In the challenge, "N" is for names.The inspiration for the post came from two sources: frustration at finding an 'N" topic and searching some character names. I have several techniques for names. A few thoughts and hints follow.
- - an old stand-by for contemporary works is a baby name book, especially ones that provide a cultural connection
- - as shown in the earlier post for the challenge "J,” a technique is to take a name and change the spelling. Jon or John. A similar action was taken with the character, Haldric. As the lieutenant under the control of the cult-leader called the Parant he was Haldric. Then in Hatchling’s Vengeance the spelling was changed to Caldrih to represent his rehabilitation and leaving the cult.
- - a favorite resource is historic lists. They can be for a given country or heritage or a time frame. The names can be used with the original connection. For example, a Celtic name for a story set in Scotland or Ireland. Or, names that are immediately identifiable with a given time or culture, Vikings, Aztecs, the old west.
As a change of pace from resources, I thought I would share a couple of frustrations with naming. Both with my own work and in others.
- - sound alikes. A while back I attended a writers conference where the attendees gathered in small groups in hotel rooms to read the other's works. Which gives rise to a pet peeve, too many similar sounding names. The short story had John, James Jane, Javon, and Jake. You couldn't read The story aloud without your tongue tripping over the "J" names. The author’s excuse was that was the way the had named the children. The never accepted that reality does not always need to be followed.
- - Similarly are names that end alike. This was a problem with the Dragshi Chronicles. Almost every other name in the historic lists ended with "A" or "N."
Keeping trace of replicants and sound alike a series bible for each series or A spreadsheet tracking character names and characteristics for the stand-alone novels and shorter works.
~ I hope you enjoyed this excursion into my writing life. till next time, Helen
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I struggle with names for characters too. Mainly because I actually do have two sons whose name begins with J. Have had some comical misadventures. Me: "Why didn't you answer me?" J1: "You didn't say MY name." lol
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI agree names are important. They have to come alive in the character.
Shalom shalom
I'm currently struggling with a name for a main character in my WIP. I've changed it at least three times. Hopefully something will feel right soon.
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