The world of publishing has a long history of authors hiding behind pseudonyms, from the Brontë sisters to Stephen King’s alter ego Richard Bachman. However, the emergence of ‘Evelyn Clarke’ offers a fresh twist – she is not just one person, but a collaborative creation of two prominent industry talents.
V.E. Schwab, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, is renowned for her high-concept fantasy works. Cat Clarke, an award-winning suspense veteran, brings a different layer to their collaboration on the new mystery novel, The Ending Writes Itself. What started as a casual brainstorming session over day-old pastries in a Scottish kitchen has now evolved into a unique partnership.
In a recent interview with NPR, Schwab and Clarke revealed the origins of their literary collaboration. Schwab initially approached Clarke with the idea for a “weird thriller” involving seven midlist writers trapped on a private Scottish island, tasked with completing the final manuscript of a deceased bestseller.
Both authors had to break their own professional rules to make this partnership work. Clarke, who had sworn off writing after leaving the publishing world, found herself drawn back in. Schwab, who had vowed never to co-write a novel, took a leap of faith. Their process, as described by the authors themselves, was akin to building and decorating a house together, with each contributing to every aspect of the story until they were both satisfied.
Evelyn Clarke serves not only as a marketing tool but also as a protective shield for the authors. Schwab noted that the persona allows them to share their work without bearing the full weight of criticism. Clarke added that the distancing effect helps them navigate the vulnerability of the industry, separating the authors from their creation.
As for the central mystery of their novel, Schwab promises a “magic act” structure that will keep readers guessing. With her tendency to write the ending first, she plans to dazzle readers with unexpected twists and turns, leaving them in awe.
In a world where collaboration and creativity collide, Schwab and Clarke have forged a bond that transcends traditional author partnerships. Their work as Evelyn Clarke is a testament to the power of shared vision and storytelling prowess, offering readers a fresh perspective on the mystery genre.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.