Writers have chosen pen names over the centuries for reasons almost as varied as the names themselves. (We're looking at you, "Dr. Seuss.")
While some changed their names simply for easier English pronunciation, others had to worry about readers' perception in the days before, you know, everyone realized women could write good books. Still others wanted to escape their past or suggest an alternate, more badass identity for themselves. Reasons abound.
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Take a look below to find out why some of our favorite published authors chose the names they did. And when you're done, create your own nom de plume here.