I’ve been a published writer of fiction and non-fiction since 1968. After roughly twenty years, someone with the same name appeared on the scene. Every so often in more recent years I’ve tried to sort out the confusion. I have failed to get in touch with her, which I’m sure I could have done but it never seemed urgent; it was simply annoying. This week an advertisement for her latest novel (her third, I think) which was out on Kindle on July 10th, arrived in my Inbox, because “you follow Susan Barrett”. But the Susan Barrett, who the machine thought I was following, was not the author of the book being advertised. It was me and led me to all my novels.

I think the other SB must be as irritated as I am. We want to be known for the books we write, not for other people’s books. I found an interview with her on some site when I googled her this morning. She sounds nice and may write the kinds of book I’d admire. However, we really ought to sort this out in some way. I’ve been on to Amazon.com, and co.uk, hoping they can do something to distinguish one SB from the other. A middle initial for the second Susan B, perhaps? She was after all second on the scene. Susan Barrett, are you there? (I won’t answer!)

The Housekeeper, a novel by Susan Barrett, on Amazon Kindle July 10th 2020

Elfrida Next Door, a novel by Susan Barrett on Amazon Kindle July 1st 2020