When I read Alex Segura’s new noir mystery, Secret Identity, I was fascinated by his portrayal of comics creator Carmen Valdez. She was a Cuban American queer working woman in the 1970s.
This was a very smart, authentic homage to the comic book industry and the time period. It was also an extremely enjoyable murder mystery, which was a bonus!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laa2NaJGnb8
Get a legal name
Using a ‘Secret Identity’ is a great way for authors to get published without having to reveal their real names. It’s especially useful if your book is based on a controversial subject, or if you don’t want your bosses or colleagues to find out that you write something specific.
When choosing your pen name, it’s important to make sure you’re not using a trademarked title or name. This could cause confusion and lead to legal ramifications, so it’s always a good idea to check with the U.S. Copyright Office to see if anyone else has filed a trademark for the same name.
You also need to consider whether or not the name you’re considering is already associated with a public figure or someone whose reputation is important. This is because your identity could be misconstrued and you might do them harm. Ideally, you want to choose a pen name that is not as closely connected to a famous person’s name as possible.
Write a bio
For a while now, author Alex Segura has had a penchant for the comics and literature worlds. His latest offering is a hardboiled noir set in the early 1970s. Aside from the aforementioned sex-slinging female protagonist, the story is anchored by an artfully conceived villain and a trio of sidekicks who deserve all the credit. The book also manages to outdo itself in the literary department by featuring an awe-inspiring array of characters and settings to boot. Whether you’re a big or small aficionado of the genre, this should be at the top of your reading list. It’s the type of light you’ll be checking out with a glass of booze in tow.
Copyright your books
Copyrighting your books is an important step in protecting your work. It protects your intellectual property and ensures that you are the original author of your work.
To register your book, you can do it online or through mail-in paper applications. You will need to submit a copy of your book and pay the appropriate fees.
If you’re an author who uses a pen name, you can choose to leave your real name off of the legal papers that the Copyright Office will use to register your work. However, if you do decide to include your real name on your copyright registration, it’s best to also put that on your book cover and the copyright page of your book so readers can see your true identity.
Segura handles a number of complex thematic struggles in Secret Identity, including sexual identity, the plight of immigrants, and the glass ceiling phenomenon, skillfully and relevantly to illicit plenty of emotions from me over the course of the novel.
Create a website
A secret identity is a disguise, usually an alter ego. This type of disguise is often used by heroes, supervillains, thieves, aliens, and other supernatural creatures.
One of the most daunting tasks an indie author faces is creating a website, especially when you are not a web designer. But it’s an essential part of your marketing strategy and a good way to connect with readers.
While it may be hard to create a website, there are a number of tools out there that can help you get the job done without breaking the bank. For instance, there are a few free WordPress themes that can get you started. It is also possible to hire a web design agency that can create your site for you. The best part is that they can work with you to craft a site that fits your vision. And while it may take some time and money, it can be well worth the effort.
