Check out the new book I just got: The Baby Name Wizard: A Magical Method for Finding the Perfect Name for Your Baby
No, I’m not having a baby. I just get wickedly excited when I find a writing resource that’s a gem (at least for me).
Lately when it comes time to give my secondary characters their names, I’ve been drawing a blank, selecting the same ones over and over or not finding something that fits the character. For my current works in progress I had two secondary characters whom I affectionately called “Editor Friend” and “Prof Guy” for far too long. For a while I was afraid I’d get so dang used to “Editor Friend” and “Prof Guy” that I’d send it off to my editor like that. It was nice to finally pull out my baby name resources and search for actual names for these guys.
Lists that are organized or searchable in specific ways (by first letter, sounds like, meaning, popularity per year, etc.) are the most helpful. So far The Baby Name Wizard is the best naming book I’ve used, along with these websites:
And for last names I almost always end up using a printed phone book.
For any writers who are interested, these links have also been added to my website on the Resources for Writers page.
I’m off to work on revisions for my next installment of More Than Just a Good Book. Hope you all have a great week!