I'm sure I've posted about this topic, but I was thinking about it over the weekend because in my most recent WiP I'm undecided about my male MCs name.
Naming your characters. I don't have a specific method. Most of the time, the characters just name themselves and I have to like it. The names usually fit, so I don't change them. In WiP #1, I did change my MCs best friend's name just because it reminded me of another character from another book. I still refer back to that name now and again when I write her.
Besides the characters insisting what their name is, I use a couple of other methods if I'm unsure or stuck.
Here is what I do:
1. So, if you have no name, not even an inkling, go to a site that lists names and meanings or a baby name site like http://www.behindthename.com/ or http://www.babynames.com/. This could get the juices flowing or totally overwhelm you, but it's a start.
2. Sometimes a letter appeals to the character like"J", but you can't figure out a name. Then go to the sites above and look for names with that letter.
3. The name of the character has to mean something. If this is a must, go to a site like the ones above and look for a name that means what you want it to mean.
4. If you want something different, combine names. Like Mattames --Matthew and James put together. I'm sure that was a bad example. It's early people.
5. If your story takes place in a certain land, mystical or real, it can have an effect on the names you choose. This can go into the make things up catagory, especially if it's a mystical place. If it's a real place, then research people. The internet is a wonderful place. Must research.
Things to avoid.
1. Right now, I'm avoiding the name Bella for obvious reasons. Sometimes names are over done or can totally make someone think of another character from another book. This can lead the reader to keep thinking of that other book. Unless, you totally blow them away with your character, which I know you will, try and find something that is uniquely yours.
2. Names that are not easy to pronounce. Unless you somehow show the pronunciation of a difficult name, try to use something simple. I have seen this done, and done well enough that I could pronounce the name. Usually done through dialogue, which to me is great, but I know I couldn't pull this off, at least not right now.
Any methods on your naming of characters?
Anything I missed?
How was your weekend? Any goals?
I actually had a revelation this weekend for WiP #1 and hope to remedy it in my revisions this week. It does require some re-writing, but I'm used to that now. I have a CP who is waiting, and I feel so bad. My goal: revisions. I know you are so surprised at that.
I'm also getting countertops in the whole kitchen renovation thing, which has turned my house upside down. I'm so excited because I will finally have a kitchen sink after 3 weeks. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I could actually get back to some sort of normal routine. Ahhh! Oh, maybe, I can finish my revisions and possibly finish a first draft of another WiP that is waiting. Okay, I'm dreaming.
Have a great day!
