I spent half an hour yesterday figuring out how to do something devious with one of my character’s names that is largely pointless, and will, in all likelihood, amuse only me. But it will amuse me continually whenever I’m working on this book. So I consider it time well spent.
I spent ages figuring out a name that would work for my wizard** back when I started writing the book and I’m still not happy with it. Naming his partner was much easier at the time — I had no trouble figuring out his nickname. But (especially if I’m switching to third person) I need to know his real name. There’s a story about it that I want to tell so it has to be chosen carefully so it fit. And I think I’ve finally got it sorted. And made myself laugh while doing it. So I’m very happy.
Me: I am a genius!
Caris: You are an idiot.
Me: That’s certainly one interpretation. That’s hard to argue.
I feel a little bit like Bastion in The NeverEnding Story. I gave the childlike empress a name! Although I’m now thinking said protagonist would probably prefer not to be likened to the childlike empress. But that’s his problem. Along with surviving the night.
*
** A couple of days ago someone found my site by searching for ‘what would you name a drunk wizard’. I wonder if they were looking for me…
arkayspark
03/05/2012
“A rose by any other name will smell as sweet” Bill sure got that wrong! Words shape us, our world, our culture , our eyes… our universe. We can only see through the mist into another’s world…unless like you we’re behind their eyes!
David
15/06/2012
Best nametag ever!
Indeed. Many of the names of my characters were concocted through name websites. It always helps if their names have a connection to the character, so the smarty-pants reading can be all “Uh-oh, that person isn’t going to be nice at all!”
And having small things keeping you interested in the writing is motivational, and hopefully stops being ‘square 9’ for the writer also =P
Kandace Mavrick
15/06/2012
I spend far too much time on name websites giggling. I don’t think the giggling is a necessary part of the research, but it seems to happen regardless.