The issue of pen names

Hallo readers,

In case you don't know already, Liz Davis is my pen name. Liz comes from my first name, Elizabeth and for Davis, I took my father's name (David) and replaced the d with an s. My real name or should I say, names are, Elizabeth Grace Tangi Adewole.
I'm not sure how many of you use a pen name or are considering using one, but I think it's an interesting topic to discuss. Since I write contemporary romance novels as well as children's books,I'll be using two pen names for each genre.

The research I've done online gives several reasons why writers use pen names. Here are a few articles I found useful.

A rose  by any other name: pros and cons of pseudonyms
Writing under a pen name: when should an author use a pseudonym?
Should authors use a pen name?
Pen names: do you know the true identity of your favourite author?

Is my novel really Middle grade or YA?

Two weeks ago I submitted a few chapters of my children's novel to my online critique circle. Initially, my novel was meant to target the middle grade group, but some of the comments I received believed that it would be more suited for young adults.
I did a bit of research on the differences between the two and got some pretty useful information. I read my novel again and realized it was just too mature for the middle grade group. I've finally accepted that I was targeting the wrong group. Right now I'm writing on, with young adults in mind and I must say, it's great to know exactly where my novel fits.
Looks like I won't be needing those illustrations after all. I do look forward to the cover design, though.

For those of you who are confused by the two genres (like I was), here are some links that might be useful:

• Writing for children: age categories determine the guidelines for your children's book

•  Pinpointing the differences between middle grade and YA

• The differences between middle grade and young adult 

• 5 articles on the differences between middle grade and young adult 

• Am I writing YA or MG?

Tips from a literary agent

Lauren Boyd has a great list of some very useful tips straight from a literary agent. I was aware of some of the points, but some where new to me.
Over all, very helpful. If you need to add to your collection of tips, here's the link:
Lauren F. Boyd: My Path To Publication: Tips From a Literary Agent

Liz

Holly's Giveaway

Holly Castor is having a great giveaway. You win two books of your choice from The Book Depository. Very tempting isn't it? One can never have too many books...in my opinion.
If you're not tempted enough, here's the link to her blog: http://in-interest.blogspot.com/
Good luck.

Liz