I’ve started a new segment where I’ve asked a variety of authors to answer a few questions that I pose. Of course, I love a twist. All answers had to be no more than two sentences. Brevity presents a greater challenge.

For me the process was delightful as well as insightful. I love that authors can express our personalities and style in so few words. Just check out the varied responses to the first question!

The second question: How do you name characters?

 

“They tell me their names. (I don’t always listen.)”

Robert Dunbar, author of Martyrs & Monsters

Site: www.UninvitedBooks.com

 

 

 

 

“For my mainstream stories the character names generally just appear with the story, but for my science fiction characters so far I’ve used some adapted Latin and the names of listed angels and demons.”

Jo Robinson, author of Echoes of Narcissus in the Gardens of Delight

Site:  www.africolonialstories.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

 

“Names ‘happen’ spontaneously for me as the character forms in my mind, at the time when I’m working on the notes for a story.”

Mel Keegan, author of the Hellgate series

Site: www.melkeegan.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I will try to put effort into naming main characters and having their name reflect something about them but to be honest for secondary characters I’ll either use a name generator or check the last page of Facebook for one that sticks out. Half the time if I don’t force a name on page I’ll be sitting there looking at it and realize I’ve just wasted half an hour or more on the merit of a name that’ll be written 3-4 times if that!”

Stuart Conover, short story author included in Dead Walk and other anthologies

Site: http://www.StuartConover.com

 

 

“ I seriously search for them on baby name websites.”

Daniel W. Kelly, author of Rise of the Thing Down Below

Site: www.danielwkelly.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adrian W. Lilly is the author of The Runes Trilogy, The Devil You Know, and Red Haze.