tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353027890354684445.post6908488419266428792..comments2023-10-22T06:37:18.437-04:00Comments on Mystery Maven Canada: MAYHEM ON MONDAYLinda Wikenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12664283043077562640noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353027890354684445.post-59878381823579957462011-02-14T21:26:30.157-05:002011-02-14T21:26:30.157-05:00I find I remember strange names longer, especially...I find I remember strange names longer, especially when it fits the characters.Druhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07978384022143035332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353027890354684445.post-75565940268314117732011-02-14T16:38:42.824-05:002011-02-14T16:38:42.824-05:00Thanks, Erika. Great questions, Susan. I think we ...Thanks, Erika. Great questions, Susan. I think we have to be careful not to call a person by too many variants, esp early on. It bothers me when I am reading a new series, but less so later on. Not much help, but I'm sticking to it!<br /><br />MJMary Jane Maffinihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00915831422058413668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353027890354684445.post-4484996241786127352011-02-14T15:45:18.268-05:002011-02-14T15:45:18.268-05:00I'm with you, Mary Jane. I (when able) like to...I'm with you, Mary Jane. I (when able) like to start with characters' names and build the plot around them.<br /><br />Susan -- lots to think about. I think the main thing is not to confuse the reader, especially if you're using nicknames.Erika Chasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01158252715858754463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353027890354684445.post-21898324535291045702011-02-14T14:31:16.635-05:002011-02-14T14:31:16.635-05:00I, too, fuss over names. I think names are are vit...I, too, fuss over names. I think names are are vital to a character as gender, height and hair colour. Baby books, obits are great sources for me. And telephone books, if the story has a recognizable location/region.<br /><br />But here's my dilemma. Do you use a common, popular-to-the-generation name or --- as research has shown --- a strange name that the person has to live up to, put up with or overrcome? I suppose that decision is all part of creating your character and his/her back story.<br /><br />And what about 'work' names (usually surnames) and nicknames and pet names? Can you reveal character and the way others perceive and interact with your character if you put all these variants to work? Or do you just succeed in confusing your reader? <br /><br />I'd like to hear what others have to say about character name variants, please.Paying Attention Canadianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11733300626736346664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8353027890354684445.post-82206373683286050462011-02-14T11:25:22.870-05:002011-02-14T11:25:22.870-05:00Warning note to so-called security letters: Stop m...Warning note to so-called security letters: Stop messing with my friends' comments. I mean it!Mary Jane Maffinihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00915831422058413668noreply@blogger.com