Meaning: The quote provided is from Evan Hunter, an American author and screenwriter best known for his novel "The Blackboard Jungle" and for writing the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds." In this quote, Hunter discusses his use of pseudonyms early in his career as a writer.

During the early stages of his career, Evan Hunter faced the challenge of earning a living through his writing. He mentions being paid a quarter of a cent a word for his work, which reflects the financial struggle he experienced as a writer. In order to generate sufficient income, Hunter had to write a significant amount of material. This need to produce a large volume of work to support himself financially is a common challenge faced by many aspiring writers.

To address this challenge, Hunter made the strategic decision to use pseudonyms. By adopting different pen names, he was able to submit multiple stories to the same magazine without the editor realizing they were all written by him. This approach allowed him to increase his output and earnings without raising suspicions about the extent of his contributions to a single publication.

The use of pseudonyms served as a practical solution for Hunter during a time when he needed to write prolifically to make a living. It also demonstrates his adaptability and resourcefulness in navigating the demands of the publishing industry. The practice of using pseudonyms has been a common strategy employed by writers for various reasons, including genre diversification, contractual obligations, and the desire to experiment with different styles or subject matters without being pigeonholed by their established authorship.

It's worth noting that the decision to use pseudonyms can also have implications for an author's reputation and recognition within the literary community. While it allowed Hunter to increase his output and income, it also meant that his individual contributions to specific publications may have gone unnoticed or underappreciated. This speaks to the complex balance that writers often face between financial necessity and the desire for artistic recognition.

Evan Hunter's experience with using pseudonyms sheds light on the pragmatic considerations that writers must navigate in their careers, particularly in the early stages when financial stability can be a significant concern. His willingness to share this aspect of his writing journey provides valuable insight for aspiring writers who may be grappling with similar challenges.

In conclusion, Evan Hunter's quote about using pseudonyms early in his career reflects the practical strategies he employed to sustain himself financially as a writer. It also offers a glimpse into the trade-offs and considerations that writers face in balancing their creative ambitions with the realities of making a living through their craft. Hunter's experience serves as a reminder of the resourcefulness and adaptability required to navigate the often unpredictable landscape of the publishing industry.