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  • The World is Burning, Open a Book

    Why we need literature more than ever to face the rise of the right The news these past days, weeks, even years has been relentlessly bleak. Every headline seems to land harder than the last. Whether it's the rights of immigrants, Palestinians, or the LGBTQ+ community under threat; climate disasters like the LA fires; the J6 pardons; or the very existence of people like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg—it’s an endless wave of shit. I tell myself to arm up with facts and stats, to debate those I’m politically opposed to harder and better, to fight with the weight of evidence behind me. But the debates leave me drained, stuck in a loop of frustration, right back where I started. There’s only so much one person can take before you feel like you’re drowning. When it all gets too much, anger and frustration give way to numbness. That’s when I retreat into books or my own writing. Screw the morning paper—how about opening a novel? It’s easier to look away—and I do. Sometimes, I feel guilty, like I’m turning my back on the moment, giving up—or worse, becoming a bystander. But while reading Minor Detail by Adania Shibli, I realized something: books aren’t about turning away. They’re not an escape—they’re a window. And right now, more than ever, we need them. The Power of Books Over the past year, I’ve read Determination by Tawseef Khan, Guatemalan Anthology by Jared Lemus, Under a Neon Sun by Kate Gale, Pig by Johanna Stoberock, Clean by Alia Trabucco Zerán, Not a River by Selva Almada, There is a Rio Grande in Heaven by Ruben Reyes Jr... to name just a few. Each of these books made me think—not just about the issues they explore, but about the irreplaceable role literature plays in challenging and expanding our perspectives. They reminded me why stories matter now more than ever. Because literature isn’t just entertainment—it’s fuel. It’s empathy in action. A great book doesn’t just tell you about someone else’s world—it lets you live in it. And in a time when so many leaders are peddling an "us vs. them" mindset, stories make it impossible to ignore the humanity in others. They tear down the walls people like Musk and Trump are so determined to build. They don’t just foster empathy; they demand it. They force us to question systems and assumptions that some people take for granted. And in the face of leaders signing executive orders that strip away rights and freedoms, these books couldn’t feel more urgent. The Rise of the Right The rise of right-wing politics isn’t new, and literature has always been one of the most powerful ways to understand how these movements take shape, what they lead to, and how to resist them. Books like Jack London’s The Iron Heel or Paul Lynch’s The Prophet Song lay it bare. That’s why books have always been targets for censorship , espec ially by authoritarian governments. Because literature is power. It’s freedom of thought and expression—the bedrock of any democracy worth fighting for. When you read a book, when you share one, you’re standing up for those freedoms. Political movements thrive on oversimplified narratives and black-and-white thinking. Literature refuses to let you off that easy. Great books are messy. They’re full of complexity, ambiguity, and hard truths about right and wrong. They demand you sit with discomfort and grapple with nuance. To think about the world in a different way. Open a book And yes, this is another echo chamber. The books we share and the conversations we have are often with people who already agree—and that’s okay. We need reaffirmation of our convictions, to stand firm in the face of this onslaught. To keep reading is to preserve empathy, to keep learning, and to remind ourselves not to give up. It helps us think critically, reinforce our values, and see the world through someone else’s eyes—and ultimately, to resist. In the chaos and division we’re living through, don’t underestimate the power of literature. In a world on fire, when everything feels like it’s gone to shit, stories might be the one thing that keeps us fighting. So pick up a book. Share it. Talk about it. It’s never been more important.

  • How to choose a pen name, and why do authors use them?

    As a writer of literary fiction, I’ve been seriously grappling with my pen name. My debut book comes out next year, and for the last five years I’ve been writing under the name, Ben Davies —a nod to my mum’s surname and a small stab at anonymity. Yet, it’s proved challenging to distinguish in an online world brimming with Ben Davieses of various professions. When you can’t find your own author website  on Google, despite doing author marketing as a profession , you know you’ve got a problem. When you’re doing marketing for another author whose old, un-optimized website ranks first on Google because of their unique name, you realize there’s an alternative, yet it might not be what you want. The question: should I keep my current author name or should I add a twist to my name for better recognition?  And, importantly, what does this choice say about me and my work and being an author in general? This personal dilemma is one I know a lot of writers face. The act of naming, so central to fiction, becomes an exercise in self-invention when it turns inward. It also feels strange and a bit hollow and fake, and dirty to think of ourselves in this way, but that is the world of writing today. We are as much writers as we are marketers and these are things you can’t hide away from if you want any chance of (even minimal) success. Why Writers Choose Pen Names Throughout history, pen names have served various purposes. For some authors, they’re shields—protecting privacy or allowing them to write freely without societal or familial judgment. For others, they’re tools for reinvention, enabling writers to shed parts of themselves or adopt a persona that aligns with their work. (Both a consideration that certainly influenced my original decision) For instance, Mary Ann Evans became George Eliot to ensure her novels were taken seriously in a male-dominated literary world. Samuel Clemens adopted the moniker Mark Twain to reflect his roots in riverboating. And J.K. Rowling’s initials were a publisher’s suggestion, designed to make her Harry Potter series appealing to boys who might shy away from a female author (let’s not delve into the ironies here...). In modern times, the reasons often extend to pragmatic concerns like SEO and branding. A unique name is easier to find, remember, and associate with your body of work. This is the problem I’m facing because, let’s face it, I’m never going to compete with a Premier League footballer. The Balancing Act: Identity vs. Strategy When considering a pen name, I find myself caught between two competing desires: to remain authentic to my identity and to create a name that stands out in a crowded literary landscape. My original pen name, Ben Davies, means a lot to me, my mum, and feels natural but unfortunately it lacks uniqueness. Searching it online, I was buried under a sea of actors, athletes, and professionals sharing the same name. There’s even a Benjamin Davis —a co-founder of the wonderful Chill Subs—whose name is similar enough to cause confusion. Then, I discovered another author using the same name. Then, when I searched my actual name, Ben Crisp, I found yet another writer/creative with the exact same name. This is a problem, and in a world where every author is struggling to get read, it’s basically shooting yourself in the foot before you’ve even started. Luckily my debut book, a short-story collection, And So I Took Their Eye, is not out until next year and although it’s going through final drafts right now, it gives me a glimmer of opportunity to change things before the point of no return. Options: Ben Gaddini-Crisp  — Adding “Gaddini,” my wife’s surname, which is more uncommon, and creates a nice personal connection to my new family BD Crisp / BC Davies — Sleek, minimalist, and gender-neutral, it’s a name that could work across genres and evoke a sense of mystery. It also feels pretentious as hell. Ben Davies-Crisp  — Combining my parent’s surnames, which is important to me, yet similar SEO-related issues as my original choice. Ben Gaddini-Davies  — Similar to the above but feels like there are too many syllables going on Each option reflects a different aspect of my identity and aspirations, yet each carries implications for how readers might perceive my work. Am I happy with them? No, not really. I prefer Ben Davies, I’ve used it for years now and it feels me. But that’s not an option, so what should I do? ( All suggestions are very welcome…) What Makes a Good Pen Name? In considering these options, I’ve come to realize there are three key factors to weigh when choosing a pen name: 1. Memorability A good pen name sticks in the mind. Names like George Orwell or Haruki Murakami are easy to recall and visually striking. Adding a unique name, like “Gaddini,” makes it stand out without being overly complicated. 2. Authenticity Readers often feel a connection to the author, especially in literary fiction, where the work can feel deeply personal. A name like BD Crisp is polished and professional, but does it create the same sense of intimacy as “Ben Gaddini-Crisp”? For me, this is a critical question. Does the name reflect not just the writer I want to be but the person I am? Also, BD Crisp sounds really painfully pretentious, and I don’t want that to be “my brand.” 3. Practicality This is where SEO and branding come into play. A common name like “Ben Davies” gets lost in search results. Adding a middle name, initial, or unusual surname can solve this problem. However, practicality must be balanced with the other factors—a name that’s too obscure or hard to spell might alienate potential readers. The Wider Context: How Pen Names Shape Perception Your name, like your book’s title, is the first point of contact with your audience. It sets expectations. Literary fiction readers might expect elegance and depth from names like Kazuo Ishiguro or Toni Morrison. Then there’s the question of gender and initials. Using initials like BD Crisp can make a name gender-neutral, which might appeal to a broader audience. However, it also creates a slight sense of distance. For literary fiction, where connection and authenticity matter, this could be a disadvantage. What pen names have other people chosen, why and are they working?   Please comment below as would love to discuss, get some fresh insight (and for someone to provide the answer because I’m pretty lost right now). Thanks for reading Ben Davies/BD Davies/B Gaddini-Crisp Subscribe to my Substack for more articles like this

  • Opening a Writing Retreat in Guatemala

    Recently, I decided to fully commit to my greatest passion: books. Through my own writing, my author marketing business , and now this writing retreat in El Paredón, Guatemala, books are at the center of everything I do. Our new Studio Luce retreat , nestled between a black sand beach and a mangrove forest in the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park, offers a peaceful space for writers to escape distractions and focus on their craft. Hosted in Villa Rosa, the retreat features three private en-suite bedrooms, a private pool, deck, kitchen, and a newly-built writing studio. In addition to working on your book, you can surf the best waves in Guatemala, enjoy local food, practice yoga, paddle through mangroves, watch baby turtles hatch, and more. It’s truly a special place. You can find more details about the retreat on the Studio Luce website here. It’s been a long journey to get here, involving so many creative, wonderful people. I’m thrilled to bring this retreat to life, and I’m grateful to everyone who has made it possible. I look forward to welcoming fellow writers to this incredible corner of the world! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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