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tttime · Joined: 18 Feb 2007 Posts: 23 Location: Western Austrlaia

I work in a hospital and ask people their name three thousand times a day but when it comes to my characters i all ways get stuck. i surpose its the age old whats in a name but when i read if the name doesn't fit the character i have trouble warming to them or hating them. i'd love some advise on how to find the right name. Rolling Eyes

cofused....

For example i have a muscle bound shy guy who works on farms but long to be an artist works with wood mostly but has been experimenting with furtniture as an outlet for his creative side, but every name i've come up with so far spoils him

Please help...
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absolute amature writer. well have to start somewhere.

admin

You're not alone with this. And I agree, a wrongly chosen name can ruin a character for me too. Here is a list of things that I hope will help.

1. Don't worry about names at the start when you're trying to develop the story. If you get caught up on names here then you may never finish your story. I have a list of common names that I use during this process. There is always time to play around with names later.

2. Get away from the page and go for a walk or a run. I get some of my best ideas during these times. It might work for you too. Although, I do recommend turning of the treadmill before trying to write the name down. Very Happy

3. It helps to refer to a book on names and their meaning. Or search the Internet for similar. Sometimes the meaning of a name can tell you if you're on the right track.

4. Listen to the sound of the character's name. The name should be rhythmic.

5. Create a new name or change the spelling of a traditional name. However, watch that you don't get 'too creative' and cause the reader to stop every time the name appears because it's difficult to pronounce.

Hope that helps. If you like, I'll have a think about some possible names for your character and see if anything grabs you.

tttime · Joined: 18 Feb 2007 Posts: 23 Location: Western Austrlaia

I think you might be right sometimes I get bogged down with names i'll try calling them something like bob and worry about the name later.

It would be great if you don't mine sharing a name idea. I'd love your advice. About the tread mill it sounds like there could be a story there Laughing

Thanks
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absolute amature writer. well have to start somewhere.

admin · Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 2:44 pm Post subject: names and more names

Not a problem, happy to help.

Here are some names that depicts the characteristics you mentioned (that doesn't mean I like or dislike them, just resorting to my trusty book of names here).

- Gareth (gentle)
- Damon (subdue or tame)
- Enoch (dedicated)
- Glenn (valley dweller)
- Hugh (heart or spirit)
- Lee (gentle being)
- Nathan (he has given)

Or some names that is a bit different
- Donovan
- Bertram
- Curtis
- Declan
- Dewi
- Fenton
- Gresham
- Jed

Does any of these work for you?

Twiggy · Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 34 Location: Australia

I think your man is called Mark. Cool