Since that conversation, many more deaths of opposition supporters, reporters, and lawyers who questioned corruption have come to pass in Russia. Masha Gessen, a journalist and another renowned critic of Russia, started one article in Slate by citing the “Why are you still alive?” question she gets every time she speaks in public. I am not an opposition leader, but with my novel out now, I look over my shoulder and draw my shades at night more often than before.

The acknowledgement section of my book lists only the first names of those who’ve helped me on my journey. And my mother’s reaction was not that of amusement when she saw my book trailer.

“Are you sure about this?” she said as soon as watched me, hat and black veil concealing my face, act out a scene in which I go into hiding. “Things are scary in Russia. You must be more careful.”

http://qz.com/461659/i-wrote-a-novel-about-putins-russia-and-now-i-think-my-pen-name-is-keeping-me-alive/