Ask the Author: David F. Farris
Answered Questions (7)
David F. Farris
Most characters are named according to either their personality, their role in the story, or how the world identifies them. I then translate those words into a different language (which language depends on the character or kingdom), then usually combine two to three of those words (dropping letters I don't want) to form a name.
I have an entire Word Document that lists each character and describes what combination of words make up their name and which language it's translated from.
Even titles (such as Jestivan, Branian, Bozani, Gefal, Pogu, etc.) are named using the same method.
Then there are more straightforward names in the nomenclature. For example, the Adren Kingdom or Adrenergy (Adrenaline). The Cyn Kingdom or Cynergy (Cynical).
Phesaw - F.E.S.A.W. or Fire, Electricity, Speed, Ancients, Wind.
Ipsas - I.P.S.A.S. or Ice, Psychic, Strength, Ancients, Supernatural
There are a lot of clues in the names of characters, places, things, and ideas.
Short answer to your question:
Knowing who my characters are, what their goals are, and how they're perceived by the world is what guides my decision on their name.
I have an entire Word Document that lists each character and describes what combination of words make up their name and which language it's translated from.
Even titles (such as Jestivan, Branian, Bozani, Gefal, Pogu, etc.) are named using the same method.
Then there are more straightforward names in the nomenclature. For example, the Adren Kingdom or Adrenergy (Adrenaline). The Cyn Kingdom or Cynergy (Cynical).
Phesaw - F.E.S.A.W. or Fire, Electricity, Speed, Ancients, Wind.
Ipsas - I.P.S.A.S. or Ice, Psychic, Strength, Ancients, Supernatural
There are a lot of clues in the names of characters, places, things, and ideas.
Short answer to your question:
Knowing who my characters are, what their goals are, and how they're perceived by the world is what guides my decision on their name.
David F. Farris
The thought of continuing to sculpt my world is usually all it takes. However, I find myself pausing movies halfway through because dissecting their story makes me want to keep writing mine.
David F. Farris
Now that book 1 of the Erafeen series is officially released, I'm focused on completing book 2. I'm giving myself until the end of the year to finish (2016).
David F. Farris
Have a plan... a good plan. Think of a story you actually want to write, then develop it before you start writing the book.
David F. Farris
Creation.
Simple, boring answer, but that's all there is to it. Who doesn't like to play God in their own world?
Simple, boring answer, but that's all there is to it. Who doesn't like to play God in their own world?
David F. Farris
I'll be honest, I've had the luck of not dealing with this yet, and I contribute that to the fact that I spent years developing this story from start to finish every single day before I even began writing Book 1 (ERAFEEN: THE JESTIVAN).
Thus, when I finally did put my fingers on the keyboard, I knew where I was going and how I was supposed to get there.
Thus, when I finally did put my fingers on the keyboard, I knew where I was going and how I was supposed to get there.
David F. Farris
Toward the end of 2010, I was introduced to the world of anime. That is what inspired me to write such an epic story with so many moving parts. One Piece, Bleach, Naruto, etc. are what made me want to build my own universe.
Then I read the Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss a couple years later, and that further inspired me in different ways.
Then I read the Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss a couple years later, and that further inspired me in different ways.
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