Friday, March 12, 2010

What's in a Name? You'd Better Find Out!



Though this entry is a short one, it carries an essential message for writers. Simply put, be careful what you name your characters. Check potential names on the Internet.

While sipping my Plantation Mint tea this morning, I learned about a middle-grade novel--published by a Christian house--that sounded interesting. Since I write mg, I try to stay alert regarding that genre. I clicked on the blog link that had the author's interview. When I saw the protagonist's name, I was startled. No. Shocked. It was the name of a 1980s sit-com actress who was released from the show because of her heavy drug usage. Further, in a tell-all biography, the actress wrote of a long-term incestuous relationship with her father. Not exactly the baggage you'd want your pre-teen main character to lug around--Christian or not.

Exactly what is in a name? Check it out before your character gets stuck with it, and you have to be reminded of your oversight every time you crack open the cover.

8 comments:

  1. Ouch. I'm assuming the author had never heard of the actress, but this is good advice for all of us.

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  2. I hope I'm able to post a comment. This is really funny...in a disturbing way!

    I hope Ambrose Porter is okay. I got it from my own family tree.

    Of course, my tree is a little crooked...

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  3. Kathryn and Shmologna,

    Apparently the publishing house already had the name as a part of their cadre of characters for an mg series, so I don't think it was the author's fault. The name is not particularly obscure, however, so I am surprised that no one picked up on it. If I were to mention it, you'd probably say, "Oh, her! No, I wouldn't name a character that."

    Write on!
    (But Google first)
    Because of Christ
    Sharon

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  4. Thanks for the heads-up on character names. I write historicals and never once thought to google a name. Of course, google didn't exist when I wrote most of my titles. Does that make me old? :)

    Donna Winters
    http://www.greatlakesromances.com

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  5. No, Donna, you're certainly not old. But it might be fun to look up the names of your characters. Hopefully, you won't find any notorious drug lords, call girls, or embezzlers.
    ;9)

    Write on! (But check Google first.)
    Because of Christ,
    Sharon

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  6. A boy named Sue, who can forget that?

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  7. Linda, the story would have been different if the boy's name had been "Sioux." That would have been a great warrior name.

    Write on!
    Because of Christ,
    Sharon

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