Stay For The Credits

I'm constantly looking for new names for my characters because let's face it, I'm just not going to think of anything cool beyond Jennifer or Michael. Some authors buy baby books or surf baby name websites, but when you don't know what you're looking for, reading those can be somewhat tedious.

I merely stay for the credits. TV shows, movies, you name it, if there is a credit list of names, I'm there to watch them. I look for both first and last names that I might like or can use or file away for later. It's a great resource for names.

Having a phone book handy is another trick I've used as well. But my mind never sleeps with regards to writing. I see plots everywhere. In songs, situations, shows, movies, and even other books.

I've looked into my own family tree to find names, as well as lift a few off of people I admire. I've been meaning to buy a little pocket notebook to carry with me in my purse, but I have yet to do that. Once I do, I have a feeling I'll always be scribbling in it.

But just stay for the credits. You may find inspiration.

~~Becka

http://www.RebeccaGoings.com

Comments: 8

Cindy Green (Romance Author) Jul 11, 2006, 7:10am EDT

I've had a notebook since I started writing seriously that I write interesting words, names, and plot ideas in. I will hear an interesting story about someone and jot it down saying (that would make for a great side character or personality trait for my character.

Good idea about movie credits. I do that too. LOL :D

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Donica Covey Jul 11, 2006, 12:30pm EDT

Actually Becca thats a great idea. I use the babyname sites because in some of books I want to reflect their personality in their name. Like Vance Nodin, from my upcoming witch series (liek the shamelss plug LOL) He's native american and his heroine's the element of air well his last name Nodin is indian for wind. So while the credits idea is great and I probably will pay more attention I love my babynames site.

Thanks for the tips!
Huggles,
Donica Covey

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Jami B Jul 11, 2006, 4:20pm EDT

Donica, I do the same thing. I believe strongly in the symbolism attached with the meaning of a name. I love the sites that give the history behind the names as well. This is also helpful. I've used the phonebook for reference before, but I've never thought of looking at the credits. Great idea, Becka

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Rebecca Goings Jul 11, 2006, 7:25pm EDT

The symbolism is cool, but in all honesty, who's going to know except for you? If you're writing a fantasy and you wanted the name "Hixelsnarfblaat" because it meant "Wild Magic User", would anyone seriously know that?

Perhaps a few would. However, I'm not inclined to pull out the baby namer just to check up on the names of my favorite author's characters. LOL

I'm not mocking you, but I just think it's sometimes a device for procrastination. If you're writing an epic book like Donica's elemental witch series, for instance, having a name mean something is kinda cool. But for the Joe contemporary "everyday" romance, I think it's overkill.

Just IMO.

~~Becka

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Kathryn E. Jul 14, 2006, 4:01pm EDT

The title of this article attracted me, Becka, because all my life I've stayed for ALL the credits. Where it's filmed, who's on the production staff, which studios, names of grips, best boys, assitants to the actors and so on...

It is a good idea. thanks.

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jessie voigts Jul 20, 2006, 3:02pm EDT

my cousin has a book and a website - babynamewizard.com - if you go to the name voyager (i think it is called that), you can type in any names and see how popular they were, and when. it is the BEST!!

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Aniko Aug 6, 2006, 9:14pm EDT

Late comment: the US Social Security Administration website has very extensive information about the all names registered in each decade, especially useful if you're looking for a name for a particularly obnoxious villain, and want to make sure not many people in your target audience (especially if they're kids) have that name. (Like, you already have an idea, but want to check if it really is as rare as you think...)

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Stay For The Credits

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