Keeping character names sane

January 5, 2022

Don't invite Bhjygyllyr to your dinner party

Meet Levi, Cara, and Hawkins: Keeping Character Names Sane

Writing a book is a bit like hosting a dinner party. You've got to figure out who's coming, what they're like, and most importantly, what you're going to call them. In my case, I decided to keep it simple with Levi, Cara, and Hawkins. Easy to remember, right? Now, imagine inviting Bhjygyllyr to your party. Yeah, my brain hurts just typing that.

The Name Game

Let's be real: spending brain power on remembering how to spell and pronounce Clarniciqueline isn't just hard on me, it's hard on you, dear reader. It's like trying to remember your password for that one website you only visit once a year. Why make life harder than it needs to be? For me, I came up with some of these names watching basketball.

  1. Levi: Strong, reliable, sounds like the guy you'd call to help you move a couch.
  2. Cara: Smart, resourceful, the friend who always knows where to get the best coffee.
  3. Hawkins: Mysterious, a little edgy, the person you'd trust to have your back in a bar fight.

Keeping It Simple

Here's the thing: names are important. They set the tone for your characters and make them memorable. But memorable doesn't have to mean complicated. It's about striking a balance. You want your characters to stand out, but not because their names look like someone fell asleep on the keyboard.

The Inspirational Part

Writing a book is a journey, and part of that journey is making choices that serve your story and your readers. Choosing names that are easy to remember and pronounce isn't just practical, it's a way of showing respect for your audience's time and mental energy. So, embrace simplicity. Your readers (and your brain) will thank you.

In the grand adventure of writing, remember this: Levi, Cara, and Hawkins are the kind of guests you want at your party—easy to remember, enjoyable to have around, and they won't make you question your sanity. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and keep writing. Your story is worth it, and so are you.