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05/31/2006: "Changes of identity"
On the whole, I agree with Yvonne - a writer should, usually, stick to the original name. But there's a problem with the 'readers read writers, not books'. If you are writing a book that will appeal to a different - or a wider - audience, then this can work against you. The books I wrote as 'Danuta Reah' are, among other things, frightening. Some people just don't like being frightened. The Forest of Souls is suspenseful and does have some scary moments, but it isn't as scary as books like Bleak Water or Only Darkness - so I think that's why my publishers decided to go with a new name. So, apologies to the original Carla Banks - I will bring some flowers to the cemetery next time I'm there.
Danuta Reah on Wednesday, May 31st 2006 @ 11:58 AM GMT [link]