Matthew Bishop
Scribe
Wordsmiths! I need some help deciding on main character names for my first novel, due to be published in a matter of weeks. All feedback is welcome!
For the past 9 years, I have been using the names "Gendorn", "Bendoraun" (both male) and "Meiln" (F) for three characters born into a penal colony and raised as slaves. The plot line of the story follows their escape and a colony-wide rebellion that leads to their freedom, so they should be names reflecting strength. I don't want them too strong (arrogant, overaggressive), however, as they must be thoughtful enough as to be able to reflect on life-changing events and evolve with the story and the reader.
Because of the similarity of the three names above, I came up with alternatives: Ailound, Bendoraun, and Kamira, respectively. Their nicknames, used in their youth and dropped in sequels to show a progression of character, would be "Ailo" "Ben" and "Kami".
I'm having trouble transitioning-- even when I change names in the text, the names I have been working with for nine years are always the ones I think of when I converse with myself (and others) about the books. Two questions:
1) Which set of names is better for the above story
2) Is it practical to change names this late, or are the names too ingrained in my mind as a writer for me to be able to switch them now? Speak from your own experience. Might I have trouble developing the characters in later books if I change their names now?
3) Does it matter that Ben is a real-world English name when no other names in the book are? Is it okay as a nickname for Bendoraun?
For the past 9 years, I have been using the names "Gendorn", "Bendoraun" (both male) and "Meiln" (F) for three characters born into a penal colony and raised as slaves. The plot line of the story follows their escape and a colony-wide rebellion that leads to their freedom, so they should be names reflecting strength. I don't want them too strong (arrogant, overaggressive), however, as they must be thoughtful enough as to be able to reflect on life-changing events and evolve with the story and the reader.
Because of the similarity of the three names above, I came up with alternatives: Ailound, Bendoraun, and Kamira, respectively. Their nicknames, used in their youth and dropped in sequels to show a progression of character, would be "Ailo" "Ben" and "Kami".
I'm having trouble transitioning-- even when I change names in the text, the names I have been working with for nine years are always the ones I think of when I converse with myself (and others) about the books. Two questions:
1) Which set of names is better for the above story
2) Is it practical to change names this late, or are the names too ingrained in my mind as a writer for me to be able to switch them now? Speak from your own experience. Might I have trouble developing the characters in later books if I change their names now?
3) Does it matter that Ben is a real-world English name when no other names in the book are? Is it okay as a nickname for Bendoraun?