The Writers' Network! discussion

I usually find it a challenge. Often I'll use names of my favourite characters from other stuff, sometimes I'll name something after a friend, other times I'll just look around at books or dvds around me and pick out a random name. I think I actually prefer writing sci-fi fantasy stuff so I can create my own names.

For some characters I do choose a name that has a meaning befitting the character.

For me, it all depends on the characters background, where they are from, the era they were born in and their ethnicity.

Even with my fantasy work, I use that formula to come up with the names.

When I see people in the street. I always guess what their names are. I usually base my characters descriptions if real people I see, thus they end up with a name. I don't give my characters names with the same letter though. It's weird but I never do

I write fantasy fiction but I don't really think about the names. Something ends up clicking into place.

One of my characters was called Layla for a really long time though and it never felt right to me. But I just left it as it was until one day, Tayah popped into my head and I realised that that was her name! I guess I'm quite lucky that way.

Haha! Thanks :)

I usually just come up with a name that is a little more simple so that the readers aren't distracted with trying to pronounce the name every time its mentioned. But, I do tend to use names of people I know.

The main character in my most recent book, Rise of the Zyfoids, is named Elizabeth and that is my mother's name. In fact, I even dedicated the book to her at the very beginning because of that.

For me the characters usually name themselves. I mean I come up with a few ideas, depending on the characters background, time period and personality, but as I start to write it just seems as if the character's name is automatically implanted into my head. Weird, but I usually go with it.

Nate wrote: "For me the characters usually name themselves. I mean I come up with a few ideas, depending on the characters background, time period and personality, but as I start to write it just seems as if t..."

Same.

I also agree with Susan's point about keeping names simple. Nothing irritates me more than having no idea how to pronounce a character name full of odd letter combos and accents. It takes me right out of the book!

Natalie

cool, so I'm not so insane after all, there are others. jk

Totally agree, if I'm not sure how to pronounce a name, straight away I become annoyed with that character and normally end up either making my own assumption as to how to pronounce it or rename the character. Every time I read their name I substitute my own given choice.