A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Linwood Barclay:

Hi Linwood, I have loved reading all your books including "Last Resort." I often wonder how you decide on the names for characters in your books eg do you pluck names out of thin air, are they the first names that pop into your head, do you try to match a name with a personality, or do you have a naming system?

Linwood Barclay I do all sorts of things. Sometimes i scan the names of Facebook friends, pick a first from one and a second from another. Or I look in the phone book. Or I just try to think of one that works. I don't typically try to match a name to personality because that can come across as contrived or cliched. Thanks for the kind words, and I'm delighted you found Last Resort, where I didn't have to make up anything.

More Answered Questions

Linda Lpp

Linda Lpp asked Linwood Barclay:

I love your books!! And as someone else mentioned, I remember you from the Toronto Star. Any plans to update your photo? The words that come to mind when I see this one is...grumpy-pouting-serious-mean-miserable etc. I'm sure you are none of those...:-)

Michael

Michael asked Linwood Barclay:

I have enjoyed reading all your books. I have just read a book I found on Amazon called "Mike Harris made me eat my dog" I think it was great, and wondered if you had thought of doing a similar book on Ont.'s present Premier Doug Ford. You wouldn't have to even make up funny quotes, he says them himself. Anyone that can make Donald Trump sound like a genius is a book waiting to be written. Will you think about it?

Bartholomew

Bartholomew asked Linwood Barclay:

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Linwood Barclay

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