Alright, since I seem to be called out on this topic, let’s clarify a few things.
Back in the day (three years ago and counting), I asked people to keep Honor Raconteur and AJ Sherwood separate. I did so for a variety of reasons, branding being one of them, but also because when I did try to introduce an LGBTQA+ pairing into Raconteur books, I got considerable backlash for it. I created AJ Sherwood so I could write M/M books since I couldn’t do it under Raconteur. I did keep them separate for safety reasons, too. I’m from a highly conservative family, I knew they wouldn’t approve, that was part of it. Why force myself out of the closet before I was ready? Also, I didn’t want to take risks with Raconteur. It wasn’t just my income on the line, but also all of my employees. I didn’t want to say anything until Sherwood was making enough income to handle the backlash if something happened with Raconteur. I really did not see the issue, to be honest, because this is branding. This is marketing. I was just writing different genres under different pen names, as many authors do, what’s the issue? But apparently people see this as ‘catering’ or whatever. It’s sucking up to homophobes. It was not. It was safety, first and foremost. And now, it’s safe enough for me to say something, because Sherwood’s income is steady enough. I can support myself and my employees while writing what I love to write, which is all I really wanted. I am now making a full announcement in the Honor Raconteur Portal on Facebook and in my newsletter of exactly what I’m doing. What pen names I have, what genres they’ll be, all of it. I’m sure I’ll get grief over this too but whatever. I’m done worrying about what people say. My motto going forward is F*ck it. If someone has an issue, it’s their issue. I refuse to make it mine. Here's a link to the post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1846648088804187/permalink/2743697299099257/
7 Comments
Sylviane
12/29/2022 09:45:54 am
Good for you.
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Xander
12/30/2022 09:35:09 am
Hey, i get it as someone in the LGBT+ community. Safety first, always. I'm delighted to realize you are both authors, as i have delighted in both for quite a while now. I reread them for comfort on a bad day and cheer when i see new ones.
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Jacky
1/7/2023 03:20:41 pm
Wow, I'm not on any social media, so I don't what went down. It doesn't sound pretty. There are some petty and narrow minded people on this planet. Good that you have the means to give all the nastys a big FUCK YOU!
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Maghan S Melton
2/2/2023 03:27:08 pm
Hi, I'm a big fan of your A.J. Sherwood writings, and was excited when I read that you wrote under another name as well. I'm sorry to hear that you are getting grief about this, as you most certainly aren't hurting anyone. Just rereading Mack's Homecoming book and was hoping that you had written something about Eli, Quinn and Booker with your other name because I would love to read all about how they came together (keeping my fingers crossed). I'm definitely going to be reading some from Honor, but I want you to know that you have brought many smiles to my face, even on days when that seemed impossible, so thank you.
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Angie
3/29/2023 03:17:32 am
Good for you. You deserve to choose who knows what about you, and when. Safety and reactions of family are very valid reasons. Not to mention that it’s no one else’s business anyway. Readers should be here for the story (of the book they’re reading), not to look into an author’s personal or professional decisions. Your books are fabulous! I’ve read all the mm series and now I’m going to start reading your other books. You are a fabulous and entertaining author, I have enjoyed everyone of your books that I’ve read. Keep them coming! (Yes, I know what I did with that last sentence, but - oh well:)).
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calle
4/12/2023 08:32:05 am
I very much get the brand idea and I think the reasons you give for keeping the two names seperate are more than relatable. It is very much your decision, for what ever reason in the end anyway. I don't get, why some people sprew so much hate at authors, they obviously read and value for their books. There is an attitude that says "I've rad your book therfore I own your decisions concerning everything writing." It baffles me.
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Tamara
5/16/2023 07:56:59 pm
I totally understand your need to protect your relationship with your family. I was raised in a conservative environment and no one but a close friend knows I read this genre. Your books bring me so much joy and light hearted humor while still being interesting! I am looking forward to more book in the future. Thank you for sharing your characters with us.
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AuthorAJ Sherwood is an author the loves fantasy and sexy men. Hopefully together in the same book. Here she shares some of her favorite reads. Categories
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Rating system:
5 stars- Would buy it in hardback 4 stars- An enjoyable enough ride I'll buy the next book 3 stars - Author lost me at some point and I didn't bother finishing the book 2 stars - their editor, if they had one, should be shot, fired, and keel-hauled 1 - an affront to books everywhere |