Joyce Carol Oates reason for pseudonyms?

Question

Why did Oates write stories using made up names such as Rosamond Smith?

What is the reason for any author to use pseudonyms?

Answer 1

Anonymity for one. Plus, I think authors, if they're writing a book that's different from their usual genre or style of writing, don't want their name to influence whether or not people buy or read it. It gives the reader a fresh perspective if they don't know that a particular author wrote it. Think Nora Roberts (romance) and J.D. Robb (crime)-both the same person, but you'd expect something different if Nora Roberts name had been on a crime novel.