I was reading this thread and have been debating with myself, back and forth, for several months about whether I should change the name I use for publishing my work, or not.

I am going through a divorce and have every intention of changing my name back to my maiden name for everyday and legal use. However, my published work has thus far been under my hyphenated maiden name-married name.

My readers know me as XX-YY… XX is a quite common last name, while the YY is not. The hyphenated version distinguishes me from all the other XXs out there. But, I feel such a distaste for the YY name, hence my conflict. I have a piece coming up to be published soon and have to decide… fast.

Has anyone experienced anything like this, or known someone who has? What was their experience? What are the possible pros and cons?