Tips on Naming the Characters in Your Novels and Contest Reminder

[ladyseishou]

After reading through lists of baby names and checking out the name generators at the Seventh Sanctum, Nano Writers might consider the following advice offered by literary agent Even Marshall, author of The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing when putting together a list of names for their novel's characters:

• Try (at least with your major characters) to have all first and last names start with a different letter. You can keep a simple alphabetical list.
  
• Vary the sound and length of characters' first and last names.
  
• Avoid using all Anglo names.
  
• Avoid using names that end alike or similarly.
  
• Try to avoid using names that end in s, which make for awkward possessives.
  
• Avoid overly long names, especially for major characters. The stars of my two mystery series are Jane and Anna.
  

Also a reminder: What a Character! Contest closes at midnight tonight! Come and vote for your favorite characterization!