What's in a Name?

Dear Fiction Writers,

Names matter! That's it. The post is done...

Just kidding!

Did you know that creativity plays a vital role in your stories? I get it, thinking of names for your characters can be challenging. But, proper research could help take your story from lackluster to one that's movie worthy...

I don't mean that your story will become a movie one day, but you never know.

Think about your favorite movie. Besides the storyline, what stood out the most to you? I'll speak for myself. I love names. Names are important. Not just in books or movies, but in reality. And that's what your characters are... Real people living in a fictional world!

Sounds weird, but each character exists in his/her world. You must become your character in order to truly execute your story.

If you're writing a story about a HERO, the name should reflect that character. If the character is a villain, the name should be something mean, etc.

Do you see where I am going with this?

BE CREATIVE IN THE NAMES!

No matter where we live, we know of "generic" names.

Generic: relating to or shared by a whole group of similar things; not specific to any particular thing.

As an author, generic comes across as BORING. Not much thought was put into it.

If you know someone with the name of your character... CHANGE IT! Try the name in another language, or find a similar name.

And yes, I know that authors choose names that readers can pronounce... But, why should they be able to pronounce it? Take your readers from the known into the unknown.

Having an unusual name can help your audience learn about other people and cultures. That is what a true writer does...

Otherwise, your book doesn't stand out at all.

And who wants that? With millions of books being sold... yours should stand out.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

AN ENTIRE STORY!

Venture outside the box of the generic names from your culture/country...

~Theastarr Valerie