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Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Help me name my character

All right, I've been around long enough to know not to use similar sounding names in a MS. It confuses the reader. So how in the world did I end up with four names (more than half of the characters in my novel) with "B" names?

I caught the Bane and Bailey early so I started have my demon referred to by his first name. He was no long just "Bane", he became "Mosalic".

I like "Bailey" so I'm keeping it.

I didn't pick up on "Bobbie" and "Bombos" though.

Two-thirds through my MS, it finally hit me. I've got: Bane, Bailey Bombos and Bobbie.

What in the world is wrong with me? Don't worry, I'll "B" okay. Har. Har.

So, Bombos is now Demetris--no problem. But I like Bobbie's name. It suits her. So either Bobbie has to be changed or Bailey. Boo-hoo.

I know these characters by their name. In fact, their names have helped me define their actions. I could just wait until I've finished the whole MS and then go back and do a search and replace to insert the new name. That would probably help keep their personalities from changing with their new name.

But, I'm trying to sell this thing as we speak and I don't want an editor who read about Bobbie, to now be reading about Taylor and not know who she is. So, I'll probably work on changing Bobbie's name today.

Any ideas? I like the longer name that shortens into a boy's name. But that's not absolute. Though it does have to be a longer name I can shorten to a nickname. She's a spoiled rich girl. Very Fendi bags and high-heels. She's half Phillipino too if that gives any ideas.

Anyone?

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5 comments:

  1. Let me pull out my baby name book ...

    Okay, how about these:

    Frankie
    Tommie
    Stevie
    Sandy
    Nikki
    Alex
    Andy

    Need more?

    ReplyDelete
  2. CJ, you're the best!
    And we have a winner.
    Drum roll.
    Nicole. AKA NIKI.
    Perfect!
    Thanks CJ. I'll have to make sure you get an author's copy when and if I sell this baby.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Alright! Hope the transition goes well from Bobbie to Niki. It probably will help that they both end with the "ee" sound. I think it's good you're changing some of the "B" names. I read a novel once where several characters had the same letter beginning their names, and I was very confused as I was reading.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I suggest Bailey becoming Hailey, that way you keep the same rhythm.

    Just a thought.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks anonymous, good thought. Bailey's a guy, but you couldn't have known that, unless you read the prologue I posted (see links).
    I like the way you think though.

    ReplyDelete

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