This article is from the rec.arts.sf.written FAQ, by Evelyn C. Leeper evelynleeper@geocities.com with numerous contributions by others.
Who is William Ashbless? Both Tim Powers (THE ANUBIS GATES) and James
Blaylock (THE DIGGING LEVIATHAN) have him in their books. Is this the
same character?
William Ashbless was a penname that Powers and Blaylock used to publish
cowritten poetry in college. When they both needed a name for a poet
character in their books, they independently used the same name. After
this had been pointed out to them by their editor, they got together
and added details to make it look it was the same guy.
 
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