my lighter side, etc.).
I can’t wait to read your new trilogy!
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Wow, what rock have I been living under?! Jeez, I had no clue. But it’s so cool!
Michelle – thank you for filling in the blanks for me. I was thinking about an author website that I’d been to recently that had the page split diagonally but I couldn’t remember who it was. Thanks for filling in my blank! :giggle:
I think definitely link the two and give readers the option. They may, or may not, like them but at least you’re letting them know what you’re up to. Then they have the option of going down that dark and scary path if they want to.
Me, I’ll probably be hanging out on the light side waiting for you to skip down that path again.
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I think it is to your advantage to let readers know that you are writing under another name- it works for others. Lori Foster has her website divided into sections for each of her names. I think it gives your loyal readers a chance to try something new with the comfort of knowing that you wrote it.
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I like to know when one of my favorite authors is writing under a different name. Books with a romantic element will always be my first pick, but every once in a while I want something different. That’s when I will pick up one of my fave authors “darker” books. I love reading Lori Foster books but wasn’t sure if I would like her series under L.L. Foster. I decided to read the first book and I really enjoyed it. It’s not something I want to read everyday but I will definitely be reading the rest in the series. Another author that this has worked out for is Shelley Bradley who also writes as Shayla Black.
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Hey Leslie I think its a great idea. many of my favorite others have both of the names they write under on their websites. Its a great way to cross promote and get different readers to check out your other books.
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Hey Leslie I think its a great idea. many of my favorite authors have both of the names they write under on their websites. Its a great way to cross promote and get different readers to check out your other books.
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Leslie, I think you should go with your gut. Period. If it feels right, do it. If it doesn’t, don’t do it. No matter what anyone else says. You’re the author, these are your stories!
Okay, I hate to be a sad sack but I just had a major disappointment from Brenda over at Blaze. The tears are rolling and my heart feels flattened. But as I wrote to Carly a moment ago in an e-mail, I have to suck it up if I’m going to keep going. That’s the real question: Do I keep going? Can I make it? I’m not so sure anymore because right now I feel like a big, fat-headed failure!
Cher
Cher
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I have to admit…I stumbled onto the Plot Monkeys because I’m a Carly fan (it all started with the Chandler Bothers). But now, as soon as I’m done with the recent stack of “to read” books, I’ll be making my list of Julie, Leslie and Janelle books and headed to the store. Any one in particular you prefer me to read first, let me know.
As for the double identity…I think it’s great to have more than one interest or style and distinguishing it with another name is perfect. I just recently realized that another author I enjoy reading also writes under another name. I’ve read some of her books written as Jacey Ford, and when I looked up her website, there’s a link for Beverly Brandt’s website and vise versa. Here picture is on each website, of course, but the look is different, representing her two different side. I thought it was very cool.
Let’s face it…how many of us have just one interest or one characteristic? I’m the typical girlie girl who’s favorite color is pink and loves everything pink and fluffy, frilly skirts and cute sandals (preferably high heals), and I have this idea for a romance involving a cute little fairy who only wants to be a human woman because she’s in love with a human man…totally a cute and light funny story, after all, what does a fairy know about being a woman? She doesn’t know how to use the stove, the washer and dryer, or drive a car…but she’s really great at planting pink and yellow Gerber Daisies in her front yard (I did that in my own yard, only 3 days later the squirrels ate them)…But there are moments when I like to dress in black and pretend that the sleek shiny cell phone (alright, it’s scratched, I try to ignore that) is really a gadget to communicate with another planet. Right now I’m actually polishing my manuscript about a dynamic heroine from another planet with who falls for an ex-CIA guy and has to fight this very evil man who wants to take over the world.
As a fan, I would want to know if an author I enjoy and like had another side, whether I was interested in the other style or not. I vote for two webistes and a link on each.
Debbie
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One more thing, I had my annual mammogram this morning. For those of you who are due a mammo this year and haven’t made your appointment–what are you waiting for!!!
Cher
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As a reader I don’t understand the need for 2 names. but saying that a also read both types of books. When I pick up a book that catches my eye I look the see who the aurthor is and how many books they have out.
which would put more money in your pocket.
Chances are if there is a backlist I will try and the other books on the list.
If I did not know ou have another name and write other books I may be missing out on your other books
So Yes put your bio in both books
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Thanks so much everyone, I am really appreciating this great feedback!! I am glad to hear that there might be some interest in my darker stories, but believe me, I do not take offense at all to anyone who prefers the strictly lighter stuff…promise!
And Cher, so sorry to hear about the Blaze news. This business is so damned tough. As tempting as it is to quit, don’t even think that way. Give yourself a couple of days to wallow, then get back to doing what you love to do. Your love for the craft is obvious and I just don’t doubt you’re going to make it.
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Leslie, I think it is so cool, and I think you should let your readers know about your darker books by putting a link on your website!
:hug2: Cher, I’m so sorry.
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Leslie, I’d go ahead and post both names on your sites. Like many others have pointed out, a number of other authors have done the same and it seems to be working for them. I look forward to trying out your new books.
Cher, I’m sorry to hear about your disappointment. :hug2:
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I prefer thrillers and the darker side myself. :wave:
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Leslie, I love your lighter side. After I read one of the darker I’ll have to decide if I like that side also! :wink: It seems I am with the majority in thinking you should have both on a website but divide it somehow so readers can try both sides of you. As other have said look how well it works for Norah Roberts/J.D. Robb and others. All that said you have to do what feels right for you. Good luck with the “darker side”.
When you say dark, is it maybe like Karen Rose that writes these really chilling suspense novels but with a good love story? I think I learned about her here when she was a guest.
Because Halloween is coming: :giggle:
:ghost: :bat:
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:hug2: Cher! I’m so sorry, hon. Hang in there. Eat some chocolate. Shed some tears of disappointment. And then keep trying. I have to believe that if we have talent ( and we DO!), someone will recognize it. It’s just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
Leslie, someone above said to go with your gut. That’s the bottom line. So much of what a writer does, beyond the manuscript, is determined by others. Do what feels right to you. But now you know that there’s a lot of us who want to know *you* wrote a book and would buy it even under a different name because it’s *you* and we trust your talent. Do please keep us posted of release date, etc. I’ll definitely add it to my pre-order list when the time comes!
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Thanks, guys.
I’m fine. I just needed to vent.
Cher
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Leslie, I think it’s awesome that you’ve chosen an alter identity, but like others have said, I’d definitely link the sites (something like a lighter/darker side or whatever tag line you choose for each name). I HATE finding out eons later that a writer I like has been secretly writing under a different name but I had no easy way of finding out!
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Leslie,
I think it is a great idea to have both names and I am with Fedora
HATE finding out eons later that a writer I like has been secretly writing under a different name but I had no easy way of finding out
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I’m speaking from personal experience, but I’m the type of reader who likes to know when a favorite author of mine (one of them being you, Leslie) writes under a different name. I also like checking out different sub-genres in romance books, so I would have no problem reading two very different styles of writing from an author. I like to be in the know. :)
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Leslie, Well, you probably won’t be surprised that, most probably, I won’t be reading your new genre books, but, my recommendation would be that you use both names on the website. I think most Romance readers like to move between different genres, so, I’m probably the exception, rather the rule. I would suggest for the Black Cats books’ space that you provide a large excerpt/chapter so that long time readers can make a informed decision whether to invest in these different-type books. Frankly, I’ve bought some books by auto-buy authors, that had moved to a new genre, that I’ve hated, & felt very ripped off. If there’s an excerpt on the website, this, seemingly, would allow readers to get a good idea of what type of story it will be.
However, as an example, I don’t like Paranormal. However, because I’d read such good reviews of Virginia Kantra’s “Selkie” trilogy, I found her 2nd, SEA FEVER at a thrift shop. I had read her series books, & because SF was inexpensive, bought it, & read it. It was terrific, so, went to Borders & bought the lst one, SEA WITCH. Didn’t like it as much as the 2nd, but, still really good. So, even though Kantra didn’t get money from me for the 2nd, she did from the lst, & I’m certain I’ll buy her 3rd, when it releases. So, even with a genre I don’t normally like, good characterization still makes stories work for me.
BTW, when are your Black Cats being released?
Patricia
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I think that its great to have at very least a link to your pseudonym on your website. Even if your romantic suspense stories don’t appeal to the fans of your contemporary romances, then at very least they are aware of the other books you write – at least from my perspective.
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I missed the blog yesterday since I was alreay at work before it came online, so i am late to the party.
I am an avid reader of mystery/thrillers so I would have no problem picking this up, nor would I have a problem making it known that you write both genres. It works for LaNora. I know who wrote it, but then I also know what I am reading.
I will look for this on the shelf!!
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I came upon your pseudonym on Amazon, saw the name of the books and it sound interesting. At first I did not realize this author is also Leslie Kelly, whom I like and love books. I do not know for other but if I know it is already a work of an established author, I would be more willing to buy.
The different in pseudonym is enough to warn that the style between those two pseudonyms would also differ. So no problem with the confusion in writing style. The knowledge that this is the work of an established author is more than enough to convince me to buy the book especially if I already like your previous pseudonym’s work.
Could you tell us more about the Black Cat series?
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Defintely let us know that you write under different names. You can list the diff genres on your website like Lori Foster does along with the other name.
I really don’t understand either why an author would use a psuedonym. Maybe to try something new to see how it works????
:monkee2: 
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I’m wondering how this would work if you wrote for two different GENRES, like YA and, say, erotica?