What's in a name?

I have started the preliminary outline for my next series, PARADIGM. Starting a new story is one of my favorite "jobs" as a writer. To get to pick a location and create a setting, to take a character and give it a name, a physical description, a personality, strengths and weaknesses ... the conception of a new, alternate world is so thoroughly enjoyable for me.
Except for one small part of it ... I am out of names.

Recently on my Facebook page, I asked my friends to help me out by offering up some of their favorite male and female names. They listed some great ones, but there's so much more to picking a name than just saying, "Oh, I like that."

1. Where does the name come from?
2. What does the name mean?
3. What/who do I think of when I hear it?
4. Does it phonetically go with the character, the characters family and his/her surname?
5. Are there psychological, social, philosophical or historical facts that go with the name?


Let's look at Chandler Tyler. Those of you who have read my book know who Chandler is. He's Brynn's ex-boyfriend and like her, he changes a great deal from what he was like at the beginning of the story to the end of it. When I created his character, I struggled to find the right name for him. He's big, quiet, ruggedly handsome, kind, and at times, selfish. I looked over my many lists of potential names and scoured my favorite name site until I saw Chandler.

1. The origin of the name is English. Perfect for Chandler - there's not much cultural diversity to him, much like a good, sturdy English name.
2. The meaning of the name is Candle Maker. Again, perfect - considering what Chandler ends up doing for a living.
3. When I first considered the name I thought big, dumb athlete - just like Brynn initially sees him. But I also thought cute, nice and pleasant.
4. Yes, it sounds like his parents saw him as Chandler when he was born.
5. I wasn't about to name him Angus or Lennie. And to quote myself, "I haven't watched any episodes of Friends, so no. I didn't get his name from that Chandler."

I have to say, Chandler is one of my favorite regular characters in THE TRAIT SERIES. He truly loves Brynn and for that, I can't help but to love him in return. I think his name fits him well.

So, as I begin another series, so begins the search for the perfect names for my main characters. I've used so many names, on the average between 50 - 80 per three books series, my lists grown thin. Naming the main characters, and some of the recurring secondary characters like Chandler, is sadly becoming a struggle rather than an enjoyment.

Kristin ("Christian", German origin)

I see gifted people.

I've met some very talented people in my time. For example, let me introduce you to Amy. She is a published crafter and scrapbooker, she has had recipes featured on TV shows, and she has an awesome blog. (And that's just her professional side.) I visit her blog daily in hopes to be inspired, to see photos of her adorable family, and for the recipes she posts.

Amy will be doing giveaways on her blog now and then. Her giveaway right now is a Freshman Kit; my book and a t-shirt. She offered a fantastic review of the book, my favorite line being, " It's not an 'in-your-face' saucy romance novel, but more like real life love story with intriguing super powers!"

On a {humble} side note, I have to say that writing realistic fantasy is one of my strongest qualities as a writer. In fact, my editor and I went back and forth a few times over THE TRAIT because she was struggling to "stretch her ability to suspend her disbelief." In other words, it needed a little less realism and a little more fantasy. The realistic part, thinking Could this really happen?, is something I enjoy controlling within my stories.

Sorry, rambling. So, be sure to follow Amy's blog and don't miss her Fabulous Foods Fridays. They are phenomenal.

Kristin

Ps: I have been toying with the notion of jumping genres into paranormal romance, but after watching "The Sixth Sense", and having to do so with the volume muted and a blanket over my head, I am pretty sure that the outline for a ghost story won't cross my desk anytime soon.

Goodness popping up all around me.

My books are starting to pop-up in stores everywhere! In my home state, you can find it in Park City, Salt Lake City, Draper, Payson, and my hometown of Spanish Fork.
GOOD NEWS and GOOD TIMES.

Kristin

Let's do another TOP 5, shall we?

THE TOP 5 PLACES I TURN TO FOR INSPIRATION.

#5 - Commercials, let's say merchandising, like this and this and this.

#4 - the Thesaurus, i.e. glossary, index, word list.

#3 - Blogs. A few of the blogs I visit often; 1, 2, 3, 4.

#2 - Family and friends. Dinner out, a phone call or a message from a brother-in-law reminding me of the love and support I have inspires me to keep writing.

#1 - Music, of course. Like this and this and this and this and this.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Kristin

So far, so good.

2011 is going to be a big year for me ... I can feel it. Today I tasted a little bit of what's in store as I received some phenomenal news about my book from my publisher. As soon as I can I'll spill the beans, but until then ... here's to a big, phenomenal, tasty 2011 for all of us!

Kristin

Let's have some fun.

Some of my favorite things to watch online and read are "TOP 10" lists. And since I'm sad that Christmas is over, I need to create a little fun for myself. So I'm going to start posting my very own "Top 5" lists of random funness.

My first "Top 5" list: THE TOP 5 THINGS I HAVE RESEARCHED RECENTLY.

#5 - Tympanoplasty. Say that one ten times real fast ...

#4 - Prisons in Denmark. Seriously, I've looked this up.

#3 - Shrapnel, not "scrap metal" like I've called it my entire life.

#2 - Tolkien's Orcs. Go ahead my son, call me a nerd.

and #1 - Mellaril, which side effects include akathisia, impotence and anorgasmia <- Not fun.

Of course all of these things have to do with the current book I am writing, SECOND SIGHT, all except for #2. I researched that one simply for my own enjoyment and because I'm a huge Tolkien fan.

I tease my husband that my computer is being watched because of some of the things I've looked up. Actually, I wouldn't be shocked in the least bit if it was.

Kristin

My first e-mail from a random fan.

"I loved your book and I can't wait to read the next one. My sister is reading The Trait now - she likes it as much as I did. Thanks for the entertainment over the holiday."
~ L. F.

Well, L.F., thank you for the feedback. I'm SO GLAD you enjoyed it.

Kristin