seudonym

A pseudonym is a fictitious name used by an author or artist instead of their real name. It can also be a nickname or a false name used by anyone to conceal their identity. The reasons for adopting a pseudonym are varied, ranging from privacy concerns and personal safety to artistic expression and marketing strategies.

Writers have historically used pseudonyms for a multitude of reasons. Some authors, particularly women in eras where their gender might have been a disadvantage in publishing, used male pseudonyms to gain wider readership or be taken more seriously. Others have used them to create a distinct brand for themselves, separating different genres of their work, or to avoid confusion with another person of the same name. Famous examples include Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans), and J.K. Rowling (Joanne Rowling, later also using Robert Galbraith for crime novels).

Beyond literature, pseudonyms are common in other creative fields like music and art. Musicians might use stage names to establish a unique persona or to keep their personal lives separate from their professional careers. Similarly, artists may adopt pseudonyms to protect their identity or to detach their artwork from their everyday existence. In certain contexts, pseudonyms are also used for protection, such as by whistleblowers or individuals engaging in sensitive online activities who wish to remain anonymous. The use of a pseudonym allows for a degree of separation between the individual and their public persona or actions.