Naming characters

Finding the right names for your characters isn't always as easy as closing your eyes and pointing to a list of names. In my experience, it is not unusual for my characters to outgrow their initial names as they grow, take on personality quirks and develop strengths and weaknesses I hadn't foreseen. That's fine. However, you need a name to get started.

Ways to Find Character Names

One trick I use to find a name (at least to start with) is to look up the meaning of names, and to choose a name based on what I think I know about my character. If they have a fiery temper, I might consider naming them something like Aiden, and if I have an undeveloped character I look for something like the name Famke that just means girl.

Another easy way to find name is to use a name generator. My favorite is the Fantasy Name Generator. Don't let the name fool you. I has names from Hippie names, to Islamic names, to Colonial American names.  Here are a few other name generator links to check out:

• Ringworks Fantasy Name Generator
• Seventh Sanctum
• Pirate Name Generator (this one offers more, so be sure to check it out.
• Reedsy character-name-generator
  

Pumping Your Muse writing prompt

For today's prompt we're going to do something a little different. Visit an old cemetery and collect names from gravestones. Write a short scene that introduces two characters and their names. The only rule: the names cannot start with the same letter.

Photo credit: Tony Fischer Photography

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About The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad

Written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, The Inheritance offers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions. 

 

The Inheritance is available on Kindle, paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo (Christian fiction), Smashwords and Google Books. When you read it, be sure to leave a review! Thanks for your support. 

 

About Dragonborn by Donna Sundblad

 

Dragonborn conjures up a winning fantasy with dragons, humans, time travel, and magic. Follow the journey of the young prisonguard, Ervig Greenfields, as he seeks out dragons to remove a curse. The dragons offer him access to the Labyrinth of Times, which will purge the dark magic. But there’s a catch. Erving must take the Dragon Oath that requires allegiance--to fight alongside dragons for centuries, never to return to his own time. He and a handful of others take the selfless oath and become Dragonborn. The Dragonborn and their dragons become seeds of change, in this epic tale, of sacrifice for the greater good. Ride along with them as they slip through a tear in time to the past to change the future. 

Dragonborn is available on Kindle, paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo (Christian fiction), Smashwords Apple and Google Books. When you read it, be sure to leave a review! Thanks for your support.

Photo credits: pxfuel, pxfuel