Naming characters. It’s a lot of fun, but at times, it can also be surprisingly difficult. There’s a lot you have to consider when naming anyone, whether it’s a real baby or a fictional one: how the first, middle, and last names sound together; family names; meanings of names; personality (if it’s a character), and that’s just to name a few. I’m always on the lookout for character names (seriously, you would think that I have a billion kids based on how many baby name websites I view), so I would love to hear your suggestions. The names have to fit the character, whether in meaning or sound or personality or all three. I don’t want to use a common name unless it matches that character’s personality; I want unique names, but there is a fine line between different and just downright weird (think Espn or Tequila). Sometimes I’ll stick in a placeholder name, like Claire or Seth, for my main characters until I can come up with fitting names for them. I’d rather do that than go with the first one that pops into my head!
Original artwork in pencil by MeMe Collier
MeMe Collier: Writer, Artist, and Reader 