As of last night, my word count is 82,300. I added almost 10,000 words over the weekend! I'm estimating possibly 7-10k more to tie it up, but we'll see. Somehow this novel turned into a beast.
So I have one of those writer questions for you, concerning the names of my main characters. Like all of you, no doubt, I struggle when it comes to naming my characters. In FOUR, which is an urban fantasy, both my main characters are Fae born-n-bred. To my thinking, that indicates they shouldn't have your run-of-the-mill human name.
I didn't want to get all Zychdi Bnett with my naming (unless you like that one?? just kidding), so I turned to my favorite baby names website and searched all baby names from the British Isles until I found some I liked.
Most of the urban fantasy books I've read feature a human (or mostly human) main character with a very human name, and for good reason.
I think I've found a good balance between "different" yet still "accessible," but you tell me. These are the names of my two main characters:
Mairwen Keill (F)
Torrin Shanley (M)
Whaddya think? If it helps, I imagine Mairwen sort of like prettiest Claire Danes, with long hair. Torrin, I'm still searching for, but I did find the cover of a romance novel that I liked muchly:
uhhh...sorry, was I asking something?
23 comments:
I never really struggle over names. Weird. I do like those names and I would love to offer further suggestions but my mind was wiped clean by abs.
Uhhh...Lynette always works, LOL.
I struggle with names, I tend to go for things like "John" and "Mary", except my in-laws are named John and Mary and I have trouble writing the nookie parts when I use those names.
I think that when you go for a name that is outside the "regular" nam-o-sphere, it's good to come up with something that most people could probably figure out how to pronounce! I think your names are great...and your hero model fits the name perfectly...
Jeez, I've missed a ton! I didn't even know you were writing a new novel. YAY for you! And I LOVE those names Summer! Perfect in my opinion and I don't even know anything about your characters. :)
I like Mairwen and Torrin. Different, yet pronounceable. Good quality, that.
If you won't reconsider Zychdi Bnet, that is... ;)
I love those names! Especially Mairwen. I'm totes jealous of that one.
I never used to have naming problems, but my new WIP (still in planning mode in me brain) is giving me a bit of a run...
Would Mairwenn be pronounced differently?
Great names!!! I like very much!!
Congrats with your writing - 10,000 words over the weekend is FANTASTIC!! Well done you! Take care
x
Okay I have no idea why but I read those names as male then female. Oops. After rolling them around a bit I can see them though, especially Mairwen which sounds nicely feminine (aka soft) like Arwen. I like them both, they're different but not totally out there with five syllables and an apostrophe thrown in for good measure.
- Sophia.
I dig the names. They are familiar enough to be recognizable to readers, yet different enough for fantasy.
Also, that cover is great. I saw this series advertised on a blog last week and added it to my TBR list. Looks pretty awesome.
I really like those names. They're different but not too different...and congrats on adding so much to your novel this weekend! You'll have it finished in no time!
That guy is abtastic! I like both those names, they're very Celtic, which is perfect for Fae!
omg, he is beeeyyoootiful. Thank you, Google, for serving as my official stalking option.
I love Mariwen Keill! And I like Torrin but stumbled over saying both his names together. These are unique without going overboard. Congrats on your word count! I'm impressed.
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Congrats on adding so much to your word count over the weekend. I always struggle with names as well. I like the two you came up with, though the female name was easier to roll off the tongue.
But the book cover? Wow, hot and yet, the belt buckle seemed a *bit* over the top. :)
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I can't begin to write until the main characters have suitable names that I like. I've been known to just sit down and write; trying to get the story going, often times it is the first step in getting me into the story. I have to establish a connection with my main characters.
Once I have it, I can write. Sounds weird I know but how can I expect others to love and believe in something when I can't get there myself.
Once you find it you'll have the connection, and know it's right. Good luck to you, and congratulations on your work.
Just remember don't force it greatness comes when the bleeding is done and you have no more to give.
I think they work - they're unique, yet I didn't stumble over them - that drives me nuts :)
I really love Mairwen. I love all female names with "wen" in them. I wanted to name my daughter Bronwen but my husband was like "Save that one for a cat, Weirdo".
I think both names are great. Congratulations to you for completing so much work, especially at the weekend!
I like your choice of names. Torrin is great but I'm not sure his last name is as strong as his first.
Hot cover.
Ohhh! I love those names. I can totally see a Claire-esque character plained by a Mairwen!
Names are always hard. I really like Torrin Shanley, and in the book the reader will mostly read Torrin, so it works. For Mairwen Keill, I like the surname, but Mairwen is a bit of a mouthful and I'm wondering how it is pronounced. Could it be shortened?
Congrats on getting so much writing done. I'm jealous.
Very unique names. I think Mariwen is very angelic and well the picture of the hottie for example is really fantastic. Torrin the torchin hottie! Works for me! :D
Well, not only do I love them both, but I already know them and would freak out if you changed them now.
Also, CONGRATS on a very high word count weekend! :)
(I haven't had ANY time, not even a minute, to open my word.docs since before my birthday. *sigh*) (that changes as of tomorrow, dammit.)
I love my charm. Thank you so much. *hugs* :)
Love,
L
Whoa-- nice...names ;-)) Really like Mairwen! Very pretty (who said they wanted to name their daughter Bronwen? That's such a cool name--I could be your support group:-D Not just a name for teh kittehs:-))
10,000 words in a weekend?? OMG--you rock! I can't even imagine writing that much in a month, let alone a weekend!
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