I always find that I have to get the perfect name for a character or else the rest of the story does not seem to flow. What are your tips on coming up with names that fit the character just right?
I always find that I have to get the perfect name for a character or else the rest of the story does not seem to flow. What are your tips on coming up with names that fit the character just right?
Thanks for all your advice. I was also wondering how to come up with names for places, for example towns and cities. I know there are some good generators but is there an easier trick to use?
Hi Emily, I agree with the others that a name can say so much. As Victoria says it's a good idea to check that any name you want to use has not already been used elsewhere. I have found it useful to look at names of people who are already doing the job that my character is going to do. Just to see if there is something there that will give me ideas. Other than that a lot of my names have come from my old school teachers.
I had a nightmare with my MC names because they had to fit anagrams. It took me ages to get them right, but other characters have walked up to me fully formed and introduced themselves. It's like magic when that happens.
I have got stuck on a few others because I have a nasty habit of coming up with a great name and then realising I've heard it in popular culture and it should be changed. Calvin Harris was a particular bane in 2009! I always google every name I come up with to check I haven't unconsciously stolen it from somewhere.