What Do I Name My Characters?

One of the problems we writers have is what to name characters. Sometimes I just know my main characters' names. Other times it's a struggle. I really have trouble at times with secondary characters' names. You want to make sure the name fits the character. For example, you wouldn't want to name a big, burly motorcyle guy Timmy. So, how do you find names for your characters?

A quick exercise for today is brainstorming names. Take a piece of paper and write the alphabet down the left side, then divide the rest of the paper lengthwise into two columns. In the first column write the first name that pops in your mind for each letter and then write the image or thought that pops into your mind about each name in the far right column. You'll be amazed how many times you'll refer back to this.

Oh, and those pesky last names? Try the phone book. It's amazing what you'll come up with. And try not to use the same beginning initial for both first and last names or for two first names. (Don't name the hero Michael and the heroine Martha or don't use the last name Montgomery with either of them.) It helps the reader keep the characters straight.

Good luck!