Why You Probably Don’t Remember Vince Furnier
A Free Lesson in Being Unforgettable
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More about Vince Furnier in a moment. But first - about YOU…
I’ve heard the argument: “Writing through an alter-ego isn’t authentic.” And to that, I say - an unapologetic “rubbish.” If anything, it’s the opposite. Writing through an alter-ego is one of the most honest, courageous things you can do. Why? Because it lets you bypass your own fears and inhibitions to say what needs to be said.
Let’s break this down…
Authentic Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring
Do you know what’s really inauthentic? Writing like every other Substacker out there. The ones who sound like they’re auditioning for a TED Talk or teaching a seminar on “How to Write Like a Thought Leader.” Their voice is so polished, so middle-of-the-road, it could put a latte to sleep. Admit it. You know what I mean.
You also know what’s authentic. Standing out. Having the guts to amplify your quirks, your extremes, and your opinions. And sometimes, the best way to do that is through an alter-ego.
Why an Alter-Ego Frees You
When you write as “authentic self”, you’re dragging all your baggage into the room. Your fear of being judged. Your obsession with sounding “nice.” Your second-guessing about whether Aunt Judy is going to read this and think you’ve lost your marbles.
But when you write through an alter-ego? Boom. Freedom. You’re no longer bound by your personal insecurities. Your alter-ego becomes a shield, allowing you to say what needs to be said without worrying about who might clutch their pearls.
Take Alice Cooper, for example. Born Vincent Damon Furnier, he legally changed his name to Alice Cooper after years of being called by his stage persona by everyone from fans to fellow rock stars. Alice wasn’t just a character - he was a larger-than-life creation that let Vince push boundaries and deliver jaw-dropping performances.
On stage, Alice Cooper was wild, provocative, and unapologetically edgy. Offstage, though (after recovering from his health issues), he became just a regular guy who plays golf, dotes on his wife, and lives a surprisingly down-to-earth life.
Why did it work? Because Alice Cooper gave Vince the freedom to say and do what he might never dare to as himself. That’s the power of an alter-ego. It’s not about being fake - it’s about being free. What’s fake is continuing to be inauthentically authentic.
Why I Write Through Mentor Mike
I’ve created my own version of Alice Cooper: Mentor Mike. He’s the bolder, cheekier, and unapologetically honest version of me in print. The one who says what needs to be said, even if it makes some readers uncomfortable. And he’s about to double-down on his presentation style.
Here’s the truth: Mentor Mike allows me to express my ideas without holding back. Writing as my alter-ego helps me connect with readers in a way that’s raw, real, and impossible to ignore. When you write through an alter-ego, some will love it, others will throw rotten tomatoes - but it’s the bold ones who change the game. I’m cool with that.
When I tried writing in a “safe” voice, I sounded like every other person trying to write the “perfect” Substack post. Forgettable. Bland. But through Mentor Mike, I can be the guy who shakes Boomers out of their comfort zones, makes them laugh, and gets them thinking.
That’s what I’m here to do - not blend in, but stand out.
Be Your Own Alice Cooper
An alter-ego doesn’t make you fake. It makes you fearless. It frees you to be louder, sharper, and bolder than you might be in your everyday life. It lets you say the things you’re scared to say - but need to say - without holding back.
Do you think Lady Gaga is less “authentic” because she performs as Lady Gaga instead of Stefani Germanotta? Hell no. She leaned into the alter-ego as a tool to connect more deeply with her audience.
And the same can go for you. Your alter-ego doesn’t have to be Alice Cooper-level outrageous (although, hey, why not?). It just needs to amplify the best parts of you - the parts that will make your readers sit up, lean in, and remember you.
The Risk of Staying “Authentic”
You might say, “But I want to stay authentic!” That’s fine. But know this: Authenticity without boldness often equals invisibility. Your audience isn’t going to stick around for “nice.” They’ll stick around for memorable.
Bottom Line
Writing through an alter-ego isn’t about deception - it’s about amplification. It’s about creating a version of yourself that’s brave enough to grab your readers by the collar and make them pay attention.
Be a big fish that stands out in a little pond - or just another unnoticed fish in a vast ocean.
Go ahead. Be your own Alice Cooper in print. Your audience will thank you for it.
Boldly yours,
(Mike Searles)
Mentor Mike for Boomers
Mike - your suggestion here about showing up with no fear through an alter ego is a real bone to chew. I can see how it would unleash some content creators, allowing them to be fearless and bold. I can also see how a content creator could end up serving or being a slave to the alter ego they created, especially if they evolve and the alter ego no longer fits their authentic self as well.
Would the ultimate goal be to overcome fear and show up as the real you?
Thank you, Mentor Mike. It is time to slip my self-imposed jesses.